In our busy lives, we often look for a clear path. We want to know the best way to invest our time, the best way to build relationships, and the best way to find peace. For Muslims, the ultimate goal is to find the path to Allah’s love and pleasure. But what does that path look like? What are the specific actions that are dearest to our Creator?

The beautiful thing about Islam is that it doesn’t leave us guessing. Through the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), we are given a clear roadmap. It’s not about grand, impossible gestures, but about simple, sincere, and consistent actions. Let’s explore some of the deeds that hold a special place in the sight of Allah.

1. The Foundation: Prayer on Time

When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was asked which deed is the most beloved to Allah, his very first answer was, “Performing the prayer on time.”

Think about it. Prayer is our direct conversation with Allah. It’s our moment to pause, disconnect from the world, and reconnect with our Creator five times a day. When we drop everything to pray as soon as the time comes, we are sending a powerful message. We are saying, “O Allah, You are my priority. My conversation with You is more important than my work, my entertainment, or my rest.” This simple act of prioritising Allah in our daily schedule is incredibly dear to Him.

2. The Heart of the Home: Kindness to Parents

The second act the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned right after prayer was “to be good and dutiful to your parents.”

Our parents are the means through which Allah gave us life. Honouring them is a fundamental principle in Islam. This doesn’t just mean grand gestures. It’s in the small things: a kind word, a patient ear, helping them without being asked, or simply making a heartfelt prayer for them. Even if you have disagreements or live far away, a simple phone call to check in can be an act of worship that earns Allah’s love. Being a source of comfort and mercy for your parents is a direct reflection of the mercy you hope to receive from Allah.

3. The Power of Consistency: A Little, Done Often

It’s easy to feel inspired and do a lot of good deeds for a day or two, only to burn out and stop completely. However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us a more sustainable and beloved approach. He said, “The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if they are few.”

Allah loves consistency more than temporary bursts of effort. Giving a small amount of charity every single week is more beloved to Him than giving a huge amount once a year and then forgetting about it. Reading just one page of the Qur’an a day is better than reading a large portion once a month. This principle is a beautiful mercy from Allah. It teaches us to build small, positive habits that will last a lifetime, slowly but surely bringing us closer to Him.

4. The Helping Hand: Easing Someone’s Burden

Our faith is not just about our personal worship; it’s also about how we treat others. Serving Allah’s creation is one of the most powerful ways to earn His love. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Allah helps a person as long as that person is helping their brother or sister.

This can be anything from listening to a friend who is struggling, helping a neighbour with their groceries, visiting someone who is sick, or donating to help those in need. When you relieve someone’s stress or solve a problem for them, you are doing an act that is immensely loved by God. You are being His hands and feet on Earth, spreading the mercy that He has shown to you.

A Final Thought

The path to Allah’s love is not complicated. It is paved with simple, sincere actions that we can all strive to perform. By focusing on our prayers, honouring our parents, being consistent in our good deeds, and extending a helping hand to others, we can walk a path that is truly beloved by our Creator.

May Allah make it easy for us all to perform these beautiful acts and earn His infinite love and mercy. Ameen.