Curious about the deeds that can earn continuous rewards even after one's demise? Read this article to learn about three types of deeds that will not be cut off even after our passing.
Three Types of Enduring Deeds Based on the Hadith of Prophet Muhammad
We all know that every human being will inevitably face death. Death marks the end of all our actions in this world. However, did you know that there are certain deeds whose rewards continue to flow even after our departure from this world?
These deeds are known as "amal jariyah" (continuous charity). Amal jariyah refers to deeds that continue to benefit others, both in this world and the Hereafter. Through amal jariyah, we can continue to accumulate rewards even after our passing.
So, what are examples of amal jariyah? In a hadith narrated by Imam Muslim, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) mentioned three types of amal jariyah that we can perform.
According to the book "Sharah Riyadhus Salihin" Volume 3 by Imam Nawawi, Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said:
إِذَا مَاتَ ابْنُ آدَمَ انْقَطَعَ عَمَلُهُ إِلَّا مِنْ ثَلَاثٍ: صَدَقَةٍ جَارِيَةٍ، أَوْ عِلْمٍ يُنْتَفَعُ بِهِ، أَوْ وَلَدٍ صَالِحٍ يَدْعُو لَهُ رَوَاهُ مُسْلِمٌ
"When the son of Adam dies, his deeds come to an end except for three things: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him." (Hadith recorded by Muslim)
Let's explore these deeds further:
1. Ongoing Charity: Providing Benefits to Many People
Ongoing charity refers to giving in a way that the benefits continue to reach others over time. For instance, contributing to the construction of a mosque, school, hospital, or clean water well.
With ongoing charity, we earn rewards every time someone prays in the mosque, learns in the school, receives treatment in the hospital, or drinks water from the well we helped build. These rewards will keep flowing even after we pass away.
Ongoing charity is not limited to monetary or material donations; it can also involve offering assistance or performing acts of kindness. For example, helping those in need, teaching beneficial knowledge, or spreading goodness on social media.
Allah SWT says in Surah Az-Zalzalah, verse 7:
فَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيْرًا يَرَهُۥ
"So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it."
2. Beneficial Knowledge: Becoming a Source of Light for Others
Beneficial knowledge refers to knowledge that brings goodness and benefits to oneself and others. It can be religious knowledge, scientific knowledge, artistic knowledge, or any knowledge that aligns with Islamic teachings.
By possessing beneficial knowledge, we become a source of enlightenment for others. We can share this knowledge with others through speech, writing, or actions. Creating valuable scholarly works that benefit humanity is also an example of this deed.
For instance, an Islamic author writing a book that inspires many readers will continuously earn rewards as long as the book remains in circulation and continues to inspire others.
3. Righteous Children: Bringing Comfort to Parents' Eyes
A righteous child is one who is obedient to Allah SWT and dutiful to their parents. Such a child continuously prays for their parents, whether they are alive or have passed away.
The prayers of a righteous child for their deceased parents are among the deeds that carry on rewarding them. These prayers will serve as support for the parents in the Hereafter, and they will bring joy to the parents in paradise.
Therefore, as children, we should strive to be righteous and dutiful to our parents while they are alive. We should also continue to pray for them after they have passed away.
In conclusion, these three types of deeds will keep earning rewards even after the doer has departed. May we be among those who can perform them and receive abundant rewards from Allah SWT. Ameen.
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