What Real Inheritance Are We Leaving Behind?
“And that the human being can have nothing but what he has earned (good or bad).”
(Surah Najm, Ayat 39)
Humans are mortals. Their mortality keeps them aware of the fact that life will come to its end sooner or later. This article is not meant to terrify or demotivate humans in any way. Its focus is to warn ourselves and prepare for the journey that we are destined for.
Being busy in the world of pleasures and comforts, we forget the real purpose of life. We must keep reminding ourselves about the inheritance that we shall leave behind. The above stated Quranic verse clearly states that man will be rewarded for the good or bad that they do in this world. They are responsible for their actions alone and are answerable to the deeds that they committed during their time in this world. Hence, we should focus on our actions because they are being inscribed.
Inheritance in worldly terms has no significance for us. Rather, the inheritance of our good deeds is our real inheritance that will help us in the afterlife;
“Except those who are patient and constant, and do deeds of righteousness;
for them is forgiveness and a great reward.”
(Surah Hud, Ayat 11)
Hadees about Inheritance that we leave behind
Having talked about what Quran says, we shall now throw light upon the hadees. There is a bit of contradiction regarding this amongst Islamic scholars. Some believe that there is nothing that benefit the dead except the good deeds that they have earned in this world. However there is a significant hadees narrated by Al-Tirmidhi that states a few deeds done on behalf of the deceased by their dear ones. These deeds immensely help the deceased. Hadees has been stated in the following words by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him);
“When a person dies, all his deeds come to an end except three: sadaqah jaariyah (ongoing charity, e.g. a waqf or endowment), beneficial knowledge (which he has left behind), or a righteous child who will pray for him.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi, no 1376)
The most significant thing that benefits the dead, based on the above mentioned hadees, is one’s righteous child that prays for them. Children can ask for forgiveness for their parents. It brings great benefit to the dead as the Prophet (peace be upon him) said;
“A man’s status will be raised in Paradise and he will ask, How did I get here? He will be told, By your child’s duas (prayers) for forgiveness for you.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadees No. 3660)
There is no doubt that we all must be good in nature and conduct, but it is essential for us to train our children towards the right path. The purpose of this is not to benefit ourselves but to make them good human beings is our prime duty.
How we can achieve rewards in this world is the real question. We shall discuss shortly how we can train ourselves to get unending rewards and an inheritance that will benefit us.
Deeds that Benefit us – Real Inheritance
Islam is a religion that focuses on the betterment of man. It provides a complete code of life for man to follow. It further clarifies the importance and consequences of the deeds that we all do; positive or negative. However our main aim should be to focus on performing righteous deeds as much as we can and to refrain ourselves from bad deeds. Lets have a look at the good deeds that we can perform that greatly benefit us in this world as well as the world ahead of us.
Give Charity
The foremost act that Allah has appreciated is the act of charity. The prophet (peace be upon him) said;
“Save yourself from hellfire by giving even half a date-fruit in charity.”
Sahih Al-Bukhari, Volume 2, Hadith 498
It is through charity that we can save ourselves from the torment of hellfire. Having said that, the term charity does not only mean that we have to give money or any other form of possession for that. Even if you do not have enough means to give charity, you can always do little deeds that count as charity. For example, smiling while meeting people is a simple act of charity. Therefore it is quite easy to be charitable. It has great rewards for us in the hereafter;
“Allah, the Exalted, says, ‘Spend, O son of Adam, and I shall spend on you.’”
(Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
Be Kind
Islam teaches us love, kindness and compassion for other humans. Our Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was the kindest of man alive. While explaining the prophet’s kindness and the effect of bad behavior Allah says;
O Messenger of Allah! It is a great Mercy of God that you are gentle and kind towards them; for, had you been harsh and hard-hearted, they would all have broken away from you” (Quran 3:159)
Hence, we should not be harsh and rude to our fellow beings. Kindness opens doors of mercy for us, therefore, we must strive to be kind and polite in our daily dealings with people.
Be Truthful
Islam has emphasized enough on truthfulness and has forbidden lying. Allah has said in the Quran,
O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah, and be with those who are true (in word and deeds).
[Al-Tawbah 9:119]
Abstaining from lying saves us from calamities. It makes way for us to get out of our problems. Truthfulness leads to heaven while lying leads one towards hellfire.
Conclusion
These are some of the various deeds that we can apply in our daily lives. They benefit us immensely in this world as well as the world hereafter. We should also teach our children to do good deeds but first, we should implement it to ourselves. This will let our children follow our footsteps and act accordingly. Through our online Quran acadmey; Qura Online you can impart the knowledge of Quran to your children. It provides Online Quran classes for kids. Learning Quran is an essential act that helps gain rewards hence you can learn Quran online and teach it to children as well.