Reward for every action by Afnan Each one of us has some amount of good instilled inside us. Even our worst enemies will have an appreciable habit within them. Not a day passes, that we haven’t performed any good act. Often our knowledge and good society builds up the good habits inside us. Surprisingly, we ourselves fail to recognize and tend to make our goodness into a daily routine. Ever heard about ‘Abdullah bin Jud’an, the first cousin of Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq’s father? In the early years of his life he was never successful nor happy. In fact he led a life of poverty and hunger that paved his way towards committing various crimes. Every one hated him, including his friends and family, even his father. No one had hope on him to improve. One day, he got hold of a treasure that belonged to his ancestral tribes. Abdullah was very generous with his new found wealth. He distributed it among his family, friends and needy. He was especially generous in gathering people together and serving them food. As time passed, he gained a noble status in society until he became one of the leaders of the Quraish. Once when the people of Ash-Sham were suffering hard times, ‘Abdullah bin Jud’an sent 2000 camels to them, each one loaded with wheat, oils, and other provisions. And every night, someone stood on the roof of the Kabah calling out: “Come to the bowls (filled with food) of ‘Abdullah bin Jud’an.” Yet in spite of all the good, the following is related about him in Sahih Muslim; Aishah (R.A) said to the Prophet (pbuh) “Indeed , Ibn Jud’an used to provide food (for the people) and he would be hospitable to his guests. Will any of that benefit him on the Day of Judgment?” The Prophet (pbuh) answered, “No. Indeed, on no day did he ever say: O my lord, forgive me my sin on the Day of Recompense.”
The lesson we get from this The best lesson we get from the above incident of Abdullah bin Jud’an and the related hadith is, seeking forgiveness is a basic necessity for our good actions to be accepted. The other aspect we get to learn, purity of intention will only give us reward. Our List Let us quickly make a list of all good actions done by us, from the beginning of the day till now. For instance, let’s list our average routine. • • • • •
Getting up early for Fajr prayer (Obligation and Sunnah) Getting ready for the day (Cleanliness is half faith) Having breakfast (taking care of body; a trust from Allah) Going to work (earning for family to get reward from Allah) Returning to home and taking rest (taking care; a trust from Allah)..................etc
This is an approximate routine of an average person like us. Alhamdulillah, few may have more good acts in their routine. Following them in the name of modern civilization or just a good habit, will lead us nowhere, instead with pure intention (as mentioned in the bracket) can increase our good account in the hereafter; Akhira. We are bound to follow these acts naturally, so why not we add the essence of intention into it. Often our routine may include some acts which we don’t enjoy, but by performing it with pure intention, our burden becomes a blessing. Subhanallah, look at the Mercy of Allah, He provides us with so many ways to drive near to Him. Moreover, we are in deep need of reward from our Creator, because it is all that matters towards the end. By adopting this very effective policy, we will get incentive for every action. Tips to adopt this policy 1. Ask the help of Allah, Dua is the strongest weapon which every Muslim possesses.
2. Stick clips of the famous hadith quoted below at places where it can be viewed often, example office desk, book cover, room wall or mirror, kitchen door...etc, it will help as a reminder. “The reward of deeds depends about the intentions and every person will get reward according to what he has intended....” (Sahih Al Bukhari) 3. Inculcate this habit of intention among our family member and friends, their reward will fill our account too and at times they may remind us of this effective policy. So remember, let us pause ourselves for a moment before we act and ask ourselves ‘Why we are doing this?’
