Good Deeds are Nourishment for Faith (Imaan)
Good deeds are like rain that waters a tree. Imaan is a tree rooted in the heart. That tree of Imaan is nourished and made to grow by good deeds. Therefore, whenever a person performs a good deed in the manner pleasing to Allah, he will feel his Imaan strengthening and increasing. Moreover, he will continue to gain proximity to Allah, ever increasing.
Gratitude – Being Thankful to Allah
The primary purpose of acts of worship is to attain Taqwa (God-consciousness). Gratitude is one of the main outcomes of Taqwa. “”Indeed, Allah made you victorious at Badr when you were (vastly) outnumbered. So be mindful of Allah, perhaps you will be grateful.” (3:123).
The Qur’an states that most people will not be grateful, and this is Shaithan’s challenge.
“I will approach them from their front, their back, their right, their left, and then You will find most of them ungrateful.” (7:17).
Hence, living with gratitude is the quality of the best among creation.
“They made for him what he willed of elevated chambers, statues, bowls like reservoirs, and stationary kettles. [We said], ‘Work, O family of David, in gratitude.’ And few of My servants are grateful.” (34:13).
Through this quality, Allah praised the Prophets. The Prophet (ﷺ) also said about himself: “Should I not be a grateful servant?”
So let us live with gratitude, and protect ourselves from punishment.
“What would Allah do with your punishment if you are grateful and believe? And Allah is ever Appreciative and All-Knowing” (4:147).
Sadaqa
The Prophet ﷺ said: “If someone gives in charity something equal to a date from honestly earned money, Allah takes it in His right (Hand) and then brings it up for its owner until it becomes like a mountain.”
