Looking back on what you did

Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu

A couple of months ago while cleaning, I came across an old file full of my awards and certificates from school. And I remember flipping through them, trying to recollect the memories and events that led to those achievements.

You’ve probably encountered such a moment too, where you’ve uncovered stuff that triggered memories of your hard work and sacrifice. Sometimes those memories are happy. Other times, they are sad..empty…full of regret. Regret for time wasted and effort lost.

But this Dunya is not the only place where we will recollect our past deeds. Allah will cause us to remember on the Day of Judgment too, as He says in Surah an-Naziat:

يَوْمَ يَتَذَكَّرُ الْإِنسَانُ مَا سَعَىٰ
The Day when man will remember that for which he strove [Surah an-Naziat: 35]

SubhanAllah, we will actually remember what we strove for, what we worked hard for, what we sacrificed for…we will observe our deeds…it will all be there.

So here’s an action point for you based on the above ayah:

Do a righteous deed that you wish to remember on the Day of Judgment, a deed between you and Allah. Do something today that will benefit you in the Akhirah, even if it is something small like saying the Dhikr seen below:

And also, ask yourself this everyday before you go to bed:

“What did I strive for today? Was I running in pursuit of the Dunya or in pursuit of the Akhirah (i.e. Jannah)?”

If it was solely for the Dunya, then make an intention to do better and strive for the Akhirah the next day inshaaAllah.