Various Acts of Obedience - Increasing in Acts of Obedience
Taking Care Of Your Parent - The Most Best Good Deed and Acts Of Obedience.
The fruit of knowledge is action, and the pleasure in life comes from increasing in righteous deeds. The sign of sincerity is an increase in acts of obedience, and the ascent of one's status in Paradise will be determined by the extent of effort exerted in performing virtuous actions.
The best among humans are those who serve as role models by consistently engaging in many virtuous actions. Ibrahim, peace be upon him, was praised by Allah for his devotion, as mentioned in the Quran. Allah, glorified be He, said:
“Indeed, Abraham was a [comprehensive] leader, devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth, and he was not of those who associate others with Allah”. (Surah Nahl: Ayat 120).
Dawud, peace be upon him, “used to sleep half the night, then stand in prayer for one-third of it, and then sleep for one-sixth. He would fast one day and break his fast the next day”. (Agreed upon)1
Allah also praised Zakariya, his wife, and Yahya. Allah, glorified be He, said:
فَٱسْتَجَبْنَا لَهُۥ وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُۥ يَحْيَىٰ وَأَصْلَحْنَا لَهُۥ زَوْجَهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّهُمْ كَانُوا۟ يُسَـٰرِعُونَ فِى ٱلْخَيْرَٰتِ وَيَدْعُونَنَا رَغَبًۭا وَرَهَبًۭا ۖ وَكَانُوا۟ لَنَا خَـٰشِعِينَ ٩٠
“So We responded to him, and We gave to him John and amended for him his wife. Indeed, they used to hasten to good deeds and supplicate Us in hope and fear, and they were to Us humbly submissive”.
(Surah Al-Anbiya : Ayat 90)
Sheikh al-Islam, may Allah have mercy on him, said about himself: "There are times when a matter, thing, or situation troubles my mind. So, I seek forgiveness from Allah, the Exalted, a thousand times - or more or less - until my heart finds solace and the difficulties are resolved." He also said, "During that time, I could be in the market, the mosque, on the road, or at school, and that does not prevent me from engaging in remembrance and seeking forgiveness until I attain what I seek."2
Ibn Kathir mentioned Ibn al-Qayyim, saying that may Allah have mercy on both of them, "I do not know anyone among the knowledgeable people in our time who worships more than him. He had a specific way in prayer, prolonging it greatly, lengthening his bowing and prostration, and many of his companions would sometimes criticize him for that, but he would not change or abandon it."3
Obedience is a light that is cast into the chests. So, increase in worshipping Allah and submitting to Him. It is the best means to achieve what one seeks. Increase in remembering Allah, reciting His book, and standing in prayer during the darkness of the night. When the heart becomes pure, it leaves its traces. And when it becomes abundant, it becomes more fruitful
References
1 Narrated by Al-Bukhari, Book of Night Prayer, Chapter: Whoever Sleeps Until Morning (Hadith No. 1131), and Muslim, Book of Fasting, Chapter: Prohibition of Fasting the Entire Year for Those Who Are Afflicted or Unable (Hadith No. 1159), from the narration of Abdullah bin Amr (may Allah be pleased with him).
1 Al-Wabil al-Sayyib, p. 42.
2 Al-'Uqud al-Durriyah fi Manaqib Ibn Taymiyyah, p. 21.
3 Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, (523/18)
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