Ramadan 3–2–1: Day Twelve— Small Acts, Big Rewards
These little things are huge on the scale
Sometimes, we feel like it’s the big things that really matter, but in reality, the small ones count a long way. One of the distinctive things I appreciate about Islam is the reward system. The way Allah multiplies our good deeds and minimizes our sins is simply amazing. The prophet -peace be upon him- mentioned to us how Allah instructed the angels to record the deeds. Let’s examine this hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas:
Verily Allah ta’ala has written down the good deeds and the evil deeds and then explained it [by saying]: “Whosoever intended to perform a good deed but did not do it, then Allah writes it down with Himself as a complete good deed. And if he intended to perform it and then did perform it, then Allah writes it down with Himself as from ten good deeds up to seven hundred times, up to many times multiplied. And if he intended to perform an evil deed, but did not do it, then Allah writes it down with Himself as a completely good deed. And if he intended it [i.e., the evil deed] and then performed it, then Allah writes it down as one evil deed.” — Bukhari and Muslim
Imagine how benevolent our Lord is. It doesn’t end there, He equally gave us opportunities for the expiation of our sins. The five daily prayers serve as an expiation for you. Jum’ah to jum’ah is a weekly expiation, and witnessing Ramadan is also an annual expiation. Hence, anyone who meets Allah with loads of wrongdoings should blame no one but themselves.
One time, some of the poor companions came to the Messenger of Allah complaining to him that the rich people have taken all the rewards. They pray and fast like everyone and upon that, Allah has blessed them with wealth to even give charity which they don’t have. Then the prophet -peace be upon him- mentioned to them that this is a favor from Allah beyond his control. Then, he also gave them numerous alternative charities that don't require spending their wealth.
Now, let’s examine a few more actions we can do to earn a huge reward. Ramadan 3–2–1 …
3 Derivable Lessons
- Wudoo and its sunnah: Being in a constant state of purity with ablution is highly encouraged. Bilaal Radhiallahu Anhu was distinctively recognized for this and its subsequent action made him an inhabitant of paradise.
- Dhikr: Indeed the remembrance of Allah is a great act of worship that many of us take for granted. Just merely uttering Subhanallah fills your scale of deeds. And saying Alhamdulillah covers what’s between the heavens and the earth.
- Kindness to Allah’s creatures: Know that Allah can admit you into paradise by the virtue of your good manners. A small act of kindness to any of Allah’s creatures: mankind, plants, and animals is a virtuous one that earns you tremendous rewards.
2 Pieces of Evidence
Allah says:
That Day, the people will depart separated [into categories] to be shown their deeds. So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it. And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it. — Qur’an 99[Az-Zalzalah]:6–8
The Prophet PBUH said:
On the authority of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, “Every joint of a person must perform a charity each day that the sun rises: to judge justly between two people is a charity. To help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity. And the good word is a charity. And every step that you take towards the prayer is a charity, and removing a harmful object from the road is a charity.” — [Al-Bukhari] and [Muslim]
1 Rhetorical Question
Now, ask yourself: “What little deeds can I do consistently to earn me huge rewards?” There are tons of them, look deeply and start now.
That’s it for today and I hope you find it beneficial. Catch you tomorrow by the mercy of Allah. And until then, keep striving to be the best version of yourself. As Salamu Alaykum! Waramatullahi!! Wabarakatu!!!
Yaumul Ithnayn 12th Ramadan 1444H // Monday 3rd April 2023.
