The lasting good deeds and their effects on the individual and society in light of the Holy Qur’an

The research addresses the concept of "lasting good deeds" (Al-Baqiyat Al-Salehat) in Quranic interpretation, which refers to actions and sayings that are eternal and steadfast, leading to continuous reward. They are not merely transient acts but deeds with a lasting impact that remains with the individual in this world and the hereafter. Al-Baqiyat Al-Salehat is expressed as goodness and lasting endurance. The term refers to good deeds that maintain their continuity despite the vicissitudes of time and are interpreted as elements emanating from a believer's heart working to combat corruption, leading to profound spiritual and moral outcomes. The research relies on a descriptive analytical approach, where the verses of the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Hadiths were studied in a systematic and methodological manner, to identify the various examples of Al-Baqiyat Al-Salehat and to clarify their nature and characteristics. Through analysis, it was found that good deeds are closely related to faith, as they are complementary elements that complete each other, and that God accepts deeds in which sincere faith is initiated, making good deeds an effective investment for happiness in this world and the hereafter. Al-Baqiyat Al-Salehat also stand out as a means of achieving steadfastness and continuity and are among the most important values that the Islamic religion urges, because they embody the concept of continuous giving and continuous reward. In conclusion, the research indicates that following the Quranic teachings and Hadiths and adopting role models from the Messenger of God and his family is the way to achieve these lasting good deeds, which are among the essential pillars of human success in his life and destiny.
Key word: The Holy Quran, Al-Baqiyat Al-Salehat, moral virtues, spiritual life, Good Life.
 
Introduction
Indeed, Allah, the Most Glorified and Exalted, has commanded all people to believe in Him and in His Messenger (PUH). He has promised those who respond to this with a lofty Paradise, and those who disobey and defy with a blazing Fire. He has made hastening to righteous deeds a sign of responding to His commands. Therefore, Allah Almighty has often linked faith in Him in the Holy Quran with righteous deeds that He loves and is pleased with, making it a reason for entering Paradise and being saved from Hellfire. Allah Almighty says: "Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - for them are the Gardens of Paradise as a lodging" (Al-Kahf: 107), and other verses indicating righteous deeds. Our Lord has informed us and emphasized in His Book that He does not waste or decrease the reward of any worker among His believing servants, whether male or female, but rather multiplies the reward and recompense for him many times over. He almighty says: "Whoever comes with a good deed will have ten times its reward" (Al-An'am: 160). Therefore, righteous deeds were the habit of God's righteous servants and the characteristic of believers. God Almighty has promised those who do good deeds in this worldly life a good life, lasting happiness, and a pleasant living. This is the immediate reward in this world, but in the Hereafter, the reward is Paradise, in which there are things that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no human heart has ever imagined. One will ascend to the highest ranks therein, and all rewards for good deeds, no matter how great and virtuous they are with God Almighty, are continuous. Yes, the rewards of those good deeds cease with the death of their doer, as the Prophet (PUH) explained in his saying: "When a person dies, his deeds come to an end". We have sought to study the following two questions:

What is the concept of "lasting righteous deeds" in the Holy Quran, and what is its impact on the individual and society through the Quranic text?
How does the Holy Quran explain the importance of lasting righteous deeds and their impact on improving the individual's behavior and building a righteous society?

 
Materials & methods
The primary objective of this research was to conduct a comprehensive and systematic investigation into the topic of righteous deeds and enduring good works (al-Baqiyat al-Salehat) in the Holy Quran. This was achieved through employing an objective research methodology focused on analyzing Quranic texts using two main keywords: (Baqaa) and (Salah).
 
The study involved library-based research, presenting an extensive review of sources, along with the meticulous collection, classification, and analysis of relevant materials. Furthermore, prior to writing the article, the views and observations of lexicographers from both Shia and Sunni sources and interpretations were gathered. Authentic hadiths from Shia and Sunni sources were relied upon to strengthen the Quranic studies and achieve an integrated research approach. This research aims to present a systematic study of the Holy Quran on the subject of righteous deeds and all forms of goodness, highlighting the position and importance of enduring good works in the ethical system established by the Quran. It also seeks to draw a clear and accurate picture of the verses that link faith and righteous deeds, emphasizing the synergy of these two pillars in building the character of the individual and society. Finally, the research addresses the explanation of the conceptual scope of righteous deeds in the Holy Quran, helping to understand its dimensions and effects on the individual and social life of man.
 
Discussion & Result
The term "al-Baqiyat al-Salihat" (the lasting good deeds) is mentioned twice in the Holy Quran: in verse 76 of Surah Maryam and verse 46 of Surah Kahf. The latter verse was revealed regarding some of the Prophet's companions, who boasted of their wealth and children and said to him, "Keep the poor away from you so that we may sit with you." However, the Prophet responded, "Wealth and children are the adornment of worldly life, but the lasting good deeds are better in the sight of your Lord for reward and better for hope." The Prophet also explained that when a dead person is buried, three things follow him: his wealth, his children, and his hope. Two of them return, while hope remains. When we examine the opinions of commentators on the interpretation of this term, we see differences and dispersion among their opinions. Some say it refers to the five daily prayers several others said: It is good speech, but it is more general than that and includes reciting the Qur’an and other remembrances. A group said: It is all righteous deeds, including words and deeds, such as fasting, prayer, Hajj, charity, freeing slaves, jihad, and maintaining kinship ties.
 
Conclusion
We point out the most important point in the conclusion, which is that man's nature is not bound to perform any action unless there is a tempting motive that is worth the effort for it. Therefore, Allah, the Almighty, the Knower of the Unseen, the Manager of affairs, and the Facilitator of matters, in order to make man dedicate his attention and concern to the matter and put himself in a state of committing to the implementation willingly and not forced, opened to man the door of His grace and generosity with His good promises, and made the lasting good deeds for man a means to fulfill what he seeks to obtain and a reason to ensure the realization of his perfection in the world of the example and the realization of his desires in Paradise, the best position and place and the best dwelling place. What is the matter that can make man bound and committed to performing what the lasting good deeds contain of deeds with determination, longing, eagerness, and desire, while he knows that the lasting good deeds he accomplishes with the intention of gaining the pleasure of Allah, the Almighty, in reality, are the realization of his desires and the building of his abode in His eternal abode. In this case, it will become a worldly matter as it should be, and all matters will take their course as required by Islamic society, class-wise, scientifically, and culturally, with equality, balance, and a good outcome, the best conclusion.