The chapter on hastening towards good deeds

Explanation of Riyad-us-Saliheen the Chapter on Hastening Towards Good Deeds

Shaykh Muhammad Bin Saleh al- Uthaymeen, may Allaah have mercy upon him, explains the chapter on “hastening towards good deeds.

“Hastening towards good deeds and urging whoever pursues good deeds to be steadfast; without hesitation. 

This title makes two points:

Firstly, Hastening and taking the initiative to do good deeds.

Secondly, If one is determined to do good, one should proceed without hesitation.

The first point is initiative, which opposes laziness and apathy. The person who is lazy and apathetic has missed many good deeds.

The Prophet Muhammad said,

?“The strong believer is better and more beloved of Allaah than the weak believer, although both are good. Strive to do that which will benefit you, seek the help of Allah, and do not feel helpless.

One should hasten to do good deeds as soon as told about them, such as prayer, charity, fasting, pilgrimage, obedience to parents, maintaining kinship ties, etc. One should hasten to perform these good deeds because one does not know whether one will lose the ability to do these deeds later due to death, sickness, or something else if the present opportunity is missed.

The Messenger of Allaah said, 

Whoever intends to perform Hajj, let him hasten to do so, for he may fall sick, lose his mount, or be faced with some need.

Something may appear (suddenly) and prevent the individual from proceeding to do good deed. Hence, one should hasten to do good deeds and shun laziness.