Rewards for Righteousness (2/5)

Verily, Allah fulfills His promise.  He gives reward to every single deed done by anyone, male or female. Let us spend our time, money, efforts and everything Allah has given us including patience to work for righteousness.  Let us persevere and be constant towards doing righteous deeds so that we may be among those who will attain the following tremendous rewards from our Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer):

1. Most honored in the sight of Allah

 “O mankind!  We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other (not that you may despise each other).  Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you.  And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”   (Qur’an, Surah Al-Hujuraat, 49:13)

‘Abdullah Bin ‘Amir narrated that the Prophet never used bad language.  He used to say, “The best amongst you are those who have the best manners and character.”  (Reported by Bukhari 4/759; 8/56)

2. Allah will protect and befriend the righteous

“For my Protector is Allah, Who revealed the Book, and He will befriend the righteous.”    (Qur’an, Surah Al-A'raf, 7:196)

“They will be of no use to you in the sight of Allah: it is only Wrongdoers (that stand as) protectors one to another: but Allah is the Protector of the Righteous.”   (Qur’an, Surah Al-Jathiyah, 45:19)

3. Improve condition and increase bounty

“And He listens to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness and gives them increase of His Bounty: but for the Unbelievers there is a terrible Penalty.”    (Qur’an, Surah Ash-Shurah, 42:26)

“But those who believe and work deeds of righteousness and believe in the (Revelation) sent down to Muhammad -- for it is the Truth from their Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) He will remove from them their ills and improve their condition.”    (Qur’an,  Surah Muhammad, 47:2)

4. Way to bring nearer to Allah

“It is not your wealth nor your sons that will bring you nearer to Us in degree: but only those who believe and work Righteousness these are the ones for whom there is a multiplied Reward for their deeds while secure they (reside) in the dwellings on high!”  (Qur’an,  Surah Saba', 34:37)

5. Key to power, authority, security and peace

“Allah has promised to those among you who believe and work righteous deeds that He will of a surety grant them in the land inheritance (of power) as He granted it to those before them; that He will establish in authority their religion the one which He has chosen for them; and that He will change (their state) after the fear in which they (lived) to one of security and peace: `They will worship Me (alone) and not associate aught with Me.'  If any do reject faith after this they are rebellious and wicked.”    (Qur’an, Surah An-Nur, 24:55)

6. Increase life

Salman al-Farishi narrated that Allah’s Messenger said, “Nothing but supplication averts the decree, and nothing but righteousness increases life.” (Reported by Tirmidhi 2234)

7. Love from Allah

“Verily, those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and in His Messenger) and work deeds of righteousness, the Most Gracious [Allah] will bestow love for them.”   (Qur’an, Surah Maryam, 19: 96)

“That He may reward those who believe and work righteous deeds out of His Bounty: for He loves not those who reject Faith.”    (Qur’an, Surah Ar-Rum, 30:45)

8. Mercy from Allah

“Then as to those who believed and did righteous deeds their Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) will admit them to His Mercy: that will be the Achievement for all to see.”    (Qur’an, Surah Al-Jathiyah, 45:30)

Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Messenger said, “The deeds of anyone of you will not save you (from the Hell Fire).”  They said, “Even you, (will not be saved by your deeds), O Allah’s Messenger?”  He said: “No, even I, unless and until Allah bestows His Mercy on me. Therefore, do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and worship Allah in the forenoon and in the afternoon and during a part of the night, and always adopt a middle, moderate, regular course whereby you will reach your Target (Paradise).”  (Reported by Bukhari 8/ 470)

9. Forgiveness from Allah

“To those who believe and do deeds of righteousness has Allah promised forgiveness and a great reward.”    (Qur’an, Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:9)

“Your Rabb (Cherisher and Sustainer) knows best what is in your hearts.  If you do deeds of righteousness verily He is Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him again and again (in true penitence).”    (Qur’an, Surah Al-Isra', 17:25)

“And if any strive (with might and main), they do so for their own souls: for Allah is free of all needs from all creation.  Those who believe and work righteous deed, from them shall We blot out all misdeed that they have committed, and We shall reward them according to the best of their deeds.”  (Qur’an, Surah Al-Ankabut, 29:6-7)

(Continued)