What is the effect and outcome of IKHLAS - the purity of purpose?

What is the effect and outcome of IKHLAS - the purity of purpose? Numerous instances can be quoted of the lasting effect and fruitful outcome of actions and work done with absolute purity of purpose - for the pleasure of Allah and Him alone. The following story should serve a good example. It is related that when Prophet Adam landed on this earth from Heaven, all kinds of creatures came forward to pay their respects and welcome him on earth.

To each one of them, Adam gave his blessings according to its qualification. When a flock of gazelles came forward to pay their respects, he gave his blessings and patted them by passing his holy hand over their backs. The lasting effect of this was the growth of navel-bag of musk (a black substance well known for producing a good perfume). When they returned home, another flock of gazelle on seeing the gift of musk asked them where they had got it from.

They explained that Prophet Adam had patted them and passed his holy hand over their backs, in appreciation of their visit to him. The result was the growth of the navel-bag of musk. This second flock of gazelle thought they too should get the gift. With this aim, they went and offered their salams and respects before Adam. The Prophet acknowledged and passed his hand over their backs also. But this time it showed no effect of producing the navel-bag of musk. They were naturally disappointed.

On their return home, they inquired the reason for this and were told that it was because of lack of purity of intent and purpose. Their visit to Prophet Adam was for specific aim of reward of the naval-bag of musk whereas the first flock had paid the visit solely for the pleasure of Allah without any thought for reward. Today the musk producing creatures are the progeny of that very first flock of gazelles. LOVE FOR ALLAH AND FOR HIS SAKE ONLY.

Muslims should begin giving Islamic education to their children from their very tender age. Ali (A.S.) delighted in company of his children. Once he was sitting in his house with his two young children, Abbas, his son, and Zainab, his daughter. Ali (A.S.) said to Abbas, "Say 'WAHED'" (meaning 'ONE' in-Arabic). The boy uttered "WAHED". Ali (A.S.) then asked him to say "ISNAIN" (Two).

Abbas replied, "I feel ashamed to utter 'two' from the same tongue which just said 'ONE'." Ali (A.S.) hugged his son, pleased at such a charming expression. Such a reply from Abbas indicated how deeply devoted he was in his belief in Tawheed - Oneness of God.