٢٣٦. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولِ اللّٰهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ:
«اَلْإِيمَانُ بِضْعٌ وَسَبْعُونَ أَوْ بِضْعٌ وَسِتُّونَ شُعْبَةً فَأَفْضَلُهَا قَوْلُ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَأَدْنَاهَا إِمَاطَةُ الْأَذَى عَنِ الطَّرِيقِ وَالْحَيَاءُ شُعْبَةٌ مِنَ الْإِيمَانِ».
236. Abu Huraira (r.a.) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“Faith has over seventy branches or over sixty branches, the most excellent of which is the declaration that there is no god but Allah, and the humblest of which is the removal of what is injurious from the path: and modesty is a branch of faith.” (Muslim, Iman, 58. Also see Bukhari, Iman, 3; Abu Dawud, Sunnah, 14; Nasai, Iman, 16; Tirmidhi, Birr, 80; Iman, 16; Ibn Majah, Muqaddima, 9)
٢٣٧. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قاَلَ:
«يَا نِسَاءَ الْمُسْلِمَاتِ لَا تَحْقِرَنَّ جَارَةٌ لِجَارَتِهَا وَلَوْ فِرْسِنَ شَاةٍ».
237. Abu Huraira (r.a.) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“O Muslim women, none of you should consider even a sheep’s trotter too insignificant to give to her neighbor.” (Bukhari, Hibat, 1; Adab, 30; Muslim, Zakat, 90. Also see. Tirmidhi, Wala, 6)
٢٣٨. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ:
«كُلُّ سُلَامَى عَلَيْهِ صَدَقَةٌ كُلَّ يَوْمٍ يُعِينُ الرَّجُلَ فِي دَابَّتِهِ يُحَامِلُهُ عَلَيْهَا أَوْ يَرْفَعُ عَلَيْهَا مَتَاعَهُ صَدَقَةٌ وَالْكَلِمَةُ الطَّيِّبَةُ وَكُلُّ خَطْوَةٍ يَمْشِيهَا إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ صَدَقَةٌ وَدَلُّ الطَّرِيقِ صَدَقَةٌ ».
238. Abu Huraira (r.a.) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“There is a (compulsory) almsgiving to be given for every joint of the human body (as a sign of gratitude to Allah) everyday. To help a man concerning his riding animal by helping him to ride it or by lifting his luggage on to it, is regarded as almsgiving, and (saying) a good word is also almsgiving, and every step taken on one’s way to offer the compulsory prayer (in the mosque) is also almsgiving and to show the way when asked is also almsgiving.” (Bukhari, Jihad, 72. Also see Muslim, Zakat, 56; Abu Dawud, Tatawwu’, 12; Adab, 160)
٢٣٩. عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَنَّهُ قَالَ:
«يُصْبِحُ عَلَى كُلِّ سُلَامَى مِنْ أَحَدِكُمْ صَدَقَةٌ فَكُلُّ تَسْبِيحَةٍ صَدَقَةٌ وَكُلُّ تَحْمِيدَةٍ صَدَقَةٌ وَكُلُّ تَهْلِيلَةٍ صَدَقَةٌ وَكُلُّ تَكْبِيرَةٍ صَدَقَةٌ وَأَمْرٌ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ صَدَقَةٌ وَنَهْيٌ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ صَدَقَةٌ وَيُجْزِئُ مِنْ ذٰلِكَ رَكْعَتَانِ يَرْكَعُهُمَا مِنَ الضُّحَى».
239. Abu Dhar (r.a.) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“Almsgiving is due on every joint of a person, every day the sun rises. In every declaration of the glorification of Allah there is a almsgiving, and every Takbir (i.e. saying Allah-O-Akbar) is a almsgiving, and every praise of His (saying al-Hamdu Lillah) is a almsgiving and every declaration that He is One (La illha ill-Allah) is a almsgiving, and enjoining of good is a almsgiving, and forbidding of that which is evil is a almsgiving. Performing two rakah of Duha (mid-morning) prayer includes all.” (Muslim, Musafirin, 84; Zakat, 56. Also see Bukhari, Sulh, 11; Jihad, 72; 128; Abu Dawud, Tatawwu’, 12; Adab, 160)
٢٤٠. عَنْ جَابِرٍ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللّٰهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ:
«مَا مِنْ مُسْلِمٍ يَغْرِسُ غَرْسًا إِلَّا كَانَ مَا أُكِلَ مِنْهُ لَهُ صَدَقَةً وَمَا سُرِقَ مِنْهُ لَهُ صَدَقَةٌ وَمَا أَكَلَ السَّبُعُ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ لَهُ صَدَقَةٌ وَمَا أَكَلَتِ الطَّيْرُ فَهُوَ لَهُ صَدَقَةٌ وَلَا يَرْزَؤُهُ أَحَدٌ إِلَّا كَانَ لَهُ صَدَقَةٌ».
