Book of Deeds ā Introduction
In Islam, the concept of accountability is fundamental. Angels record every personās actions, and words in the Book of Deeds, meticulously documenting both good and bad deeds. On the Day of Judgment, these books will be presented as evidence, determining a personās eternal fate: Paradise (Jannah) or Hell (Jahannam).
While Allah (SWT) is the ultimate judge, the Books of Deeds serve as a record of a personās life and emphasize the fairness and justice of divine judgment. The recording angels write these books, affirming that they notice every action. They hold every individual accountable for their choices.
Quranic References to the Book of Deeds
The Quran, the holy book of Islam, references the book of deeds, highlighting their importance on the Day of Judgment. Here are some of the critical Quranic verses:
This verse demonstrates the completeness of the record. Nothing escapes the record, no matter how insignificant an action may seem in this world. They will account for even the smallest of deeds, whether good or bad, on that day.
The Quran explains that on the Day of Judgment, Allah Almighty will present everyone with their record. They will ask each person to read their Book, which will serve as a testimony for or against them.
The Recording Angels (Kiraman Katibin)
In Islam, two angels are assigned to every human being to record their actions. These angels are called Kiraman Katibin (the noble scribes). They have specific roles:
Raqib (Angel on the Right)
This angel records all good deeds, including acts of worship (such as prayers, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage), acts of kindness, fulfilling obligations towards others, honesty, and efforts to obey Allahās (SWT) Commands.
Atid (Angel on the Left)
This angel records all bad deeds, including Sins, such as lying, theft, backbiting, dishonesty, harm to others, neglecting religious duties, and disobedience to Godās laws.
These angels are constantly with each person, ensuring that Angels note down every action, no matter how small or private. The Quran references them in Surah Al-Infitar:
This verse emphasizes that angels are noble and honorable in their tasks. They play a vital role because they ensure that every action is accounted for. They provide a complete and accurate record of a person on the Day of Judgment.
Receiving the Books of Deeds on the Day of Judgment
Allah (SWT) will present every person with their Book of Deeds on the Day of Judgment. The way the Book is handed to them deeply symbolizes their fate.
Receiving the Book in the Right Hand
This signifies that the person has lived righteously, and their good deeds outweigh their evil deeds. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran;
Those who receive their Book in the right hand will be filled with excitement and comfort, knowing that they are destined for Paradise. They will proudly show their Book to others, confident that their good deeds outweigh their sins.
Receiving the Book in the Left Hand (From Behind)
For those who have lived a life of sin and disobedience to Allah (SWT), Allah (SWT) will hand the Book of Deeds to them in their left hand or from behind their back. This is a sign of upcoming defeat and punishment. The Quran describes their regret and panic:
The left hand symbolizes failure, and receiving their Book this way will fill them with fear. They will wish they had never received their record, knowing that their sins will lead them to the hellfire. The Quran further describes that they will try to hide their deeds, but they will repent too late.
Forgiveness After the Deeds Are Written?
One of the most hopeful aspects of Islam is that Allah (SWT) offers forgiveness even after recording sins in the Books of Deeds. Islam teaches that God is Al-Rahman (The Most Merciful) and Al-Ghafur (The Forgiving). Even if a person has committed sins, they can be forgiven through sincere repentance (Tawbah) during their lifetime.
Repentance involves:
- Feeling genuine guilt for the sin.
- Finishing the sinful behaviour directly.
- Resolving not to return to the sin in the future.
By sincerely repenting, a person can have their sins erased from the record, as Allah (SWT) forgives all sins except shirk if repentance is made.
Witnesses to Human Actions on the Day of Judgment
In addition to the book of deeds, other witnesses will testify to a personās actions. These witnesses provide a complete record of every individualās deeds. Here are the main witnesses according to Islamic belief:
Allah (SWT)
The ultimate witness to all actions is Allah (SWT) Himself, as He is aware of everything that happens, whether seen or unseen. The Quran says:
āSurely Allah is ever Watchful over you.ā [Surah Nisa 1]
The Personās Own Body
A personās body will testify against them on the Day of Judgment. This testimony includes their hands, feet, and skin. The Quran mentions:
āOn the Day their tongues, hands, and feet will testify against them for what they used to do.ā [Surah An-Nur 24]
Even if someone tries to deny their actions, their limbs will testify and tell the truth.
