Do Not Look Down upon Your Deeds
When death comes to one of them, he cries, ‘My Lord, let me return so as to make amends for the things I neglected.’ Never! This will not go beyond his words: a barrier stands behind such people until the very Day they are resurrected. — Qur’an 23[Al-Mu’minoon]:99–100
No one ever recalled his job at a point when the angel of death is pulling out the soul. What really matters at that time is the good deeds which you have done. This is because, reality has dawned upon the soul. The reckoning begins and she experiences the consequences of her deeds. While alive, we sometimes look back at the steps we’ve taken and become filled with regrets. This remorseful feeling is incomparable with that of the Hereafter. Surprisingly, those with good deeds will have regrets too— perhaps they could have done more good to earn huge rewards and mercy from Allah. The heedless ones would wish they turned a new leaf for better and strove hard in the cause of Allah.
Whither ways, the life of Al-Barzakh is a reality that seems unreal. This is life afterlife, where a man gets to know the reality of his existence. A time when it’s too late for you to right the wrongs done while living. That’s why a man will request to be returned to the world to amend his ways, but that request will be denied. This is how Allah, the All-Knowing puts it clearly:
If you could but see when they are made to stand before the Fire and will say, “Oh, would that we could be returned [to life on earth] and not deny the signs of our Lord and be among the believers.” Nay, it has become manifest to them what they had been concealing before. But if they were returned (to the world), they would certainly revert to that which they were forbidden. And indeed they are liars. — Qur’an 6[Al-An’am]:27–28
So every day is an opportunity to lead a godly life; a chance to do more no matter how small. Remember your health, wealth, and time are resources accountable before Allah. Hence, the need for you to use them accurately and in order. Don’t let the chief deceiver — shaytan deceive you that you don’t have enough or make you believe you still have time. There’s nothing ever satisfying for man in this world and time awaits no one. What really matters is that you do good deeds no matter how small. Any good you do will be to the credit of your soul. Do not look down upon them as belittled and do not refrain from doing them even after Ramadan is gone. Remember the saying of Allah’s Apostle (peace be upon him):
“Do such deeds as you can do easily, as Allah will not get tired (of giving rewards) until you get bored and tired (of performing religious deeds).” — [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
Never underestimate the power of a good deed. Have you heard the story of the prostitute who saw a dog lolling its tongue out of thirst, and then she goes into the well to fetch it some water? Did you know what Allah gave her in return? He granted her forgiveness and admitted her into paradise. Also, do you remember the story of a man who killed a hundred people? He sought forgiveness with true repentance and Allah granted him pardon without caring about his atrocities. The point here is not to think of any good deed as little nor lose hope of forgiveness for your sins. No sin is magnanimous for Allah to forgive.
The life of Al-Barzakh is the dwelling of the graves. The people who are there are dead — neither in this world nor the Hereafter. It’s a transitioning phase that we will all pass through when the time comes. People will stay there until the Day of Resurrection and will begin to reap the fruits of their deeds. No one will want to come back to meet his family or accumulate more wealth. However, many will wish that they could go back to do acts of obedience to Allah. Therefore, it’s not too late while you can, do simple deeds:
- Smile at your brother, this is an act of charity
- Feed the poor and needy
- Help the orphan and widow
- Do not oppress nor treat people unjustly
- Show kindness to humans and animals
- Indulge in adhkaar and repentance to Allah
- Be conscious of your acts of worship and stay consistent.
These are but a few suggestions, you know that which is right from the wrong. May Allah have mercy on a man who does that which the disbeliever will wish he had done when he sees Al-Barzakh. Let’s be inspired by this reminder to engage in at least one good deed a day. It could be saying a kind word to encourage someone or wiping away the tears of a distressed. We ask Allah to make this easy for us and keep us guided while staying steadfast.
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Yaumul Jum’ah 29th Ramadan 1441 AH // Friday 22nd May 2020.
