FRIDAY SERMON: The Divine Law of Consequences of Actions
Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:11) reminds us: “Allah does not change a people’s condition until they change themselves.”
Mohammed Younis Zahid
Makafat-e-Amal, the divine law of consequences, grinds every action like a mill turning grain into flour. Rooted in the radiant guidance of the Quran and the sacred duty of parenting, it serves as a beacon for the younger generation (15–25) and young married couples (25–35).
The Quran declares: “So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom’s weight of evil will see it” (Surah Al-Zalzalah, 99:7–8).
This verse underscores that every deed, however small, shapes our life and hereafter. Yet, today, many young couples neglect their parents and in-laws, leaving them in misery, unaware that the mill of Makafat-e-Amal runs continuously, and their time will come. This essay explores how righteous actions lead to paradise, while neglecting elders sows seeds of loneliness in old age, urging youth and couples to honor their responsibilities.
The Younger Generation and Makafat-e-Amal
Youth stand at a pivotal stage where their choices forge their future. In the dazzling world of social media, actions like lying, mocking others, or disrespecting parents—against the Qur’anic command “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to parents” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:23)—reap isolation, mental stress, or failure. For instance, a student who cheats in exams may gain temporary success but faces career setbacks due to lack of skills or trust. A 2023 study reveals that 40% of youth engaging in cyberbullying suffer anxiety themselves, a clear manifestation of Makafat-e-Amal. The Quran reinforces this in Surah Al-Muzzammil (73:20): “Whatever good you put forward for yourselves, you will find it with Allah,” urging youth to sow goodness.
Conversely, youth who embrace righteous deeds—honoring parents, helping peers, or practicing patience and prayer—reap success, respect, and inner peace. Surah Luqman (31:17) offers timeless guidance, as Prophet Luqman advises his son: “O my son, establish prayer, enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and be patient over what befalls you.” This blueprint encourages youth to uphold faith and morality. Furthermore, Surah Az-Zumar (39:10) promises: “Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account,” highlighting the boundless reward of patience. Youth must shun social media’s traps, respect elders, and build their future with faith, for the mill of Makafat-e-Amal grinds relentlessly.
Young Couples and Neglecting Elders
Young married couples, especially daughters-in-law, are entrusted with honoring parents and in-laws, as the Quran commands in Surah Al-Isra (17:23). This duty extends to in-laws, who form part of the family. Yet, today, many couples neglect their elders, leaving them in loneliness and helplessness, defying Qur’anic teachings and turning the mill of Makafat-e-Amal toward bitter consequences. For example, a daughter-in-law who avoids serving her in-laws or a couple who ignores their parents’ needs may face the same abandonment in old age. A 2023 study indicates that 60% of neglected parents suffer isolation and depression, a stark reminder: your time will come, await your turn.
The Quran emphasizes kindness to elders in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:215): “They ask you what they should spend. Say, ‘Whatever you spend of good is for parents and those nearest to you.’” This verse prioritizes care for parents and relatives. Neglecting elders not only invites divine displeasure, as the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Allah’s pleasure lies in the pleasure of parents, and His displeasure in their displeasure” (Tirmidhi), but also sets a poor example for children. Couples who abandon elders sow seeds of loneliness, as the mill of Makafat-e-Amal ensures they reap what they sow. In contrast, those who honor parents and in-laws with time, care, and respect earn their prayers, fostering harmony, righteous offspring, and divine blessings.
Parenting and Qur’anic Guidance
Parenting is a sacred trust, as the Quran commands: “O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire…” (Surah At-Tahrim, 66:6). Couples must raise children with Qur’anic values—prayer, patience, and respect for elders—as exemplified by Prophet Luqman in Surah Luqman (31:13–19). Luqman’s advice to his son, emphasizing monotheism, prayer, enjoining good, and patience, is a blueprint for parents. If parents neglect their own elders, children learn the same disregard, and the mill returns loneliness in old age. For instance, a couple ignoring their parents may find their children ignoring them later, fulfilling Makafat-e-Amal.
Conversely, parents who teach children to honor elders—through stories of prophets like Yaqub’s patience with his sons (Surah Yusuf, 12:4–18) or practical acts like spending time with grandparents—raise righteous offspring who become their support. Surah Al-Furqan (25:74) offers a dua: “Our Lord, grant us from our spouses and offspring comfort to our eyes,” inspiring parents to seek righteous children. By modeling respect, prayer, and charity, parents turn the mill toward blessings, ensuring family unity and divine favor.
Practical Steps
To align with Makafat-e-Amal and Qur’anic teachings, youth and couples can adopt these steps:
- Daily Dua: Recite “Our Lord, grant us from our spouses and offspring comfort to our eyes” (Surah Al-Furqan, 25:74) for family guidance.
- Honor Elders: Spend one day a week with parents or in-laws, meeting their needs and seeking their prayers.
- Teach Children: Share Qur’anic stories (e.g., Prophet Yaqub’s patience) and teach respect for elders.
- Prayer and Charity: Pray together and involve children in charity to instill kindness.
- Gentle Discipline: Correct mistakes with love, as the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best of you are those best to their families” (Tirmidhi). Conclusion
The mill of Makafat-e-Amal grinds every deed, and your time will come. Youth must embrace honesty, patience, and respect for parents to forge a bright future. Young couples must honor parents, in-laws, and raise children with faith, for those who neglect elders today will face loneliness tomorrow. Surah Ar-Ra’d (13:11) reminds us: “Allah does not change a people’s condition until they change themselves.” Every good deed, every prayer, is a step toward paradise. May Allah grant us the ability to sow righteousness and bless our families with faith and love.
And Allah knows best
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