Your Lord knoweth best what is in your hearts:
If ye do deeds of righteousness,
verily He is Most Forgiving to those who turn to Him
again and again (in true penitence).
S.17 A.25
This verse is very useful for me. It stresses the connection between thoughts and deeds. Too often i focus on the proper deeds without making sure I have purified my thoughts. I was raised a civil environment, so I know which actions are proper and improper by default. Now I want to work on the thoughts behind these deeds - making sure I don't do something primarily for reward, accolade, or gratitude. I also want to work on those negative thoughts I do not act on. To date, I figured I was doing well by not moving such thoughts to action, but now I know I should not be thinking them, not indulging negative ideas or whims.
By working on my thoughts and actions, I will be more comfortable in asking for forgiveness (true penitence) when I do make mistakes. In the past, I have felt too ashamed to do so, doubting my worthiness. I have gone all these years without truly allowing myself the grace of God's forgiveness, I am just now realizing the impact that has had. How could I have ever felt good about my self esteem, without His grace? Many things are making sense to me these days and I am grateful. A simple, beautiful verse can do so much when you open your heart. I need to earn the right to ask for forgiveness, and I will do so.
Intentions, Deeds & The Mercy of our Lord.
ReplyDeleteIt is narrated that The Messenger of Allah said:
"Allah has written down the good deeds and the bad ones." Then he explained it [by saying that] :" He who has intended a good deed and has not done it, Allah writes it down with Himself as a full good deed.
But if he has intended it and has done it, Allah writes it down with Himself as from ten good deeds to seven hundred times, or many times over.
But if he has intended a bad deed and has not done it, Allah writes it down with Himself as a full good deed.
But if he has intended it and has done it, Allah writes it down as one bad deed."
This is so nice, you don't know how motivating it is when I get a reply that connects and extends my humble knowledge! Thank you so much, I can't tell you how much I appreciated it. I think the focus here is my "true" intent. This is a good way for me to conceptualize the connection between my thought and actions :)
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