First to Enter

The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "The first of those who shall enter Paradise are the people who do acts of kindnesses." [Tibrani]

This story comes to us through the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) that there was once a prostitute in the tribe of the Bani Israil. She passed by a dog going around a well about to die of thirst. So she took off her shoe and, tying it to her head wrap, lowered it into the well to get some water for the dog. Because of this one act of kindness, Allah (subhana wa ta'ala) forgave her her sins.

This shows us not only Allah’s love for humans and how He loves to forgive us, but also His love for all His creatures. Prophet Muhammad (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) told us that we are rewarded for every act of kindness we do to any creature. Every time a bird eats from your fruit tree you are rewarded by Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) for that too.

In today's society though, it seems that kindness is reserved for animals while one's relatives and fellow Muslims are not considered worthy of it. Don't neglect them.

Instead of asking somebody to bring a glass of water for you, bring it for them. This is a kindness. To pay attention to a child's story is a kindness. To give the elderly your time is a kindness. To share a particular skill you have is a kindness. To wash someone else's dishes is a kindness. To make room for somebody is a kindness. There are hundreds of kindnesses to do. Make it your goal for this week to seek out acts of kindness throughout the day, and do them! Every little deed will count on the Day of Judgement.