Explanation of the Book of the Hearts-03b
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The reciter: Adam narrated to us, Ibn Abi Dhi'b narrated to us from Sa'id al-Maqburi from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Sahih Muslim 2816a, b They said: "Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?" He said: Mishkat al-Masabih 2371.
The Shaykh : Now, this hadith indicates that deeds do not save one from the Fire, but other texts pose a difficulty, as they indicate that deeds are a cause of salvation from the Fire. The way to reconcile them is to say that his statement: is in the sense of exchange, whereas his statement: and similar verses indicating that deeds are a cause, mean that deeds are merely a cause, not an exchange. For if it were an exchange, a single blessing from Allah in this world would equal all deeds, would it not? If we wanted an exchange and set the person up, we would say, "Come, how much did you do? You did such and such and such. Now, how much is Allah's blessing upon you?"
The reciter: They cannot be counted.
The Shaykh : They cannot be counted. So if exchange were intended, a single blessing in this world would equal all deeds. But deeds are a cause, and a cause is not required to be equivalent to its effect. Thus, a person's deeds are a cause for his salvation from the Fire and his entry into Paradise, but they are not the exchange.
None amongst you would attain salvation purely because of his deeds
لن ينجي أحداً منكم عملهNot even I unless God covers me with His mercy; but if you keep to the straight path, are moderate, pray morning and evening and part of the night, and earnestly practise moderation, you will reach [the goal].
ولا أنا إلا أن يتغمدني الله برحمته سددوا وقاربوا واغدوا وروحوا وشيء من الدلجة والقصد القصد تبلغواThe Shaykh : Now, this hadith indicates that deeds do not save one from the Fire, but other texts pose a difficulty, as they indicate that deeds are a cause of salvation from the Fire. The way to reconcile them is to say that his statement:
No one among you will be saved by his deeds
لن ينجي منكم أحد عملهA reward for what you used to do
جزاءاً بما كنتم تعملونThe reciter: They cannot be counted.
The Shaykh : They cannot be counted. So if exchange were intended, a single blessing in this world would equal all deeds. But deeds are a cause, and a cause is not required to be equivalent to its effect. Thus, a person's deeds are a cause for his salvation from the Fire and his entry into Paradise, but they are not the exchange.