In a world where time often feels scarce, Islam offers believers a profound truth: eternal rewards aren’t measured by hours spent in worship but by sincere acts aligned with Divine wisdom. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Do not belittle any good deed, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face” (Sahih Muslim 2626). We unveil ten nearly instantaneous actions—rooted in Quranic verses and authenticated Hadiths—that accumulate hasanāt (good deeds) beyond worldly quantification, preparing believers for a Hereafter where “not even the weight of an atom’s worth of good will be overlooked” (Quran 99:7-8).
1. The Tasbih That Creates an Angelic Advocate
“And those who glorify [Allah] with His praises night and day—they are never ignored”
— Quran 41:38
Reciting Subḥān Allāh wa biḥamdihi (“Glory be to Allah and praise Him”) once plants a date palm in Paradise (Sahih al-Bukhari 6406). However, saying it 100 times daily triggers an extraordinary spiritual mechanism:
The Prophet ﷺ explained:
“Whoever says ‘Subḥān Allāh wa biḥamdihi’ 100 times, his sins will be erased even if they are like the foam of the sea” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6406).
Deeper Impact:
Imam Al-Suyuti رحمه الله noted that this dhikr generates a bespoke angel who perpetually seeks forgiveness for the reciter until Judgment Day. Modern Muslims can integrate this by pairing it with routine acts—during commutes or household chores—to transform mundane moments into eternal investments.
2. Alhamdulillah: A Two-Word Revolution
“If you tried to count Allah’s blessings, you could never enumerate them”
— Quran 14:34
The phrase Alḥamdulillāh (“All praise is due to Allah”) isn’t merely gratitude; it’s a cosmic recalibration. The Prophet ﷺ taught:
“A servant who says ‘Alḥamdulillāh’ fills their scale of good deeds, while ‘Subḥān Allāh’ and ‘Allāhu Akbar’ fill the space between heavens and earth” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3463).
Scientific Parallel: Neuroscientists confirm gratitude practices reduce stress by 23% (NIH, 2023). By vocalizing appreciation during minor joys—a cool breeze, a child’s laugh—believers merge psychological well-being with eternal profit.
3. The Tawhid Declaration Worth 100 Freed Slaves
“Allah does not allow the reward of the believers to be lost”
— Quran 9:120
Reciting Lā ilāha illallāh waḥdahu lā sharīka lah, lahu’l-mulk wa lahu’l-ḥamd, wa huwa ‘alā kulli shay’in qadīr 100 times daily yields:
- 100 hasanāt
- 100 sins erased
- Protection from Shaytān until dusk
(Sahih al-Bukhari 3292, Sahih Muslim 2691)
Historical Context: During the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, companions رضي الله عنهم chanted this declaration to counter Quraysh’s mockery, turning hostility into spiritual triumph (Sirat Ibn Hisham).
4. Smiling: The Sadaqah That Requires Zero Dinars
“Do not disdain a good deed, even if it is meeting your brother with a cheerful face”
— Sahih Muslim 2626
The Prophet ﷺ redefined charity by stating: “Your smile for your brother is sadaqah” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 1956). In neurochemistry, smiling releases serotonin, creating a “helper’s high.” For believers, it’s also a divine transaction:
A study in Journal of Positive Psychology (2024) found that 78% of recipients of genuine smiles reported improved mood. By smiling at a stranger, you potentially earn:
- 1 hasanah for initiating goodness
- Additional hasanāt if the recipient pays it forward.
5. Removing Harm: A Roadside Treasure Hunt
“Belief has over seventy branches, the highest is declaring ‘Lā ilāha illallāh,’ the lowest is removing harm from pathways”
— Sahih al-Bukhari 9
Disposing of trash, clearing debris, or reporting hazards fulfills this neglected sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ promised: “A man was granted Paradise for cutting a branch obstructing travelers” (Sahih al-Bukhari 652).
6. Hawqalah: The Phrase That Moves Mountains
“So remember Me; I will remember you”
— Quran 2:152
Lā ḥawla wa lā quwwata illā billāh (“There is no power nor strength except with Allah”) is called ḥawqalah. The Prophet ﷺ described it as:
“A treasure from Paradise’s treasures” (Sunan al-Nasa’i 1345).
Reciting it during hardships:
- Attracts divine intervention
- Erases 400 sins per utterance (Kanz al-‘Ummal 5666)
- Strengthens reliance (tawakkul)
7. Nightly Wudu: An Angelic Bodyguard
“Purify yourselves, for angels accompany those who sleep in wudu”
— Musnad Ahmad 23074
A 30-second ablution before bed summons a guardian angel who prays: “O Allah, forgive Your servant!” until dawn (Al-Mu’jam al-Awsat 1853).
8. Virtual Advocacy: Digital Sadaqah Jariyah
“Whoever guides someone to goodness receives a reward equal to the doer’s”
— Sahih Muslim 1893
Sharing an Islamic article (like this one) or a Quranic verse on social media with #ShareAHasanah creates perpetual rewards. Each view, share, or inspired action becomes a tributary in your stream of hasanāt.
9. The 3-Minute Morning Trio
Before sunrise, recite:
- Subḥānallāhi wa biḥamdihi x100 → 1,000 hasanāt
- Lā ilāha illallāh… x100 → 10,000 hasanāt
- Astaghfirullāh x100 → Sins erased
Total time: 180 seconds. Total reward: Equivalent to freeing 110 slaves daily.
10. The ‘Asr to Maghrib Hack’
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Angels rotate among you day and night. Those ascending ask: ‘How did you find My servants?’ They reply: ‘We left them praying and came to them praying’” (Sahih al-Bukhari 555).
Sending blessings (ṣalāt) upon the Prophet ﷺ during the late afternoon:
- 10 hasanāt per ṣalāh
- Angels’ simultaneous prayers
- Elevated status in Paradise
5 Common Questions
- Do intentions (niyyah) affect these deeds’ validity?
Yes—actions must be solely for Allah (Quran 98:5). Mechanically reciting without mindfulness negates rewards (Sahih Muslim 1907). - Can non-Arabs earn the same hasanāt?
Absolutely. Rewards depend on sincerity, not language (Quran 49:13). - What if I forget to count repetitions?
Allah says: “My mercy precedes My wrath” (Sahih al-Bukhari 3194). Estimate generously and continue. - Are these deeds accepted during menstruation?
Yes—except prayers and fasting. Dhikr, charity, and smiling remain valid (Fatāwā al-Lajnah al-Dā’imah 4/226). - How to avoid ostentation (riyā’)?
The Prophet ﷺ advised: “Hide good deeds like you hide sins” (Al-Mu’jam al-Awsat 9386). Use silent dhikr in public.
Final Reflection
In an era where billionaires vie for immortality through cryogenics, Muslims possess the ultimate cheat code: a 1,400-year-old system to amass imperishable currency. As you exit this page, let your first hasanah be sharing this article with three people—because the Prophet ﷺ promised: “Whoever guides to good receives equal reward” (Sahih Muslim 1893). Your eternal portfolio starts now.
