بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

Imam Al Uthaymeen (رحمه الله) said:

“Know that that which is taken in to consideration in the Dunya is that which is apparent, the tongue and the limbs, and in the Hereafter with that which is hidden in the hearts.

The person on the day of judgement will be recompensed based upon that which is in his heart and in the Dunya based upon that which is upon his tongue and his limbs. Allah Tabaraaka Wa Taalaa says,

إِنَّهُ عَلَىٰ رَجْعِهِ لَقَادِرٌ (8) يَوْمَ تُبْلَى السَّرَائِرُ

‘Verily, (Allah) is Able to bring him back (to life)! The Day when all the secrets (deeds, prayers, fasting, etc.) will be examined (as to their truth).’ [86:8-9]

The secrets and the hearts will be put to test.

Allah talaa says,

أَفَلَا يَعْلَمُ إِذَا بُعْثِرَ مَا فِي الْقُبُور(9) وَحُصِّلَ مَا فِي الصُّدُورِ (10) إِنَّ رَبَّهُم بِهِمْ يَوْمَئِذٍ لَّخَبِيرٌ (11)

‘Knows he not that when the contents of the graves are brought out and poured forth (all mankind is resurrected). And that which is in the breasts (of men) shall be made known. Verily, that Day (i.e. the Day of Resurrection) their Lord will be Well-Acquainted with them (as to their deeds), (and will reward them for their deeds).’ [100:9-11]

Oh my brother, adhere to the purification of your heart before the purification of your limbs. How many people pray, fast, give charity, and perform Hajj but their heart is corrupt?

Take as example the Khawaarij. The Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم spoke regarding them that they pray, fast, read the Qur’an, stand at night and cry, pray Tahaajud. A companion (of the messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم) looks down upon his prayer in comparison to theirs, [Despite all this,] the Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم said, ‘Faith will not exceed their throats’

Faith will not enter their hearts.

Although outwardly they are upright, yet it did not benefit them. Thus do not be misled by the correctness of your limbs. Before anything, look at your heart. I ask Allah that he corrects my heart and your hearts. The most important thing is the heart.” End translation. [Sharh Riyaadus Saaliheen 3/277]

Translated by

Majid Jawed Al-Afghanee
Abu Layl