Why do we need good deeds if entry to Jannah is by Allah’s mercy?

Why do we need good deeds if entry to Jannah is by Allah’s mercy?

One of the ayahs in Surat Az-Zumar is: ‘Every soul will be rewarded according to their actions.’ [39:70] Nothing is wasted, everything is written and recorded. The surah also says: ‘The best reward is for those who work hard.’ [39:74] Notice however, that in the hadith, the Prophet (peace be on him) said: …None of…

Fight for your rights. Do not be trampled on.
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Fight for your rights. Do not be trampled on.

Reflections on Surat al Sajdah The Prophet (peace be on him) used to recite Surat Al Sajdah every Jummuah at Fajr in the first rakah, and Surat al Insan. I witnessed our shuyukh following this sunnah. Perfection In this surah, Allah Almighty told us: Who has perfected everything He created. And He originated the creation…

Striving unblocks your path. Lessons from Surat al Ankabut
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Striving unblocks your path. Lessons from Surat al Ankabut

Strive In the last ayah of Surat Ankabout Allah Almighty mentions jihad: As for those who strive (Jahadu) in Our cause, We shall surely guide them to Our Ways. (29:69) As this is a Makki surah, and Muslims were not permitted to fight or retaliate against the attacks they endured from the Quraysh with aggression…

The truth threatens wrongdoers, but brings peace to its followers. Lessons from Surat al Ankabut
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The truth threatens wrongdoers, but brings peace to its followers. Lessons from Surat al Ankabut

The story of Musa and Ibrahim (peace be on them) and their continual debates with their people recurs throughout the Quran.   Though the Quran is not a book of stories, the stories (qasas)  – stories are not there for the sake of entertainment but are an effective and memorable way of conveying the message….

Wisdoms from the story of Suleman (peace be on him) and the Queen of Sheba from Surat Al Naml
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Wisdoms from the story of Suleman (peace be on him) and the Queen of Sheba from Surat Al Naml

The kingdom of Suleman (peace be on him) We came across the story of Suleman (peace be on him) who was given special miracles. Suleman had the most magnificent kingdom of any prophet. Some prophets were given power and authority as kings, while others were in more humble positions. The servant king Muhammad (peace be…

Blocking the haram. The command to lower the gaze and to wear the hijab in Surah An Nur

Blocking the haram. The command to lower the gaze and to wear the hijab in Surah An Nur

Surat An Nur is a surah full of etiquettes. Knocking before entering One of these etiquettes is to seek permission before entering someone’s house, which is known as istidhan. Before you enter anyone’s house, knock on their door, or call out ‘Asalamalaikum’ if there is no door, call the people of the house. O believers!…

Don’t believe every rumour. Reflections on Surat an Nur

Don’t believe every rumour. Reflections on Surat an Nur

When was Surat an Nur revealed? This is a famous surah. It was revealed in Madina and therefore has many rulings. There is no authentic narration on the virtue of this surah, but there is a weak narration by Muhajid, who was not a companion but a tabiy’i (next generation of successors of the companions)…