240. Jabir (r.a.) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“If a Muslim plants a tree (or a plant), that part of its produce consumed by men will be as almsgiving for him. Any fruit stolen from the tree will also be as almsgiving for him. That which the birds eat will also be as almsgiving for him. Any of its produce which people may eat thus diminishing it, will be as almsgiving for the Muslims who planted it.” (Muslim, Musakaat, 7)
٢٤١. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللّٰهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ:
«بَيْنَمَا رَجُلٌ يَمْشِي بِطَرِيقٍ وَجَدَ غُصْنَ شَوْكٍ عَلَى الطَّرِيقِ فَأَخَّرَهُ فَشَكَرَ اللّٰهُ لَهُ فَغَفَرَ لَهُ».
241. Abu Huraira (r.a.) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“While a man was walking on a road, he saw a thorny branch and removed it from the way and Allah became pleased by his action and forgave him for that.” (Bukhari, Adhan, 32; Mazalim, 28; Muslim, Birr, 127; Imara, 164)
٢٤٢. عَنْ أَبِي مُوسَى الْأَشْعَرِيِّ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ:«عَلَى كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ صَدَقَةٌ» فَقَالُوا: «يَا نَبِيَّ اللّٰهِ فَمَنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ» قَالَ: «يَعْمَلُ بِيَدِهِ فَيَنْفَعُ نَفْسَهُ وَيَتَصَدَّقُ» قَالُوا: «فَإِنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ» قَالَ:«يُعِينُ ذَا الْحَاجَةِ الْمَلْهُوفَ» قَالُوا:«فَإِنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ» قَالَ: «فَلْيَعْمَلْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَلْيُمْسِكْ عَنِ الشَّرِّ فَإِنَّهَا لَهُ صَدَقَةٌ».
242. Abu Musa al-Ash’ari (r.a.) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“Every Muslim should give sadaqa and do good deeds.”
The Companions asked:
“O the Prophet of Allah! What if someone has nothing to give what should he do?”
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“He should get work and earn something with his hand and give sadaqa (help himself and others).”
They said:
“And if someone is unable to do that?”
He said:
“He should help someone in need.” They said:
“What if he cannot find anyone?”
He said:
“He should do good and refrain from evil. That is sadaqa for him.” (Bukhari, Zakat, 30; Adab, 33; Muslim, Zakat, 55)
٢٤٣. عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ لِيَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ:
«لَا تَحْقِرَنَّ مِنَ الْمَعْرُوفِ شَيْئًا وَلَوْ أَنْ تَلْقَى أَخَاكَ بِوَجْهٍ طَلْقٍ».
243. Abu Dharr (r.a.) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“Don’t consider anything insignificant out of good things even if it is that you meet your brother with a cheerful countenance.” (Muslim, Birr, 144. Also see Abu Dawud, Libas, 24; Tirmidhi, At’ima, 30)
Explanations:
Almighty Allah, who continuously commands His servants to do good deeds, whether big or small, in order for them to achieve eternal bliss, has made it extremely easy for them to do good deeds and earn rewards as a result of His endless favors. As it can be seen in our first hadith, from the smallest to the biggest, there are many kinds of good deeds. There is definitely a kind of good deed that a person at any level can do. Even simple acts that people do not pay attention such as removing a stone that discomforts those walking on a path are considered good deeds and believers earn rewards for them.
On the other hand, small or big, all good deeds are related to faith. It is not possible to do a healthy and essential good deed without belief in Allah and the thought of pleasing Him. When one acts with this intention, even the feelings, words, and actions of a person which look like they have no relationship with worship also are counted among the good and beneficial deeds. The continuation of the feelings of doing good deeds depends on having faith in Allah and the Hereafter. This is because faith in Allah and the Hereafter causes a person to have spiritual pleasure from the good and beneficiary deeds that he does and leads him to continuously do good deeds.
Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) responded to one of his companions who asked “What is faith?” as:
“If a good deed that you performed pleases you and a bad deed saddens you, then you are a believer!” (Ahmad, V, 252, 255; Haythami, I, 86)
This saying of the Prophet is sufficient to show how rooted and encompassing the ideal of good and beneficial is in Islam.
In our second hadith, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) told that it is necessary to do every good deed without belittling any of them, and in order for this principle to be better understood he gave an example: Muslims should not stay back from doing good deeds even if it is presenting a hoof of sheep. Starting with women, all Muslims should set aside laziness, miserliness, and showing off and should be in an effort to do good deeds as much as they are able to. This is because the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) says the following:
“Never belittle even the smallest of good deeds! If one of you cannot find anything to do, he should meet his brother with a smiling face! If you purchase meat or cook a pot of food, then add a little extra water and present from it to your neighbor.” (Tirmidhi, At’ima, 30/1833)
In our third hadith, it is pointed out that doing good deeds is necessary for a person and that the individual should thank for each bounty that Allah favored by doing good and beneficial deeds. A person should thank Allah everyday for He granted health to every joint and bone in his body, and he is obliged to show his gratitude in the form of good and beneficial deeds. This is because there is an inconvenience for each bounty and every bounty necessitates thanking Allah. Health, on the other hand, is the beginning of everything and is a great treasure. Performing the thanks of health is also not difficult at all. Almighty Allah has accepted as almsgiving and good deed to help someone to get on its ride, to help someone load his ride, to say a nice word, every step to the mosque when going for a prayer, and to give directions to a stranger.
In another narration, “establishing justice among people (or two individuals)” and “removing of harmful things from the pathway” are also added to the lists of almsgiving. (Bukhari, Sulh, 11; Jihad 72, 128; Muslim, Zakat, 56)
All of these are easy things that almost anyone can do. However, when conducted with a sincere intention, they help us please Allah.
Our fourth hadith shows that there are easier ways of conducting good and beneficial deeds that will please Allah. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) informs us that all recitations of “Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah),” “Alhamdulillah (All Praise be to Allah),” “La ilaaha illallah (There is no god but God),” and “Allahu akbar (Allah is Greater)” are considered almsgiving. That is, giving a material good is not absolutely necessary for something to be considered as sadaqah and beneficial deeds. Poor people with not much wealth can also conduct a lot of good deeds by their hands, tongues, and smiles. However, those who have wealth and resources cannot fulfill their responsibilities just by these deeds because everyone’s responsibility is commensurate with the bounties that they are bestowed with.
In addition to these deeds, advising the good and forbidding the evil are also accepted as sadaqah. The obligatory and supererogatory worships, Friday prayer, listening to the sermon, utilizing the noble month of Ramadan… are all among the good and beneficial acts. All of these good and beneficial acts both increase the degrees of believers and are expiation for their minor sins.
In our fifth hadith, we are informed how even the smallest of good deeds that is done with sincerity is a gateway for abundant rewards. Anything that is used from a tree or plant that a Muslim planted by people or animals who eat from it, by kids who take from it, and by being cut or broken is separately counted as sadaqa as long as its products are utilized. As seeds are made from that tree or plant and new products are produced, the new ones are also included in the same rule and the rule of sadaqah continues like this.
In other words, there is no need for a good believer to be sorry. If Allah gives abundance to his wealth, then he donates from it and earns divine rewards; if something occurs and his wealth is destroyed, then this situation is also considered sadaqa and he still earns rewards. Then, a believer should do as much good as he can. He should do good and “throw it to the sea”[1] and should wholeheartedly believe that it will never be lost.
Before the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) declared it, people did not even know that animals could be the subject of good deeds. As the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) taught humanity all the beauties, he also taught us that all living beings, plants, and even non-living beings are subject to good deeds.
One day the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said the following:
“While a man was walking he felt thirsty and went down a well and drank water from it. On coming out of it, he saw a dog panting and eating mud because of excessive thirst. The man said, ‘This (dog) is suffering from the same problem as that of mine. So he (went down the well), filled his shoe with water, caught hold of it with his teeth and climbed up and watered the dog. Allah thanked him for his (good) deed and forgave him.”
The Noble Companions asked:
“O Allah’s Apostle! Is there a reward for us in serving (the) animals?”
