Those who perform more virtuous deeds will attain a higher status, mosque-goers will hear today.
This is evident in the Aya, “Indeed, they who have believed and done righteous deeds – those are the best of creatures”. (Al-Bayyina: 7)
People should strive to be nearer to Allah through acts of obedience and goodness. The righteous are promised His forgiveness, His favours and rewards.
The Prophet Mohammed practised acts of obedience and urged his companions to do righteous acts for others. For this reason, the companions strived to perform good deeds and hoped that these deeds would be accepted by Allah. In doing so, they earned His praise.
Worshippers will hear about Abdullah Ibn Masud, a companion of the Prophet, who said: “Indeed, it brings me greater joy to know that Allah has accepted one good action of mine, than owning the entire world full of gold.”
The sermon will advise worshippers to know the conditions that make good acts acceptable and rewarded by Allah. There are many causes for acceptance of good deeds, including supplication and showing gratitude.
Those who appreciate the favours that Allah has endowed upon them will have many of their flaws forgiven and their good deeds accepted no matter how small they are, worshippers will be told.
According to the Quran, Allah says, “Those are the ones from whom We will accept the best of what they did and overlook their misdeeds, [their being] among the companions of Paradise. [That is] the promise of truth which they had been promised”. (Al-Ahqaf: 16)
Many acts of worship can follow requests for forgiveness.
Allah says: “So recite what is easy from it and establish prayer and give zakat and loan Allah a goodly loan. And whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah. It is better and greater in reward. And seek forgiveness of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
Worshippers will be urged to get their acts of obedience accepted through supplication, appreciating Allah’s favours and asking Him for forgiveness.
According to the Quran, Allah says: “Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do.” (An-Nahl: 97)