The Virtues of Voluntary Deeds in Islam: A Path to Allah’s Love and Paradise

The Importance and Rewards of Voluntary Deeds in Islam

In Islam, the pursuit of good deeds and closeness to Allah (SWT) is a central theme. While obligatory acts of worship such as prayer (salah), fasting (sawm), and charity (zakat) are the foundational pillars of a Muslim’s faith, the voluntary deeds (nawafil) hold a unique and elevated position in the eyes of Allah. These deeds, though not compulsory, serve as a means of seeking the pleasure of Allah and increasing one’s spiritual rank. In this post, we will explore the virtues of voluntary deeds in Islam, shedding light on their significance and the rewards promised to those who engage in them.

1. The Importance of Voluntary Deeds

Voluntary acts of worship, or nawafil, are the extra prayers and good deeds that a Muslim performs beyond the obligatory acts of worship. These include additional prayers (such as Sunnah prayers before and after the obligatory prayers), giving extra charity, fasting on non-obligatory days, and other righteous actions. Although they are not mandated by Allah, they are highly encouraged and form a means through which a person draws closer to their Creator.

In the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) says:

“And whoever does good voluntarily, then verily, Allah is All-Recogniser, All-Knower.”
(Al-Baqarah, 2:158)

This verse emphasizes that Allah recognizes and knows the intentions and efforts of those who engage in voluntary good deeds. They are not unseen or unnoticed in the sight of Allah, even if they are not witnessed by others. In fact, these deeds are a demonstration of one’s sincere desire to please Allah, and Allah, the All-Knowing, is aware of every act, no matter how small.

Another verse in the Qur’an highlights the benefit of voluntary deeds in improving one’s state before Allah:

“But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him.”
(Al-Baqarah, 2:184)

This verse points to the fact that acts of kindness and goodness performed out of one’s own free will—especially those acts which are not obligatory—are more rewarding in the eyes of Allah. The sincerity behind such actions, free from the compulsion of duty, elevates the status of the person in the sight of Allah.

2. Voluntary Deeds as a Path to Divine Love

One of the most powerful virtues of voluntary deeds is that they serve as a means of attaining the love of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) explained:

“My servant draws not near to Me with anything more loved by Me than the religious duties I have enjoined upon him, and My servant keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (extra deeds) until I love him.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

This hadith reflects the profound truth that performing voluntary acts of worship brings a person closer to Allah’s love. The obligatory acts of worship, while essential, serve as the foundation of a Muslim’s faith. However, it is through the voluntary deeds—those performed out of a deep desire to please Allah—that one truly earns Allah’s affection. This serves as a powerful reminder that love for Allah is not just about fulfilling the minimum requirements but actively seeking to strengthen and deepen that bond through additional acts of worship.

3. The Role of Voluntary Prayers in Purification

One of the most significant voluntary deeds in Islam is the voluntary prayer (Nawafil), which includes the Sunnah prayers performed before and after the obligatory prayers. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“The first of his deeds for which a person will be brought to account on the Day of Resurrection will be his prayer. If it is sound, then he will have succeeded, but if it is not sound, then he will be lost and doomed. If anything is lacking from his obligatory prayers, the Lord will say: ‘Look and see whether My slave has any voluntary prayers,’ and the shortfall from his obligatory prayers will be made up from that. Then all his deeds will be dealt with in like manner.”
(Sunan at-Tirmidhi)

This hadith illustrates the vital role that voluntary prayers play in the Day of Judgment. If a person falls short in fulfilling their obligatory prayers, Allah, in His mercy, will look at their voluntary prayers to make up for the deficiency. This highlights the significance of Nawafil, not only as an act of devotion but also as a means of purification and completion of one’s obligatory worship.

Furthermore, the Prophet (ﷺ) taught that the Sunnah prayers performed regularly are an important shield for a person. These additional prayers help protect the believer from the spiritual harms of negligence and laziness in fulfilling the obligatory prayers.

4. Building a House in Paradise

One of the most rewarding forms of voluntary deeds is the practice of performing extra prayers daily. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever prays twelve voluntary rak’ahs each day and night, a house will be built for him in Paradise because of them.”
(Sahih Muslim)

This is an encouragement for Muslims to make a habit of performing extra prayers, even though they are not compulsory. The twelve rak’ahs include the Sunnah prayers associated with the five daily prayers, as well as additional prayers performed throughout the day. By engaging in this practice, a person not only strengthens their relationship with Allah but is also promised a house in Paradise, a reward of unimaginable beauty and eternal bliss.

5. Voluntary Deeds as a Means of Spiritual Development

Shaykh Abdur-Rahman As-Sa’di (may Allah have mercy on him) remarked:

“This indicates that the more a person does of acts of obedience, the more he increases in goodness, spiritual development, and status before Allah, because of the increase in his faith.”
(Taysir al-Karīm ar-Rahman)

The performance of voluntary deeds directly contributes to one’s spiritual growth. By engaging in acts of worship beyond what is obligatory, the believer demonstrates their eagerness to improve their relationship with Allah. These extra deeds cultivate a deeper level of consciousness and humility, fostering a greater sense of gratitude and dependence on Allah.

The act of performing voluntary deeds, especially in times of difficulty or when it is not easy, nurtures the believer’s ability to resist the temptations of this world and focus on the Hereafter. The increase in spiritual development brings not only personal peace but also increases one’s status before Allah, which is the ultimate goal of every Muslim.

6. The Rewards for Voluntary Deeds in the Hereafter

The rewards for voluntary deeds are immense and beyond human comprehension. Allah’s promise to those who perform Nawafil is a guarantee of His pleasure, protection, and eternal reward in Paradise. Every act of goodness, no matter how small, is magnified by Allah’s mercy. The extra prayers, the charity given beyond what is obligatory, the fasting on non-obligatory days, and all forms of goodness accumulate to form a bank of reward that will benefit the believer on the Day of Judgment.

Conclusion

In Islam, voluntary deeds serve as a powerful tool for personal growth and spiritual elevation. They bring the believer closer to Allah, help purify their heart, and increase their rank in the Hereafter. While the obligatory acts of worship form the foundation of faith, it is the voluntary deeds that allow one to truly excel and stand out in the sight of Allah. As Muslims, we should take every opportunity to perform voluntary acts, knowing that each good deed is a step closer to the love and mercy of our Creator.

May Allah grant us the strength and sincerity to engage in voluntary deeds and accept them from us, elevating our status in this life and the Hereafter. Ameen.