gooddeeds

Contrary to the thinking of some narrow-minded persons that religions do not care for things other than various forms of worship and obligatory and unlawful matters. Islam attaches great importance to works of public utility like construction of Masjids, bridges and water reservoirs and improvement of roads-In short, every thing which contributes to common welfare.

The holy Prophet (saw)says:
"One who passes his days and nights and does not care for the affairs of the Muslims (and does not solve any problem of the society) is not a Muslim."

And when he was asked about the person whom Allah likes most, he replied: "He is the person who is more useful to the Muslim society than all others."

And he said in other words:
"The best among the people is he from whom people benefit more."

To such good deeds Islam gives the name of 'current and lasting alms.'

Imam al Sadiq (as) says:
"The dossier of the activities of every one is closed after his death and thereafter he does not recieve any reward or punishment except in three cases: The first is 'current alms' (useful works) which he leaves behind himself and another is a good habit which he leaves as his rememberance and the third is a dutiful child who prays for his deliverance (and if he has committed any sin his child make amends for it."

The holy Qur'an says:
"Wealth and children are the ornaments of this life. But deeds of lasting merit are better rewarded by your Lord and hold for you a greater hope of salvation." Sura al-Kahf, verse 44

Besides attaching so much importance to 'current alms' viz. pious foundations and endowments, it keeps particularly in view the construction of a Masjid, which is the very base for Islamic teachings, and has made special recommendations in this behalf.

The holy Prophet (saw) says:
"The omnipotent Allah constructs a house in Paradise in the name of one who constructs a Masjid."

And the holy Qur'an says:
"Those persons build Masjids and visit them who believe in Allah and the Last Day, attend to their prayers and pay the poor-due and fear none but Allah." Sura Tauba, verse 18

Islam's view with regard to social matters becomes clear from this that a comparatively small matter like levelling the streets of Muslims has been given so much importance.

The holy Prophet (saw) says:
"Allah gives spiritual reward equal to that of reciting four hundred verses of the holy Qur'an to a person who removes from the path of the Muslims that which inconveniences them."

Whenever Imam al Sajjad (as) passed through a road and saw a clod lying on it he used to dismount the animal on which he was riding so that he might remove it (ie the clod) with his own hand.

The holy Prophet (as) has said:
"It is incumbent upon every Muslim to give alms (and do favour) every day."

Some one said:
"How is it possible for any one to do such a good deed every day?"

The holy Prophet (saw) replied:
"When a person removes impediments from the path of the Muslims it is treated to be 'alms'."