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate!” (Bukhari, Musakat, 9; Mazalim, 23; Adab, 27; Muslim, Salam, 153; Abu Dawud, Jihad, 44; Ibn Majah, Adab, 8)
In our sixth hadith, how good deeds that are considered minor such as removing a thorny branch from a road help us earn great rewards is expressed. The greatest reward is to achieve the contentment of Allah. Almighty Allah is also extremely pleased that something that could harm His servants is moved to the side of the road. It is also easy to see this in the following narration:
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said the following:
“A person while walking along the path saw the branches of a tree lying there. He said: By Allah, I shall remove these from this road so that these may not do harm to the Muslims, and he was admitted to Paradise.” (Muslim, Birr, 128)
In our seventh hadith, it is seen that there is no excuse to stay away from good and beneficial deeds. A person who cannot find anything to give as sadaqa carries some load on his back, earns two portions of food and leaves one with his family and gives the other as sadaqa. If he cannot do these, he helps someone in difficulty by using his intellect, words, and physical power. If he cannot even do these, he displays good manners to people and stays back from committing evil. The effort of a believer not to hurt anyone is also a good and beneficial act for himself.
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) advises people who cannot perform any good deed to still do good deeds by at least smiling to people. Namely, there is no excuse to stay back from good deeds. As long as one is alive, any person can do good deeds. There is no person who can’t do this. So, even if Muslims cannot find any other opportunities, they could do good deeds by smiling at their brothers in religion.
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) says the following in another narration:
“Every good deed is sadaqah. Even greeting your brother with a smiling face and pouring water into your brother’s cup from your bucket is considered sadaqa.” (Tirmidhi, Birr, 45/1970)
So, as long as there are good intentions and sincerity, each word and deed of a believer is sadaqa (almsgiving) and benefaction. This is a great blessing of Allah.
Then, since a Muslim never sees any sin as minor, he should also never see any good as minor. This is because the good small deeds that are neglected due to belittling cause great losses at the end. A Muslim should act with a sincere intention and turn all of his words and actions into good deeds and benefactions.
[1] Translator’s note: A Turkish proverb indicating that even if the person to whom help is extended does not appreciate the help, God knows about it and gives rewards for it.
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c. The Ease of Performing Good Deeds
٢٣٦. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولِ اللّٰهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ:
«اَلْإِيمَانُ بِضْعٌ وَسَبْعُونَ أَوْ بِضْعٌ وَسِتُّونَ شُعْبَةً فَأَفْضَلُهَا قَوْلُ لَا إِلٰهَ إِلَّا اللّٰهُ وَأَدْنَاهَا إِمَاطَةُ الْأَذَى عَنِ الطَّرِيقِ وَالْحَيَاءُ شُعْبَةٌ مِنَ الْإِيمَانِ».
236. Abu Huraira (r.a.) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“Faith has over seventy branches or over sixty branches, the most excellent of which is the declaration that there is no god but Allah, and the humblest of which is the removal of what is injurious from the path: and modesty is a branch of faith.” (Muslim, Iman, 58. Also see Bukhari, Iman, 3; Abu Dawud, Sunnah, 14; Nasai, Iman, 16; Tirmidhi, Birr, 80; Iman, 16; Ibn Majah, Muqaddima, 9)
٢٣٧. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قاَلَ:
«يَا نِسَاءَ الْمُسْلِمَاتِ لَا تَحْقِرَنَّ جَارَةٌ لِجَارَتِهَا وَلَوْ فِرْسِنَ شَاةٍ».
237. Abu Huraira (r.a.) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“O Muslim women, none of you should consider even a sheep’s trotter too insignificant to give to her neighbor.” (Bukhari, Hibat, 1; Adab, 30; Muslim, Zakat, 90. Also see. Tirmidhi, Wala, 6)
٢٣٨. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ:
«كُلُّ سُلَامَى عَلَيْهِ صَدَقَةٌ كُلَّ يَوْمٍ يُعِينُ الرَّجُلَ فِي دَابَّتِهِ يُحَامِلُهُ عَلَيْهَا أَوْ يَرْفَعُ عَلَيْهَا مَتَاعَهُ صَدَقَةٌ وَالْكَلِمَةُ الطَّيِّبَةُ وَكُلُّ خَطْوَةٍ يَمْشِيهَا إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ صَدَقَةٌ وَدَلُّ الطَّرِيقِ صَدَقَةٌ ».