Time and Place
Whether good or bad, the places where actions took place will also testify. If a person performed good deeds in a particular spot, that spot will bear witness. Similarly, places of wrongdoing will testify against the sinner.
The Prophets
Prophets (Peace be upon them) will bear witness on the Day of Judgment regarding the messages they conveyed to their people. Allah Almighty will call upon each Prophet (Peace be upon them) to testify about the responses they received from their nations.
āSo how will it be when We bring a witness from every faith community and bring you (O Prophet) as a witness against yours? [Surah An-Nisa verse 41]
The Quran
The Quran will act as a witness, testifying for those who followed its guidance and against those who ignored its teachings. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said that the Quran will either speak for or against people, depending on how well they followed its teachings.
These witnesses ensure that no small action will go unaccounted for, highlighting the importance of leading a life of righteousness and goodness.
How the Books of Deeds Influence Muslim Behavior
The belief in the Book of Deeds significantly influences how we behave. As a result, it constantly reminds us that every action is recorded and will be judged on the Day of Judgment. Hereās how this belief shapes our actions and lifestyle:
Encouraging Good Deeds
We are motivated to perform good deeds, knowing they will be recorded in our favor. We see acts of worship like prayer, fasting, charity, and helping others as opportunities to earn rewards. The awareness that the angels record even small deeds, such as a kind word or helping someone, encourages them to lead a life of kindness and generosity. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran;
āSo whoever does an atomās weight of good will see it.ā [Surah Az-Zalzalah verse 7]
Avoiding Sin
Knowing that angels record evil deeds in the Book of Deeds makes us more careful about committing sins. Whether lying, backbiting, or breaking promises, believers strive to avoid actions that will negatively impact their record. The fear of accountability for these wrongdoings encourages them to seek forgiveness and repent for their mistakes.
Mindfulness of Intentions
We are also taught that our intentions (niyyah) are recorded in the Book of deeds. This means they aim to act with sincerity and pure intentions, knowing that Allah (SWT) rewards not only the actions but also the intentions behind them. If a person intends to do good but cannot, the angels still record their good intentions.
Seeking Forgiveness
The belief in the Book of Deeds encourages us to constantly seek Allahās (SWT) forgiveness for our mistakes. People can erase bad deeds from their records through repentance. Knowing that sincere repentance can lead to forgiveness motivates us to turn back to Allah (SWT) whenever we fall short.
āThe Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: āThe one who repents from sin is like one who did not sin.'ā [Sunan Ibn Majah 4250]
Accountability for Actions
The concept of the Book of Deeds reinforces the idea of personal accountability. We are constantly aware that their actions in this life have consequences in the Hereafter. This makes them more mindful of how we live, ensuring their actions align with Islamic principles and lead to a positive record in their Book of Deeds.
Encouraging Continuous Good Deeds
The concept of Sadaqah Jariyah (ongoing charity) encourages us to perform good deeds that benefit others even after we have passed away. Examples of such deeds include building a mosque, spreading beneficial knowledge, and raising righteous children. The angels record these ongoing acts in the Book of Deeds, and they continue to earn rewards even after a personās death.
In conclusion, the belief in the Book of Deeds deeply influences our behavior. It encourages us to lead a life of righteousness, avoid sins, and constantly seek forgiveness. We know that angels record every action for judgment in the Hereafter.
Conclusion
The Book of Deeds reminds us that everyone will be held accountable in the Hereafter. Every action, big or small, is written down, making every moment in life important for our eternal future. The Book of Deeds can guide a person to Heaven but also bring regret in Hell if itās full of carelessness and sin.
However, Islam teaches us about Allahās (SWT) endless mercy. Through sincere repentance, even Allah (SWT) can change the imperfect parts of our Book through His forgiveness. As we live, we should focus on doing good deedsāacts of worship, kindness, and honestyāso that our Book of Deeds brings us happiness and salvation on the Day of Judgment.
