ARE WE LIKE THEM?

 FAJR REMINDER: ARE WE LIKE THEM?

By: Umm Affan 

Jumādā al-Ākhirah 8, 1447 (30-November-2025)

Reflecting on a profound statement by Allāh, I found myself deep in thought: “And those who give that (their charity) which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their hearts full of fear (whether their alms and charities, etc., have been accepted or not), because they are sure to return to their Lord (for reckoning). It is these who race for the good deeds, and they are foremost in them [e.g. offering the compulsory Ṣalāt (prayers) in their (early) stated, fixed time and so on].” [Sūrah Al-Muminoon (23): 60-61]

The anxiety surrounding the possibility of one’s good deeds being deemed unacceptable is a troubling thought that leaves the pious restless and uneasy. Tears may stream down the face, the mind may tremble, and the heart filled with concern. Have we genuinely considered whether our fasting, charity, prayers, and all our other acts of goodness will find acceptance with Allāh? Often, we become too proud, too comfortable, and too happy with the small efforts we’ve made.

Let's consider the example of Prophet Ibrāhīm (‘Alayhim Salām), whom Allāh commanded to construct His House. Even after following this divine instruction, both he and his son Isma'il continued to beg Allāh to accept their efforts. Allāh states: “And (remember) when Ibrāhīm (Abraham) and (his son) Isma'il (Ishmael) were raising the foundations of the House (the Ka'bah at Makkah), (saying), ‘Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us. Verily! You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.’” [Sūrah Al-Baqarah (2): 127]

Ibn Abī Ḥātim (Raḥimahullāh) reported that Wuhayb Ibn Al-Ward (Raḥimahullāh) recited, “And (remember) when Ibrāhīm and (his son) Isma'il were raising the foundations of the House (the Ka'bah at Makkah), (saying), ‘Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us,’” and he wept, exclaiming, “O Khalīl of Ar-Raḥman! You raise the foundations of the House of Ar-Raḥman (Allāh), yet you are afraid that He will not accept it from you!” [Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr 2:127]

The fear of having one’s deeds rendered invalid is one of the strongest means of striving hard to do more. Ā’ishah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha) remarked: “I asked the Messenger of Allāh about this verse: ‘And those who give that (their charity) which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their hearts full of fear.’ Ā’ishah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha) questioned, ‘Are they those who drink alcohol and steal?’ He (ﷺ) replied, ‘No, O daughter of Aṣ-Ṣiddīq; rather they are the ones who fast and pray and give charity, but they fear that it will not be accepted from them; they are the ones who race for the good deeds.” [Sunan Ibn Mājah 4198]

Even amidst their fears, these individuals’ persistent concerns do not deter them from their quest for goodness. This equilibrium between fear and hope is essential, as Islām teaches us to maintain a balance—neither aspect should overshadow the other.

I earnestly beseech Allāh to accept all our deeds. Aameen.