238. Abu Huraira (r.a.) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“There is a (compulsory) almsgiving to be given for every joint of the human body (as a sign of gratitude to Allah) everyday. To help a man concerning his riding animal by helping him to ride it or by lifting his luggage on to it, is regarded as almsgiving, and (saying) a good word is also almsgiving, and every step taken on one’s way to offer the compulsory prayer (in the mosque) is also almsgiving and to show the way when asked is also almsgiving.” (Bukhari, Jihad, 72. Also see Muslim, Zakat, 56; Abu Dawud, Tatawwu’, 12; Adab, 160)
٢٣٩. عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَنَّهُ قَالَ:
«يُصْبِحُ عَلَى كُلِّ سُلَامَى مِنْ أَحَدِكُمْ صَدَقَةٌ فَكُلُّ تَسْبِيحَةٍ صَدَقَةٌ وَكُلُّ تَحْمِيدَةٍ صَدَقَةٌ وَكُلُّ تَهْلِيلَةٍ صَدَقَةٌ وَكُلُّ تَكْبِيرَةٍ صَدَقَةٌ وَأَمْرٌ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ صَدَقَةٌ وَنَهْيٌ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ صَدَقَةٌ وَيُجْزِئُ مِنْ ذٰلِكَ رَكْعَتَانِ يَرْكَعُهُمَا مِنَ الضُّحَى».
239. Abu Dhar (r.a.) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“Almsgiving is due on every joint of a person, every day the sun rises. In every declaration of the glorification of Allah there is a almsgiving, and every Takbir (i.e. saying Allah-O-Akbar) is a almsgiving, and every praise of His (saying al-Hamdu Lillah) is a almsgiving and every declaration that He is One (La illha ill-Allah) is a almsgiving, and enjoining of good is a almsgiving, and forbidding of that which is evil is a almsgiving. Performing two rakah of Duha (mid-morning) prayer includes all.” (Muslim, Musafirin, 84; Zakat, 56. Also see Bukhari, Sulh, 11; Jihad, 72; 128; Abu Dawud, Tatawwu’, 12; Adab, 160)
٢٤٠. عَنْ جَابِرٍ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللّٰهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ:
«مَا مِنْ مُسْلِمٍ يَغْرِسُ غَرْسًا إِلَّا كَانَ مَا أُكِلَ مِنْهُ لَهُ صَدَقَةً وَمَا سُرِقَ مِنْهُ لَهُ صَدَقَةٌ وَمَا أَكَلَ السَّبُعُ مِنْهُ فَهُوَ لَهُ صَدَقَةٌ وَمَا أَكَلَتِ الطَّيْرُ فَهُوَ لَهُ صَدَقَةٌ وَلَا يَرْزَؤُهُ أَحَدٌ إِلَّا كَانَ لَهُ صَدَقَةٌ».
240. Jabir (r.a.) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“If a Muslim plants a tree (or a plant), that part of its produce consumed by men will be as almsgiving for him. Any fruit stolen from the tree will also be as almsgiving for him. That which the birds eat will also be as almsgiving for him. Any of its produce which people may eat thus diminishing it, will be as almsgiving for the Muslims who planted it.” (Muslim, Musakaat, 7)
٢٤١. عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللّٰهِ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ:
«بَيْنَمَا رَجُلٌ يَمْشِي بِطَرِيقٍ وَجَدَ غُصْنَ شَوْكٍ عَلَى الطَّرِيقِ فَأَخَّرَهُ فَشَكَرَ اللّٰهُ لَهُ فَغَفَرَ لَهُ».
241. Abu Huraira (r.a.) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“While a man was walking on a road, he saw a thorny branch and removed it from the way and Allah became pleased by his action and forgave him for that.” (Bukhari, Adhan, 32; Mazalim, 28; Muslim, Birr, 127; Imara, 164)
٢٤٢. عَنْ أَبِي مُوسَى الْأَشْعَرِيِّ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ:«عَلَى كُلِّ مُسْلِمٍ صَدَقَةٌ» فَقَالُوا: «يَا نَبِيَّ اللّٰهِ فَمَنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ» قَالَ: «يَعْمَلُ بِيَدِهِ فَيَنْفَعُ نَفْسَهُ وَيَتَصَدَّقُ» قَالُوا: «فَإِنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ» قَالَ:«يُعِينُ ذَا الْحَاجَةِ الْمَلْهُوفَ» قَالُوا:«فَإِنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ» قَالَ: «فَلْيَعْمَلْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَلْيُمْسِكْ عَنِ الشَّرِّ فَإِنَّهَا لَهُ صَدَقَةٌ».
