Good & evil deeds
Sirajuddin Aziz
Good and Evil, have always co existed. Wherever there is good, there is
bound to be evil, around somewhere. The ability of individuals and
societies to recognize the distinction between the two ensures what
prevails- good or evil. All religions reject evil, out rightly and
exhort the fine qualities of good. Human history is replete with
examples where the predominance of evil over good has led to the
complete destruction of individuals societies countries and
civilizations. Our Holy Quran cites at several places in an
interrogative tone, has man not seen what was the end of those
communities, who indulged in and promoted evil, there are signs all
over! The story of obliteration of the Aad, Samood, the people of Lut,
the people of Shuaib et al are mentioned in detail in the Holy
scriptures, including the Glorious Quran.‘Good’ simply defined in the
context of religion, is any act, committed or even thought upon, with
the intent to seek the Good pleasure of Allah Subhanahu, on the contrary
any act upon its accomplishment only, which is in defiance, to the
dictates of Islam is counted as evil. It is narrated on the authority of
Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) observed: verily Allah
forgave my people the evil promptings which arise within their hearts as
long as they did not speak about them or did not act upon them”.
In Surah An Nisa while informing mankind of the traits Allah dislikes
most, which arebeing arrogant, vainglorious, niggardly etc, it is also
conveyed a glad tiding that “Allah is never unjust in the least degree;
if there is any good done, He doubleth it and giveth from His own
presence a great reward” (IV: 40)
The importance of good deed in Islam is of such value that one is
rewarded even if he only harbors good thoughts! It is in Sahih Muslim
narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the messenger of Allah (Pbuh)
said, “the great and glorious Lord said (to angels) whenever my bondsman
intends to commit an evil, do not record it, then write it as one evil
and when he intends to do good but does not do so, then take it down as
one act of goodness; but if he does it, then write down ten good deeds (
in his record)”The following verse in Surah Al Imran corroborates the
above saying of the Holy Prophet (Pbuh), “He that doeth good shall have
ten times as much to his credit. He that doeth evil shall only be
recompensed according to his evil; no wrong shall be done unto any one
of them” (VI: 160). Sin is punished in direct commensuration to the act,
whilst good is rewarded 10 times over, that is the magnificence of the
Most Beneficent and Merciful Lord.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud narrates, as quoted in Sahih Bukhari, “I asked
the Prophet (Pbuh), “Which deed is dearest to Allah?” He replied, “To
offer prayers on time”. I asked “what is next?” He replied, “To be good
and dutiful to parents.” I again asked, “what is the next?” he replied
to participate in Jihad in Allah’s cause.” On the authority of Hazrat
Abu Huraira, it is narrated that the Prophet (Pbuh) said, ‘the most
honorable amongst the people is the person who is the most righteous and
obeys the orders of Allah.”
We are judged by our intentions. Any act performed with the noble intent
of seeking the good pleasure of Allah leads us to spiritual advancement.
All good deeds give us inner peace. Evil deeds torment the heart and
soul; to even have these feelings, is an act of piety. “… Allah gives
glad tidings to His servants, who believe and do righteous deeds..”
(XLII:23) and again in the same Surah it is reiterated, “and He listens
to those who believe and do deeds of righteousness…” (XLII: 26). It is
to be abundantly clear to believers that if (God Forbid) any milestone
visits him, it is not from Allah, but is an earning of reward for an
evil deed. “Whatever good (O! man) happens to thee, is from Allah, but
whatever evil happens to thee is from thy own soul…” (IV:79). The
quality of true believer is beautifully encapsulated in verse 54, Surah
Al Qisas, “twice will they be given their reward, for that they have
persevered, that they avert evil with Good…”. It is to be noted that
evil must be retaliated with good. “Nor can goodness and evil be equal.
Repel evil with what is better” (XLI: 34). Of this verse, I found Allama
Yusuf Alis’ interpretation the best; he says, “you do not return good
for evil, for there is no equality or comparison between the two: you
repel or destroy evil with something which is far better just as an
antidote is better than poison. You foil hatred with love. You repel
ignorance with knowledge, folly and wickedness with the friendly message
of revelation. The man who was in bondage of sin, you not only liberate
from sin, but make him your greatest friend and helper in the cause of
Allah! Such is the alchemy of the word of God”.
Just as good and righteous deeds are plenty, so are evil acts! Men who
believe in sorcery and evil are condemned to be cursed and punished by
Allah. Verses 51-55 in Surah An Nisa describe them clearly. Every single
evil deed will be accounted for, “But those who have earned evil will
have a reward of like evil: ignominy will cover their faces….” ( X:27)
Good deeds like thinking piously, keeping good company showing
hospitability, treating parents, neighbors, servants and children with
love and kindness, possessing excellent etiquettes of conversation,
eating , sleeping, of entering houses, exercising self contentment,
exhibiting patience in adversity, keeping chastity and modesty, giving
charity both material and non material, not considering oneself superior
to others, not being vainglorious, not indulging in vain talk are all
characteristics that lead to the development of sound character which is
the only and true hallmark of a behavior and follower of the Prophet (Pbuh).
In contradiction to these virtues evil deeds like violating rights of
orphans, widows, the way-farers, the oppressed, possessing false pride,
showing haughtiness or arrogance, being suspicious, demonstrating anger,
indulging in conceit and deception, being a hypocrite, being unjust,
theft, fornication, betrayal, backbiting, bribery, using intoxicants,
showing jealousy and malice towards fellow human beings are all such
characteristics that demean man in the eyes of Almighty Allah. So is
stated in the Holy Quran and so was said by the Prophet (Pbuh).
We are commanded as believers to enjoin what is right and forbid that
which is wrong. “Whoever recommends and helps a good cause becomes a
partner therein: and whosoever recommends and helps an evil cause,
shares in its burden.” (IV: 85) However, as true adherents to our
religion and being compliant followers of Sunnah we must always remember
that the injunction to enjoin right and forbid wrong has to be exercised
within the ambit of high standards of Mercy and tolerance as enunciated
in the glorious Quran and as beautifully practiced by our beloved
Prophet (Pbuh). We cannot cross those boundaries for “in the long run
evil in the extreme will be the end of those who do evil…” (XXX:10).
Righteousness will prevail and outstrip the darkness of evil. (Amen) |
