08-30-2013, 08:53 PM
Assalam alaykum,
Abu Huraira, may Allah be pleased with him, narrated that he heard the Apostle of Allah, Sallallahu alaihi Wasallam, saying:--
"None of you shall be saved by his works". A man said, "Not even yourself, O Messenger of Allah?". He said,
"Not even myself, unless Allah covers me with a Mercy from Him. But strive to be right". [sahih Muslim]
This Noble Hadith restates the Orthodox Islamic position, to the effect that no one deserves recompense or Paradise (Jannah) for his or her acts of Obedience. On the other hand, some may quote Qur'anic Verses, as in the words of Allah, Most High, such as:--
"Enter Paradise for that which you have done". (Qur'an-16:32) and
"That is Paradise, which you have been bestowed for what you did before". (7:43) and similar verses that indicate that paradise is entered by virtue of works. These verses do not contradict the above Hadith. Rather, they indicate that entering Paradise is because of good works....good deeds...but Divinely given success (Tawfiq) to do the works, and being guided to have sincerity in the works, and their acceptability are the Mercy of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful, and His Favour.
For further reading, see
Sharh (Commentary) of Sahih Muslim (17.160-61)