Why Do We Perform Good Deeds If We Enter Paradise Through Allah’s Mercy?
Answered by Shaykh Bassem Itani
Question
If we enter Paradise through Allah’s mercy, why do we perform good deeds?
Answer
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and blessings and peace be upon our master Muhammad, his Family, and all his Companions.
The Role of Good Deeds in Attaining Paradise
Good deeds are indeed a means for believers to enter Paradise, but they are not sufficient on their own. One must also rely on Allah’s mercy, for no one enters Paradise except by Allah’s mercy and grace.
There are many verses in the Quran that indicate that righteous deeds are a cause for entering Paradise, and that Allah has promised the believers a good reward and Paradise due to their faith and righteous deeds. Allah never breaks His promises. Some of these verses include:
Quranic Verses on the Reward for Good Deeds
Allah (Most High) says:
“It will be announced to them, ‘This is Paradise awarded to you for what you used to do.’” [Quran, 7:43]
Allah (Most High) also says:
“…(all) as a reward for what they used to do.” [Quran, 56:24]
Allah (Most High) further states:
“Allah has promised those who believe and do good (His) forgiveness and a great reward.” [Quran, 5:9]
And Allah (Most High) says:
“Indeed, those who believe and do good will have the Gardens of Paradise as an accommodation.” [Quran, 18:107]
The Prophet’s Emphasis on Allah’s Mercy
However, it is clear from the hadith of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) that no one enters Paradise except through Allah’s mercy. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
“Be steadfast and aim for perfection, and rejoice, for no one will enter Paradise because of his deeds alone.” They asked, ‘Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?’ He said, ‘Not even me, unless Allah envelops me in His mercy. And know that the most beloved deed to Allah is the one done consistently, even if it is small.’” [Muslim]
This hadith does not contradict the Quranic verses but rather complements them. In the verse:
“Surely those who have believed, emigrated, and struggled in the Way of Allah—they can hope for Allah’s mercy. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Quran, 2:218]
Even though these individuals believed, emigrated, and strived in Allah’s cause, they still relied on Allah’s mercy to accept their deeds and enter Paradise.
The Balance Between Deeds and Mercy
Imam Nawawi (Allah have mercy on him) explained:
“Entering Paradise is due to righteous deeds, but the ability to perform those deeds, the guidance to sincerity in them, and their acceptance are all by Allah’s mercy and grace.
Therefore, it is correct to say that one does not enter Paradise purely because of their deeds, which is the meaning of the hadith. It is also correct to say that one enters Paradise due to their deeds as they are a cause, and that cause itself is part of Allah’s mercy.” [Nawawi, Sharh Muslim]
The believer strives to perform good deeds because Allah, the Wise Legislator, has commanded it. These deeds benefit a person in both this life and the Hereafter.
Conclusion
The believer must not rely solely on their deeds but should firmly believe that entry into Paradise is by Allah’s mercy, and that the reward is ultimately granted by Allah’s grace.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Bassem Itani
Shaykh Dr. Bassem Hussayn Itani was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1965. He earned his Ph.D. in Islamic Studies in 2005. Among his mentors were Shaykh Muhammad Taha Sukkar, Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, Shaykh Mulla Abdul ‘Alim al-Zinki, Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri, Shaykh Abdul Razzaq al-Halabi, Shaykh Dr. Mustafa Dib al-Bugha, Shaykh Dr. Wahba al-Zuhayli, Dr. Muhammad al-Zuhayli, and others, may Allah have mercy on them all.
Shaykh Itani has a rich background in both academic and administrative fields. He has held significant positions in many governmental and non-governmental institutions in Lebanon and abroad. This includes his role as a member of the Academic Committee at SeekersGuidance and a senior teacher with the free online global seminary.
From 2020 to 2021, he served as the Dean of the College of Da‘wa – University for Islamic Studies (Lebanon) – Postgraduate Studies. He was the Director of Dar Iqra for Islamic Sciences from 1998 to 2018. Shaykh Itani is a well-versed teacher in several academic subjects, including Fiqh, Usul, Aqida, and Tafsir. He has supervised and examined numerous Master’s and Doctoral theses at various universities and colleges in Lebanon.
His contributions to Islamic sciences are also evident in his writings and research. His notable works include “The Relied-upon Statements of Imam Zufar in the Hanafi School,” “Collective Ijtihad: The Sublimity of Thought in the 21st Century,” and “Custom and its Impact in Islamic Jurisprudence.” Shaykh Itani has actively participated in numerous scientific conferences and seminars, both in Lebanon and internationally. He is linguistically adept, excelling in Arabic, proficient in French, and comfortably conversant in English.