In life, many people seek to rise in rank. Some
wish to be promoted at work; some long for respect in society; others hope to
live a comfortable life. But do people also think about rising in rank with
Allah? That is to say, attaining a higher place in Paradise, in the life to
come? This is not merely a dream; it is a very real possibility. However, it
requires effort, sincerity in action, and consistency in behaviour.
In Surah Al-Mujadila, Chapter 58, Verse 12,
Allah says: “Allah elevates in degrees those
among you who have believed and those who have been given knowledge.”
This verse is clear: it is Allah alone Who raises people in rank, and He grants this to those who have faith and seek knowledge. So, it is not just a matter of doing many deeds; those deeds must also be carried out with conviction and understanding.
The Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) taught
three actions which, according to a Hadith reported in Al-Mu’jam Al-Awsat by
Tabarani, raise a believer by ten degrees: (1) feeding people (those in need as
well but mostly any person for the sake of Allah); (2) spreading the greeting
of peace (Salaam); and (3) performing prayer during the night while
others are asleep.
1. Feeding others In Islam.
Feeding others may seem like a simple act, but
it is filled with blessings. Food and drink are favours that Allah grants to
people. Yet, this favour is not distributed equally. In Surah An-Nahl, Chapter
16, Verse 72, Allah says that some receive more, and some receive less.
Therefore, if someone has more, they should not be afraid to share. They should
not say, “If I give, I will lose.” On the contrary, in Surah Ya-Sin,
Chapter 36, Verse 48, Allah condemns those who refuse to give, and considers
this a sign of misguidance.
When the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) arrived
in Madina, Abdallah Ibn Salam (ra) looked at his face and said, “This is not
the face of a liar.” And the Prophet (pbuh) said: “O people! Spread
Salaam, offer food, strengthen family ties, and pray during the night while
others sleep; you will enter Paradise in peace.” (Tirmidhi)
In Surah Al-Insan, Chapter 76, Verses 9 and 10,
Allah says: “And they give food, despite their
own desire for it, to the poor, the orphan, and the captive, (saying): ‘We feed
you only for the sake of Allah’s Face. We do not seek from you any reward or thanks.’”
So, when someone feeds others, they should not
expect a “thank you.” They should do it solely for the pleasure of Allah. Often,
people say: “He didn’t even say thank you!” But that is not a reason to
stop doing good. Because the reward does not come from people; it comes from
Allah. And Allah never leaves a good deed unrewarded.
2. Spreading Salaam.
A person who wishes peace upon others brings light to themselves and to those
they greet. Salaam is a simple word, yet it carries great weight in Islam.
In fact, Islam itself is rooted in Salaam – peace. And Allah is As-Salaam,
the Source of Peace. In Surah An-Nur, Chapter 24, Verse 61, Allah teaches the
believers how to greet one another. And in Surah Az-Zariyat, Chapter 51, Verses
25 and 26, Allah mentions the angels who greeted Hazrat Ibrahim (as) with
peace, with Hazrat Ibrahim also returning their greeting.
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said in a Hadith
reported by Abu Huraira (ra): “When Allah created Adam, He said to him: ‘Go
and greet that group of angels and listen carefully to how they respond to you.
That will be your greeting and the greeting of your descendants.’ Adam said:
‘Peace be upon you.’ And the angels replied: ‘Peace be upon you, and the mercy
of Allah.’” (Bukhari, Muslim)
In another Hadith reported by Abu Umma
Al-Bahili (ra), the Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “The person most deserving of
Allah’s love is the one who greets first.” (Abu Dawood, Tirmidhi)
So, every time someone says “Assalamu
Alaikum,” they earn a reward; they earn Allah’s love; and they rise in rank
with their Creator.
Salaam costs
nothing to say. It does not require money, nor great effort. Yet, it holds
immense spiritual value. Every day, people pass one another in the street, at
work, in the market. A simple “Salaam” can soften a heart, bring peace,
and build a bond.
3. Praying at Night (performing Tahajjud)
increases the honour of a believer. Hazrat
Jibril (as), the Chief Angel of Revelation, once said to the Holy Prophet (pbuh):
“Live as long as you wish, but one day you will die. Do what you wish, you
will be rewarded for it. Love whom you wish, you will be separated from them.
And know that the honour of a believer is in the night prayer, and his dignity
lies in being independent of people.” (Al-Mu’jam Al-Awsat by Tabarani)
The night prayer (Tahajjud), though not
obligatory, holds extraordinary value. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “The
best fast after Ramadan is fasting in the month of Allah (Muharram) and the
best prayer after the obligatory ones is the one performed at night.”
(Muslim)
This prayer not only elevates rank; it also
protects the body and soul. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said: “Performing
voluntary prayer at night was the practice of the righteous before you. It
draws you closer to your Lord, erases sins, prevents wrongdoing, and keeps
illness away from the body.” (Tirmidhi)
In another Hadith, the Prophet said that Allah
loves three people… and one of them is the one who, while travelling, rises at
the end of the night to pray and call upon Allah, whether in hardship or ease.
(Tirmidhi)
In a Hadith reported by Abu Dawood: “Whoever
rises to pray and recites ten verses will not be recorded among the heedless.
Whoever recites one hundred verses will be recorded among the obedient. And
whoever recites one thousand verses will be recorded among the accomplished
servants.”
So, the night prayer is a source of light, a
means of purification, and a path to elevation. Even if it is difficult, even
if sleep is heavy, the one who rises to pray earns a special place with Allah.
Feeding others, spreading Salaam, and praying
at night – these three actions do not require wealth, nor vast knowledge. They
only ask for a sincere heart, firm will, and a desire to draw closer to Allah. Every
sincere action a believer performs earns them a rank with Allah. As mentioned
in Surah Al-Imran, Chapter 3, Verse 164: “They
have degrees with Allah, and Allah is All-Seer of what they do.”
So, instead of seeking elevation only in this
worldly life, it is wise to also seek elevation in the Hereafter. For it is
there that the true reward lies. And Allah never leaves a good deed unrewarded.
I pray that these words touch the heart, and
inspire everyone towards a life closer to Allah. For in every sincere deed,
there is a light that guides towards Paradise. Insha-Allah, Ameen.
---Friday Sermon of