Answered by Shaykh Fawzaan.

Al Allaamah Ash Shaykh Saalih Al Fawzaan (hafidahullah) was asked:

Q: What is the meaning of Ikhlaas? And if a servant intends something else with his worship, what is the ruling [on that]?

A: Ikhlaas means to be free from Shirk. That the person’s deeds, his intention and goal are sincerely for Allaah’s Countenance (The Mighty and Majestic)-neither to associate partners with Allaah through them (i.e. his intention and deeds) nor to show off (in order to be seen) or to be heard. Neither aiming (to please) other than Allaah (The Mighty and Majestic) through them (i.e. his intention and deeds) nor seeking the dunya (i.e. worldly material), nor the praise of people, thus a deed  becomes one (carried out) sincerely for Allaah’s Countenance because Allah does not accept deeds except those that are sincerely (done) for His Countenance.

http://www.alfawzan.af.org.sa/node/15415

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