4 Ways Good Deeds Lose Value | Ustadh Abu Unays

Summary

The sermon focuses on the concept of *hasanat* (good deeds) and their significance in the Hereafter. Just as wealth can appreciate or depreciate in value, *hasanat* can also increase or decrease over time. The speaker discusses how our actions, intentions, and sins can cause our good deeds to lose value, sometimes partially or completely. Four categories of depreciation are explained, including bans on good deeds, negligence during good deeds, others taking our rewards, and actions that wipe out our good deeds entirely. The sermon emphasizes protecting and preserving *hasanat* through seeking forgiveness and constant repentance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hasanat (good deeds) are like a currency in the Hereafter, used to acquire joy, lifestyle, and blessings.
• 🪙 Hasanat can be measured by six factors: quantity, weight, validity, acceptability, longevity, and outcomes.
• 🔺 Just like wealth, Hasanat can appreciate or depreciate in value over time.
• ⏳ Some actions, like committing sins, can lead to a depreciation of Hasanat, reducing or eliminating its rewards.
• ⚠️ There are four categories that cause Hasanat to lose value: a ban on rewards for a period, negligence while doing good deeds, sinful actions during or after the deed, and others benefiting from your good deeds due to wronging them.
• ❌ A ban (Mawania) can be placed on good deeds, preventing any rewards from being earned during that period, like intoxication affecting prayer.
• 😟 Negligence in performing good deeds or simultaneous engagement in sin (Muhaazaat) reduces or nullifies the value of the good deed.
• 💔 Wronging others can cause them to take your Hasanat in the Hereafter, leaving you bankrupt of good deeds.
• 🚫 Major sins, like shirk (associating partners with Allah), can wipe out all good deeds entirely.
• 🔄 Seeking forgiveness (istighfar) is a way to protect and preserve one's Hasanat from being diminished or lost.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of hasanat (good deeds) in Islam according to the sermon?

Hasanat are seen as a 'currency' for trade in the Hereafter. They are the means through which one can acquire joy, delight, and a lifestyle in the next life.

How can hasanat be measured according to the sermon?

Hasanat can be measured in terms of quantity, weight, validity, acceptability, longevity, and outcomes. These factors determine the final value of one's good deeds.

What is meant by the 'depreciation' of hasanat?

Depreciation of hasanat refers to the decrease in the value of good deeds over time, similar to how currency or wealth can lose its value. Certain actions or behaviors can cause a person’s hasanat to lose value or become void.

What are some factors that can cause hasanat to lose value?

Hasanat can lose value due to a person’s thoughts, words, actions, or interactions. Negligence in performing the deed properly or engaging in sinful acts while performing good deeds can also cause depreciation.

What is an example of a situation where a ban is placed on hasanat?

An example given is the case of someone who drinks alcohol. For 40 days, their prayers will not be accepted, meaning they will not earn hasanat during that time, even though they must still perform the prayer.

What is the significance of performing good deeds properly?

Performing good deeds properly is crucial because negligence in their performance can cause a reduction in their value. For example, someone who steals from their prayer by not performing it correctly will not receive the full reward.

How can someone’s hasanat be taken by others according to the sermon?

On the Day of Judgment, if a person wronged others, those individuals can take the hasanat of the wrongdoer as compensation for the harm they suffered. If the wrongdoer's hasanat runs out, the sins of the harmed individuals will be transferred to the wrongdoer.

What actions can completely wipe out all hasanat?

Committing shirk (associating partners with Allah) can completely wipe out all good deeds. Additionally, certain actions like using donations for leverage or missing obligatory prayers can cancel out specific good deeds.

What is the fourth category of hasanat depreciation mentioned?

The fourth category involves a person’s good deeds being entirely wiped out, making them valueless as if they never existed. This can happen due to major sins like shirk or consistent secret sins.

What is one recommended solution to protect hasanat from being diminished or lost?

The speaker recommends continuously seeking forgiveness (istighfar) as a protection for one's hasanat. Regular repentance can preserve good deeds and even convert sins into hasanat through Allah’s mercy.