The Real Meaning of Righteous Deeds

The phrase ‘righteous deeds’ is commonly translated as good actions.  But, if we look deep into it, we would discover more significance hidden behind it. The two locutions ‘action’ and ‘activity’ are generally taken to convey the same sense.  But there is a subtle difference in their meaning.

Any kind of movement or work can be called activity, but the word action usually implies some strenuous or arduous work. On the  other  side,  the  word  'virtuous'  or 'righteous' denotes something which  had  developmental characteristics and  potential  for  enhancement.  By  combining  these  two, we  would  realize  that  the actual significance of this term  is that  it  is  necessary  for  man  to  put up a hard struggle  to achieve  that  real goal  for  which he  was  potentially created, and  he  had  to  ascend  certain  heights  to  attain that  goal.

All this is conveyed by the comprehensive word ‘righteous deed'. Surah 'At-Tin' in many respects resembles Surah Al-'Asr. Verses 4, 5 and 6 of the surah state:

'Surely we created man of the best stature.  Then we reduced him to the lowest of the low, save those who believe and do good works, and theirs is a reward unfailing.'  (Surah At-Tin:  4-6)

This  means  that,  in  reality,  man  was  created  for  the most  sublime rank,  and  Allah  conferred on him superiority not only  over  jinn  (Genie)  but  also  over  angels.  He was even endowed with the vicegerency of God.  But  in  his terrestrial  existence  the  spiritual  self  is  imprisoned  in  his gross  body  of  clay, wherein  he  falls  a prey  to the clutches of his carnal nature and is reduced to the lowest of low. Now to  regain  his lost  status  and  sublime  rank,  it is  necessary for  him  to  obtain  real  knowledge.  He  must  illumine  his inner  self  with  the  light  of  faith  and  must  perform good deeds,  adorning his outer  self  with righteous actions,  observing  the  canonical  law of Islam and following the Prophet's way  of life. These are the prime prerequisites of his salvation.