Deeds, "Karma" and Islam

Deeds, "Karma" and Islam:

'Karma' is a Hindu philosophy. It means "as you sow, so shall you reap" or in other words "What goes around, comes around."

Many modern educated Muslims (or so-called) go around talking about 'Karma' as if it is one of the truths of life. It is ironic that they like to cling to such concepts because of their use in today's world instead of really bothering to pay attention to their 'own roots' as Muslims.

Islam proposes something different than 'Karma'. It advocates that it is not necessary that our good deeds (including worship acts towards God and noble acts towards people around us) should be rewarded in this life. Similarly it is not necessary that bad deeds should bring us bad times in this life.

The finality of reward and punishment is for the life hereafter or the afterlife. A person leading a luxurious life in this world hence 'may not be' enjoying favour of Almighty Allah while a person going through bad times 'may not be' experiencing God's disapproval. Therefore, if a man has met a car accident for example, then our focus should be on providing immediate medical care to him rather than saying something like "Oh look, he is being punished by Allah for his sins."

MAKAFAT-E-AMAL is also interpreted by most Muslims like Karma. It is actually a loose philosophy playing in the hands of Muslims of today. MAKAFAT-E-AMAL is applicable for two situations:

1- Mistreatment of one's parents,
2- Cruelty OR Zulm

BUT IT IS NOT FOR OTHER SITUATIONS AND ALLAH KNOWS BEST

It is only for God (ALLAH Almighty) to decide what act should be rewarded and what punished in this life as well as in the hereafter. Hence we should focus more on acts which will bring us salvation in the hereafter and not run after temporary passions and gains in this temporary life. It is fine to concentrate on improving the quality of life in this world but only within the limits set by God thus avoiding extravagance and those acts which are displeasing to Him.

As mentioned in Holy Qur'an: - (Translation: Abdullah Yusuf Ali)

"But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness He (Allah) will give their (due) rewards and more out of His bounty: but those who are disdainful and arrogant He will punish with a grievous penalty; nor will they find besides Allah any to protect or help them." - (Surah An-Nisa, Verse: 173)

- by S Roman Ahsan (The content of this topic may further be elaborated and rectified in the light of Qur'an and Hadith)