“Allaah ‘azza wa jalla accepts only
those deeds which are both correct & sincere (pure). If the deed is done
correctly but not sincerely, it will not be accepted. And if it is sincere but
not correct, it will not be accepted.” He was asked, “Abû ‘Alî! What is the
sincere and correct deed?” He replied, “The sincere deed is one that is done
only for Allaah ‘azza wa jall. And the correct deed is one done according to
the Sunnah.”
Abû
Nu’aym, Hilyah Al-Awliyâ` Vol.8 p95.