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Ikhlas in ‘ibâdah is this: it is to perform it only because it is commanded, although each of the commands of Allah comprises numerous hikmahs and each of those hikmahs is a real cause (‘illah) for conforming to those commands. But ikhlas necessitates that the real cause (‘illah) be the command to perform it. If the hikmah becomes the real cause (‘illah), the ‘ibâdah will be bâtil. Only if those hikmahs will be the causes to be preferred for performing the ‘ibâdah, it is permissible (jâiz).