
Understanding the deeds that are most beloved to Allah can guide a Muslim in their daily life and worship. This article will discuss these deeds based on authentic sources from the Quran and Hadith.
1. Performing Prayer on Time (الصَّلاةُ علَى وقْتِها)
Imam Muslim recorded in his Sahih from Abdullah bin Mas’ud (may Allah be pleased with him) that he asked the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him): “Which action is most beloved to Allah?” He said: “Prayer on its time.” I said, “Then what?” He said, “Then honoring one’s parents.” I said, “Then what?” He said, “Jihad in the way of Allah.” (Muslim)
Performing prayer on time, completely and with the proper intention, shows a Muslim’s love and respect for this obligation and its significance in their life.
2. Honoring Parents (بر الوالدين)
Allah commands honoring parents in many verses, such as:
“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents.” (Quran 31:14)
“Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good.” (Quran 4:36)
“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment.” (Quran 17:23)
Honoring parents is directly linked to worshipping Allah and being grateful to them.
3. Consistency in Good Deeds (المداومة على الأعمال الصالحة)
Muslims are encouraged to consistently perform good deeds. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are done consistently, even if they are few.” (Bukhari)
Fulfilling obligatory acts consistently is highly valued by Allah.
4. Learning and Practicing the Quran (تعلم القرآن)
Learning the Quran, reciting it, memorizing it, and reflecting upon its meanings, and living according to its teachings, earn a Muslim a high status with Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The people of the Quran are the people of Allah and His special servants.” (Ahmad)
5. Removing Harm from the Road (إماطة الأذى عن الطريق)
Removing harmful objects from the road is a simple yet significant act. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “I saw a man enjoying himself in Paradise because he removed a tree from the road that was causing harm to people.” (Muslim)
6. Calling to Allah (الدعوة إلى الله)
Inviting others to Islam and spreading its message is one of the most beloved deeds. Allah says:
“And who is better in speech than one who invites to Allah and does righteousness and says, ‘Indeed, I am of the Muslims.'” (Quran 41:33)
A person calling to Allah should seek knowledge, be patient, wise, and have good character.
7. Helping the Needy (إنظار المُعسِر)
Helping those who are financially struggling and being patient with them is highly rewarded. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever relieves a hardship for a believer in this world, Allah will relieve one of his hardships on the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim)
8. Benefiting People (نفع الناس)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to people.” (Tabarani)
9. Remembering Allah (ذكر الله)
Many Quranic verses encourage remembering Allah:
“And the men and women who remember Allah often – for them Allah has prepared forgiveness and a great reward.” (Quran 33:35)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah.” (Tirmidhi)
10. Good Character (حسن الخُلق)
Good character is greatly loved by Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The most beloved servants of Allah to Allah are those with the best manners.” (Bukhari)
11. Fasting and Night Prayer (الصيام وقيام الليل)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The most beloved fast to Allah is the fast of David; he would fast one day and break the fast the next day. And the most beloved prayer to Allah is the prayer of Daoud; he would sleep half the night, stand in prayer for one-third of it, and then sleep for one-sixth of it.” (Bukhari)
12. Constant Gratitude to Allah (دوام شُكْر الله)
Being grateful for Allah’s blessings is a beloved act. Allah says:
“If you are grateful, He is pleased with you.” (Quran 39:7)
13. Following Righteous People (الاقتداء بالصالحين)
Following the example of the righteous and those whom Allah has praised is highly recommended. Allah says:
“Indeed, they who have believed and done righteous deeds – those are the best of creatures.” (Quran 98:7)
Conditions for Accepting Good Deeds
For a good deed to be accepted, three conditions must be met:
- Faith in Allah (الإيمان بالله تعالى): The primary aim of good deeds is to draw closer to Allah, earn His pleasure, and secure a place in Paradise. Therefore, a Muslim must perform their actions with piety and fear of Allah. Complete faith in Him is essential.
- Sincerity (الإخلاص): The deed must be done solely for the sake of Allah. It should not be performed to seek praise or recognition from others. As narrated by Abu Huraira, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:”قالَ اللَّهُ تَبارَكَ وتَعالَى: أنا أغْنَى الشُّرَكاءِ عَنِ الشِّرْكِ، مَن عَمِلَ عَمَلًا أشْرَكَ فيه مَعِي غيرِي، تَرَكْتُهُ وشِرْكَهُ.” (“Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, said: I am the most self-sufficient of partners needing no association. Whoever performs a deed associating anyone else with Me, I will abandon him with his polytheism.”)
- Following the Prophet (اتباع النبيّ عليه الصلاة والسلام): The actions must be in accordance with the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). As Allah says:”وَمَنْ أَحْسَنُ دِينًا مِّمَّنْ أَسْلَمَ وَجْهَهُ لِلَّـهِ وَهُوَ مُحْسِنٌ” (“And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good?”) (Quran 4:125).Submitting oneself to Allah means being sincere, and doing good means following the Prophet (ﷺ).
Summary
In summary, for good deeds to be accepted by Allah, a Muslim must have faith in Allah, perform actions sincerely for His sake, and ensure that their actions align with the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). These conditions help ensure that the deeds are not just outward actions but are done with the right intention and in the correct manner, thus earning the pleasure and reward of Allah.