Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and know that your deeds will not make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even if it were little."
To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 6464
Hadith Text
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately and know that your deeds will not make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant even if it were little."
Commentary on Excellence in Worship
The Prophet (ﷺ) begins by commanding excellence in deeds through three qualities: proper performance (ihsan), sincerity (ikhlas), and moderation (qasd). Ihsan means perfecting the action according to Sunnah. Ikhlas requires purifying intention for Allah alone. Moderation prevents extremism that leads to abandonment.
The Reality of Divine Acceptance
"Your deeds will not make you enter Paradise" demolishes reliance on personal actions. Entry into Paradise is solely through Allah's mercy, while deeds are the means through which mercy is sought. This protects against self-admiration (ujb) and ensures recognition of divine favor.
The Superiority of Consistent Worship
The most beloved deeds to Allah are those performed regularly, even if small. Continuity (dawam) reflects sincere love and creates spiritual discipline. The heart remains connected to Allah through habitual remembrance, whereas sporadic worship often stems from temporary spiritual states (ahwal).
Practical Implementation
Choose sustainable acts you can maintain daily. A few rak'ahs of night prayer performed consistently outweighs occasional all-night prayers. Regular charity, however small, is superior to large but irregular donations. The key is establishing a connection with Allah that endures through all life's circumstances.