242. Abu Musa al-Ash’ari (r.a.) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“Every Muslim should give sadaqa and do good deeds.”
The Companions asked:
“O the Prophet of Allah! What if someone has nothing to give what should he do?”
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“He should get work and earn something with his hand and give sadaqa (help himself and others).”
They said:
“And if someone is unable to do that?”
He said:
“He should help someone in need.” They said:
“What if he cannot find anyone?”
He said:
“He should do good and refrain from evil. That is sadaqa for him.” (Bukhari, Zakat, 30; Adab, 33; Muslim, Zakat, 55)
٢٤٣. عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ رَضِيَ اللّٰهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قَالَ لِيَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ:
«لَا تَحْقِرَنَّ مِنَ الْمَعْرُوفِ شَيْئًا وَلَوْ أَنْ تَلْقَى أَخَاكَ بِوَجْهٍ طَلْقٍ».
243. Abu Dharr (r.a.) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“Don’t consider anything insignificant out of good things even if it is that you meet your brother with a cheerful countenance.” (Muslim, Birr, 144. Also see Abu Dawud, Libas, 24; Tirmidhi, At’ima, 30)
Explanations:
Almighty Allah, who continuously commands His servants to do good deeds, whether big or small, in order for them to achieve eternal bliss, has made it extremely easy for them to do good deeds and earn rewards as a result of His endless favors. As it can be seen in our first hadith, from the smallest to the biggest, there are many kinds of good deeds. There is definitely a kind of good deed that a person at any level can do. Even simple acts that people do not pay attention such as removing a stone that discomforts those walking on a path are considered good deeds and believers earn rewards for them.
On the other hand, small or big, all good deeds are related to faith. It is not possible to do a healthy and essential good deed without belief in Allah and the thought of pleasing Him. When one acts with this intention, even the feelings, words, and actions of a person which look like they have no relationship with worship also are counted among the good and beneficial deeds. The continuation of the feelings of doing good deeds depends on having faith in Allah and the Hereafter. This is because faith in Allah and the Hereafter causes a person to have spiritual pleasure from the good and beneficiary deeds that he does and leads him to continuously do good deeds.
Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) responded to one of his companions who asked “What is faith?” as:
“If a good deed that you performed pleases you and a bad deed saddens you, then you are a believer!” (Ahmad, V, 252, 255; Haythami, I, 86)
This saying of the Prophet is sufficient to show how rooted and encompassing the ideal of good and beneficial is in Islam.
In our second hadith, the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) told that it is necessary to do every good deed without belittling any of them, and in order for this principle to be better understood he gave an example: Muslims should not stay back from doing good deeds even if it is presenting a hoof of sheep. Starting with women, all Muslims should set aside laziness, miserliness, and showing off and should be in an effort to do good deeds as much as they are able to. This is because the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) says the following:
“Never belittle even the smallest of good deeds! If one of you cannot find anything to do, he should meet his brother with a smiling face! If you purchase meat or cook a pot of food, then add a little extra water and present from it to your neighbor.” (Tirmidhi, At’ima, 30/1833)
In our third hadith, it is pointed out that doing good deeds is necessary for a person and that the individual should thank for each bounty that Allah favored by doing good and beneficial deeds. A person should thank Allah everyday for He granted health to every joint and bone in his body, and he is obliged to show his gratitude in the form of good and beneficial deeds. This is because there is an inconvenience for each bounty and every bounty necessitates thanking Allah. Health, on the other hand, is the beginning of everything and is a great treasure. Performing the thanks of health is also not difficult at all. Almighty Allah has accepted as almsgiving and good deed to help someone to get on its ride, to help someone load his ride, to say a nice word, every step to the mosque when going for a prayer, and to give directions to a stranger.
In another narration, “establishing justice among people (or two individuals)” and “removing of harmful things from the pathway” are also added to the lists of almsgiving. (Bukhari, Sulh, 11; Jihad 72, 128; Muslim, Zakat, 56)
All of these are easy things that almost anyone can do. However, when conducted with a sincere intention, they help us please Allah.
