Entering Jannah is by the bounty of Allah, not by good deeds


Question:

It has been narrated in a Hadith that no one will enter Jannah (Paradise) by the virtue of their deeds; rather due to the bounty of Allah (Exalted be He). I appreciate if you discuss the different views regarding this matter.

Answer:

It is not only good deeds that bring about happiness; deeds are only a factor. This is indicated by Allah’s saying, “…enter you Paradise, because of that (the good) which you used to do (in the world).” [Al-Nahl: 32]

As for the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) saying, “No one of you will enter Paradise by virtue of his deeds” 1, it means that Jannah cannot be the corresponding reward for one’s good deeds. In other words, deeds, however great they may be, are not enough a price for entering Jannah. Rather, doing good deeds should be accompanied by Allah’s forgiveness and mercy in order to qualify for entering Jannah. Allah obliterates all sins by His Forgiveness, grants all that is good by His Mercy, and doubles the reward by His Grace.

  1. Ahmad, vol. 2, pp. 235, 256, and 264, and vol. 6, p. 125, Al-Bukhari, Fath-ul-Bary, nos. 5673, 6463, 6464, and 6467; Muslim, nos. 2816, 2817, and 2818; and Al-Nasa’i, Al-Mujtaba, vol. 8, pp. 121-122. ↩

Muftis
  • Estimated reading time :
    1 Min read
  • Source:
    Fatawa Al-Lajnah Al-Da'imah no. 1353-2
  • Afterlife
  • Updated :
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