In the name of Allah, the Source of all Mercy, the Mercy Giver

Golden Gems?
?On that Day will men proceed in companies sorted out to be shown the Deeds that they (had done). Then shall anyone who has done an atom's weight of good see it! And anyone who has done an atom's weight of evil shall see it.? (Qur'an 99 verses 6-8)

?Pure & Precious Pearl?

Jewels From Our Archive:
A CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY
You will stand before Allah one day insha?Allah, and it will be you and your deeds alone, no solicitor or barrister. You will be asked about your worship because your efforts at your iba'dah such as fasting, salaah and hajj . But that?s not all. Islam in not the substitute for some customary forms of worship, rather, Islam is a way of life, it is also about our relationship with other people, our moral standing, civic responsibilities, social and spiritual purification.

In fact, Paradise lies in most things we do or do not do daily. For instance, Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ?While a man was going on a way, he saw (an harmful) thorny tree branch and removed it from the way and Allah became pleased with his action and forgave him for that.? (Bukhari) Don?t we see harmful objects on the road everyday? Perhaps if we deliberately remove one everyday, our sins will be forgiven daily and we wouldn?t really be far from Paradise.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ?Every one of the children of Adam has been created with three hundred and sixty joints; so he who declares the Glory of Allah, praises Allah, declares Allah to be One, Glorifies Allah, and seeks of forgiveness from Allah, and removes stone, or thorn, or bone from people's path and enjoins what is good and forbids from evil, to the number of those three hundred and sixty, will walk that day having removed himself from Hell.? (Muslim)

Of course removing a thorn is not the only issue that reflects social virtue. The Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke of a prostitute: ?A prostitute was forgiven by Allah, because, passing by a panting dog near a well and seeing that the dog was about to die of thirst, she took off her shoe, and tying it with her head-cover she drew out some water for it. So, Allah forgave her because of that.? (Bukhari) It is clear that social responsibility is a great means of seeking Allah?s forgiveness. This is because Islam teaches respect, love and well wishing for others and we should try our best to make life pleasant for people known and unknown; appreciative or not.

Since all our actions or inactions will be accounted for, and rewarded, it is more profitable to do those acts which actually cost us nearly nothing, but with greater implications. The places of passage, or public paths are sources of comfort or discomfort, depending on their condition. We are obliged as Muslims to keep it safe, either by removing harm (e.g. harmful objects, pot holes, dirt objects or smell, or other discomforts) or by providing comfort therein (e.g. lightening, shade, pavement, beautiful scenery, security etc.). These path are also the best alternatives during emergencies or crises, thus such paths should not be obstructed or endangered.

If we have been instructed to keep the road clean and clear, wouldn?t we be punished for acting contrary to this injunction? Think of the many litters we dump on the road, throw out of our vehicles! Think of the much harm we have contributed to unknowingly but avoidably. Many hidden things will become exposed on the day of judgement! That day many people will found out that there are marked down for manslaughter or an attempted one, or injury to people they had never met. Indeed, ?to Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and on earth; so that He rewards those who do evil according to their deeds and He rewards those who do good with what is best.? (Qur'an 53 verse 31)

?Rare Gems
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, ?Do those deeds which you can do easily, as Allah will not get tired (of giving rewards) till you get bored and tired (of performing religious deeds).? (Bukhari)