In this connection...

In this connection, God says: “I swear by time, most surely man is in loss, except those who believe and do good.” [^8] God has also said: “Whoever does good whether male or female and he is a believer, We will most certainly make him live a happy life.” [^9] In another verse, God says: “Then (as for) those who believe and do good, they shall have forgiveness and an honorable sustenance.” [^10] On the same topic, God says: “And the blind and the seeing are not alike, nor those who believe and do good and the evil doer.” [^11] Elsewhere, God has said: “Shall We treat those who believe and do good like the mischief-makers in the earth?

Or shall We make those who guard (against evil) like the wicked?” [^12] There are narrations to the same effect, stressing that deeds have to be good and righteous. Furthermore, there should be no obstacles on their way of acceptance. The following is an example.

Ibn Fahad al-Hilli in his book Uddatod-Da’ee and Seyed ibn Tawus in Falah as-Saa’il mention that the Holy Prophet (SAW) has been reported by Mu’ath ibn Jabal as saying: “Before creating heavens, God created seven angels, appointing each of them in a heaven and made that heaven splendid with that glory. Then, God appointed an angel as gatekeeper to each of the gates of the heavens.

The guardian angels record man’s deeds day and night and send them up and a light like the light of the sun is sent for him to the lower heaven. When they reach the sky of the world, they refine the deed and add to it, but all of a sudden, the angel will say: Wait! Throw this deed against the face of its doer. I am the angel of backbiting. I will not let the deed of a backbiter pass on to heaven.

This is the order of my Lord.’ He added: ‘Then the next day while carrying good deeds, the angels return and pass by the former angel, refine the deed and add to it till they reach the second heaven where the angel of that heaven will say: Stop here! Throw this deed against the face of its doer, for with this deed, he was following mean objectives in the world.

I am the angel of worldly affairs and will not let the deed of this person pass on to others from here.’ He said: ‘The next angels take up the deed of God’s servant from whose charity and prayer they are happy. However, when they reach the third heaven, the angel will say: Throw this deed against the face of its doer. I am the angel who record arrogance. This person had good deeds but, he was arrogant to people.