Compete in doing good deeds
We, human beings, should compete with each other not only in sport, but in doing good deeds as well. For example, if we see how a someone walks and asks everyone for help but no one responds. In this case, one should, without hesitation, come up and ask what he needs, provide the necessary help and thereby encourage others to do good deeds.
One of the essential good deeds is waking up in the last third of the night for worship, performing the tahajjud prayer. Other family members should be encouraged to perform this night prayer as well. The Almighty addresses mankind at this very moment, “Are there those who ask Me to give them what they want? Are there those who repent of their sins so that I can forgive them?
Are there those who got into difficulties and troubles so that I could help them and save them from troubles?” Imam al-Ghazali says that the language of action is sharper than the language of words, since personal example by deeds gives more results. People will follow a good example much more than empty words without action. Therefore, in good deeds, it is necessary to try to be the first and to show diligence in this matter, for the reward of those who follow our good example is recorded as ours by the grace of the Lord. He who has shown an example in both good and bad will receive appropriate reward for all those who followed him in so doing.
It is very important to show an example of patience and trust in the Creator in all life situations. Having patience is one of the most important and best benefits. The patience shown by believers and their appropriate behavior in any situation evokes in those around them an appropriate opinion about the religion of the Creator. In moments when patience is all but gone and a person shows weakness, it is necessary to turn to the Almighty with the recognition of one’s weakness and ask for help and patience to survive with dignity, as well as asking the Lord to give relief. From all of the above, it is clear that there is a fine line between performing deeds in front of people in order to induce them to do good, and performing the same deeds in front of them to show them your piety.
According to Abu Hurairah it is reported that the Messenger of God said, “Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward similar to those who follow him, without detracting from their rewards at all. Whoever calls to misguidance will have sin upon him similar to those who follow him, without detracting from their sins at all.” (Narrated by Muslim). We ask the Almighty to make us the best example in all good deeds, and make us the reason for teaching people and keeping us from becoming the cause of their delusion. Amin!
MUHAMMAD FARUK AZIMOV
