You reap what you sow

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that our lifespan in this world can be compared to a short season in which we are required to sow seeds in the form of our deeds to reap its results in the hereafter. Each individual has the opportunity to make their afterlife beautiful. In order to do so, our deeds play a major role.

Can a farmer sow rotten seeds in his farm and then expect to produce green fields? No, definitely not! The same is the case with our lives. It can be summed up in one simple statement: “You reap what you sow”. How can we expect to dwell in beautiful gardens in the hereafter when the deeds that we perform in this world are like rotten seeds? This goes in line with the verses of Surah al-Zilzal where Allah (swt) says:

فَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ خَيْرًا يَرَهُ

So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it. [99:7]

وَمَن يَعْمَلْ مِثْقَالَ ذَرَّةٍ شَرًّا يَرَهُ

And whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it. [99:8]

These are clear verses of the Quran that require contemplation. But, unfortunately, some people throughout their lives remain indifferent to this point. One historical figure who was indifferent to that which he planted in this world was Umar ibn Sa’d. He undertook the killing of the grandson of the Prophet (s) so that he could acquire rulership over the land of Rey. However, as a consequence of his actions, he received eternal punishment and will forever be amongst the lowest of the low ((أسفَلَ سَافِلِین. Indeed, by making this deal, he harmed himself in such a way that no enemy could ever harm him.

Now, the question is, what can we do to ensure that we do not subject ourselves to a similarly evil fate? There are numerous narrations in this regard but one of the methods mentioned is that of supplication. A believer is in need of supplications in all circumstances. Just like a person is in need of food day and night, he also needs to supplicate to Allah (swt) throughout the day. We should ask Allah (swt) to protect us from all those deeds which will bring about misfortunes. Another strategy that has been advised to us is that before committing any action, we should keep in mind that its affects will definitely be shown to us and experienced by us – if not now, then surely in the hereafter!