By Fadia Bint Ismail

Allah the exalted says: “So hasten towards all that is good” (2.148)

Fail I alone, in words and deeds? Why, all men strive and who succeeds?

It is incumbent on all of us to strive toward doing good deeds, whether it is giving of what you love to others, doing charity or struggling in the cause of Allah.

These are indeed attributes that every believer should have.

The Messenger of Allah has told us that we should hasten to do good deeds before we are over taken by seven afflictions.

The only way to succeed in life is to do good deeds. Take Hazrat ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab RadhiAllaahu Anhu for example he was the second Khalifah in Islamic History and he was a companion of our beloved Prophet (SAW). I recently watched a program about Umar Ibn Al Khattab (RA) and it brought me to tears literally, all I could think of was where such exemplary people are in today’s generation. When he did any trade, when he spoke, when he preached he did it with such esteem, with justice and honesty. When he was in the market place doing trade a man wanted to earn extra profit and give Umar Ibn al Khattab (RA) a cut of the profit but this would be done by betraying and cheating his friends, of course Umar Ibn al Khattab told the man he could not do that because corruption breeds evil fruits. SubanAllah. Today when people trade or sell goods they do not care what duress another individual is under, they will lie and cheat just to get a quick buck. It is really sad.

There are numerous ways of doing good deeds, Allah the exalted says” “And whatever you do of good deeds, truly Allah knows it well” (2.215)

The act of saving people from harm and loss is greatly liked by Allah no matter how small it is. In every glorification of Allah there is Sadaqah, in every Takbeer and in every celebration of praise there is Sadaqah and in every declaration that he is One is Sadaqah and enjoining of good and forbidding evil.

It is a true fact and I see it a lot that many Muslims believe doing many good things at once will automatically make them a good Muslim. It is good that we want to do many good things but Allah loves it more when we do an action that is done regularly. It is also quite evident that when take on many things at once it tires an individual quicker than someone who does things in moderation.

So how do we succeed in doing good deeds?

• Having patience
• Justice and dealing with equity
• Putting our trust in Allah
• Perfection of ones work
• Rescuing those in need
• Being kind and gentle towards others
• Repentance
• Having piety
• Doing good
• Purification
• Humility
• Reflection of Allah’s grace
• Magnanimity
• Virtuosity
• Loftiness
• Justice
• Strength
• Love for the Sake of Allah
• Forgiving others
• Continuous performance of righteous deeds
• Good manners and conduct

What really matters to Allah is faith and piety, people who are modest and humble are rich in faith and piety, they lead a life of success in doing good deeds.

Why not make a list of goals or good things you would like to achieve and spend some time doing each one, one at a time in moderation. For example giving charity, perhaps devote a few hours each week to a charity, shelter or home. Other good deeds are Nafl (optional) prayers or specific Dua’s.

Inshallah, I hope that we will strive toward doing good deeds no matter how big or small they are.