Good tidings in this world and the next for the devout

Good tidings await devout Muslims in the worldly life and the hereafter, the sermon will tell mosque-goers on Friday.

God sent the prophets to guide mankind so those who follow in their footsteps can expect great success in this world and in Heaven.

“Oh Prophet, indeed We have sent you as a witness and a bringer of good tidings and a warner. And one who invites to Allah, by His permission, and an illuminating lamp. And give good tidings to the believers that they will have from Allah great bounty.” (Al-Ahzab: 45-47)

Prophet Mohammed strove to inspire his companions. It was narrated that the Prophet said to Jaber, one of his companions: “Shall I give you news of that with which Allah met your father?” Jabir said: “But of course Oh Messenger of Allah!” So, the Prophet told him of what Allah prepared for his father in Paradise.

Similarly, it was told that Abu Musa said: “When the Messenger of Allah sent any of his companions on a mission, he would say, ‘Give good tidings (to the people); do not create (in their minds) aversion (to religion); show them leniency’.”

God also sent down the Quran to guide people.

“True believers” are promised great rewards: “And those who have believed and done righteous deeds will be in lush regions of the gardens [in Paradise] having whatever they will in the presence of their Lord. That is what is the great bounty.” (Ash-Shura: 22)

The ways of earning these rewards are plenty. They include performing good acts frequently, showing kindness to others, giving money to charity, praying and reciting the Quran.

God said, “whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer – We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] according to the best of what they used to do”. (An-Nahl: 97)

In the Quran, God addresses Muslims who are obedient, perform acts of worship diligently; pray at prescribed times, and pay zakat. He honours them in this world and the hereafter, saying “and, [Oh Mohammed], give good tidings to the humble [before their Lord]. Who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts are fearful, and [to] the patient over what has afflicted them, and the establishers of prayer and those who spend from what We have provided them.” (Al-Hajj: 34-35)