Our fourth hadith shows that there are easier ways of conducting good and beneficial deeds that will please Allah. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) informs us that all recitations of “Subhanallah (Glory be to Allah),” “Alhamdulillah (All Praise be to Allah),” “La ilaaha illallah (There is no god but God),” and “Allahu akbar (Allah is Greater)” are considered almsgiving. That is, giving a material good is not absolutely necessary for something to be considered as sadaqah and beneficial deeds. Poor people with not much wealth can also conduct a lot of good deeds by their hands, tongues, and smiles. However, those who have wealth and resources cannot fulfill their responsibilities just by these deeds because everyone’s responsibility is commensurate with the bounties that they are bestowed with.
In addition to these deeds, advising the good and forbidding the evil are also accepted as sadaqah. The obligatory and supererogatory worships, Friday prayer, listening to the sermon, utilizing the noble month of Ramadan… are all among the good and beneficial acts. All of these good and beneficial acts both increase the degrees of believers and are expiation for their minor sins.
In our fifth hadith, we are informed how even the smallest of good deeds that is done with sincerity is a gateway for abundant rewards. Anything that is used from a tree or plant that a Muslim planted by people or animals who eat from it, by kids who take from it, and by being cut or broken is separately counted as sadaqa as long as its products are utilized. As seeds are made from that tree or plant and new products are produced, the new ones are also included in the same rule and the rule of sadaqah continues like this.
In other words, there is no need for a good believer to be sorry. If Allah gives abundance to his wealth, then he donates from it and earns divine rewards; if something occurs and his wealth is destroyed, then this situation is also considered sadaqa and he still earns rewards. Then, a believer should do as much good as he can. He should do good and “throw it to the sea”[1] and should wholeheartedly believe that it will never be lost.
Before the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) declared it, people did not even know that animals could be the subject of good deeds. As the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) taught humanity all the beauties, he also taught us that all living beings, plants, and even non-living beings are subject to good deeds.
One day the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said the following:
“While a man was walking he felt thirsty and went down a well and drank water from it. On coming out of it, he saw a dog panting and eating mud because of excessive thirst. The man said, ‘This (dog) is suffering from the same problem as that of mine. So he (went down the well), filled his shoe with water, caught hold of it with his teeth and climbed up and watered the dog. Allah thanked him for his (good) deed and forgave him.”
The Noble Companions asked:
“O Allah’s Apostle! Is there a reward for us in serving (the) animals?”
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said:
“Yes, there is a reward for serving any animate!” (Bukhari, Musakat, 9; Mazalim, 23; Adab, 27; Muslim, Salam, 153; Abu Dawud, Jihad, 44; Ibn Majah, Adab, 8)
In our sixth hadith, how good deeds that are considered minor such as removing a thorny branch from a road help us earn great rewards is expressed. The greatest reward is to achieve the contentment of Allah. Almighty Allah is also extremely pleased that something that could harm His servants is moved to the side of the road. It is also easy to see this in the following narration:
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) said the following:
“A person while walking along the path saw the branches of a tree lying there. He said: By Allah, I shall remove these from this road so that these may not do harm to the Muslims, and he was admitted to Paradise.” (Muslim, Birr, 128)
In our seventh hadith, it is seen that there is no excuse to stay away from good and beneficial deeds. A person who cannot find anything to give as sadaqa carries some load on his back, earns two portions of food and leaves one with his family and gives the other as sadaqa. If he cannot do these, he helps someone in difficulty by using his intellect, words, and physical power. If he cannot even do these, he displays good manners to people and stays back from committing evil. The effort of a believer not to hurt anyone is also a good and beneficial act for himself.
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) advises people who cannot perform any good deed to still do good deeds by at least smiling to people. Namely, there is no excuse to stay back from good deeds. As long as one is alive, any person can do good deeds. There is no person who can’t do this. So, even if Muslims cannot find any other opportunities, they could do good deeds by smiling at their brothers in religion.
The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) says the following in another narration:
“Every good deed is sadaqah. Even greeting your brother with a smiling face and pouring water into your brother’s cup from your bucket is considered sadaqa.” (Tirmidhi, Birr, 45/1970)
So, as long as there are good intentions and sincerity, each word and deed of a believer is sadaqa (almsgiving) and benefaction. This is a great blessing of Allah.
Then, since a Muslim never sees any sin as minor, he should also never see any good as minor. This is because the good small deeds that are neglected due to belittling cause great losses at the end. A Muslim should act with a sincere intention and turn all of his words and actions into good deeds and benefactions.
[1] Translator’s note: A Turkish proverb indicating that even if the person to whom help is extended does not appreciate the help, God knows about it and gives rewards for it.
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