Makhdum Zayn ud Deen (Allah have mercy on him) reported that one of the pious predecessors (salaf) said,

“I am ashamed that any action I do be without an intention, even my eating, drinking, sleeping and using the toilet. ”

……….

It is related that one of the righteous was seen in a dream after his death.

The dreamer asked him “what has Allah done with you?”

“He has forgiven me and has raised my rank.”

“By means of what?”

He replied “Here we are dealt with by generosity (jud) not by bowing (ruku’) and prostrating(sujud) (in worship), and are given on the basis of intention (niya), not by our acts of service (khidma), and are forgiven through Divine Grace (fadl), not by our deeds (fi’l).”

The Guidance for the Intelligent