Our natural inclination as humans is in fact to engage good, we were made in a way that our fitra actually wants to engage in goodness. During the month of Ramadan we often search and strive to do good in all our moments of our day. Ramadan really shows you what you are capable of and what your natural disposition can be. Whilst we strive to do good deeds and renew our intentions when doing so it’s a beautiful addition to our worship to know that some of what we do is in fact a commandment in the Quran and that we are applying the Quran to our lives-the ultimate connection to the Quran is living it.

Below is a list of good deeds from the Quran and Hadith as well as a few additional ones.

From the Quran

Forgiving those who wrong us

“Kind words and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Self-Sufficient, Most Forbearing.” (Surah Baqrah : 263)

Responding to evil by what is better

“Respond to evil with what is best. We know well what they claim.” ( (Al-Mu-minun:96)

Urging people to be compassionate

” and—above all—to be one of those who have faith and urge each other to perseverance and urge each other to compassion. “(Al-Balad:17)

Speaking words of kindness to uplift others

Kind words and forgiveness are better than charity followed by injury. And Allah is Self-Sufficient, Most Forbearing. (Al-Baqarah:263)

Sharing with others what one loves

“you will never achieve righteousness until you donate some of what you cherish. And whatever you give is certainly well known to Allah.” (Al-Imran:92)

Saving another person’s life

Treating one’s parents with utmost kindness

For your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And honour your parents. If one or both of them reach old age in your care, never say to them ˹even˺ ‘ugh,’ nor yell at them. Rather, address them respectfully.(Al Isra:23)

Being good to every person that we interact with

Worship Allah ˹alone˺ and associate none with Him. And be kind to parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, near and distant neighbours, close friends, ˹needy˺ travellers, and those ˹bondspeople˺ in your possession. Surely Allah does not like whoever is arrogant, boastful—(An-Nisa:36)

Making peace and reconciliation between people

The believers are but one brotherhood, so make peace between your brothers. And be mindful of Allah so you may be shown mercy.(Al-Huujurat:10)

Being attentive to one’s trusts and promises as well as being honest

Standing firmly for justice even if it goes against oneself

O believers! Stand firm for justice as witnesses for Allah even if it is against yourselves, your parents, or close relatives. Be they rich or poor, Allah is best to ensure their interests. So do not let your desires cause you to deviate ˹from justice˺. If you distort the testimony or refuse to give it, then ˹know that˺ Allah is certainly All-Aware of what you do. (An-Nisa:135)

Remaining patient in a difficult situation

And seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, it is a burden except for the humble—(Al-Baqarah:45)

Walking with humility

The ˹true˺ servants of the Most Compassionate are those who walk on the earth humbly, and when the foolish address them ˹improperly˺, they only respond with peace.(Al Furqan:63)

Verifying news before sharing it

O believers, if an evildoer brings you any news, verify ˹it˺ so you do not harm people unknowingly, becoming regretful for what you have done.(Al-Hujurat:6)

Reflecting upon the signs of Allah

Travelling to seek knowledge or increase faith Say.

˹O Prophet,˺ “Travel throughout the land and see how He originated the creation, then Allah will bring it into being one more time. Surely Allah is Most Capable of everything.(Al-Ankabut:20)

Fasting (beyond mandatory Ramadan)

Dua, Dhikr & additional prayers (beyond mandatory fasting)

Giving charity (beyond mandatory zakat) both publicly and privately

Providing any support for orphans

Feeding a hungry person

Urging people to being steadfast and telling the truth

From Hadith

Second from the Quran in terms of guidance for mankind is Hadith-Sayings and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. There are a few below from Muslim, Bukhari and Abu Dawud.

Greeting people, including strangers (Bukhari)

 “To feed (others) and to greet those whom you know and those whom you do not know.”

Planting a tree (Bukhari)

“If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift (sadaqah) for him.”

Ensuring good treatment of domestic animals (Bukhari)

“There is a reward for rendering service to every living animal”

Here are a few more common Hadith:

Lending daily use items to others (Bukhari)

Smiling at people and meeting them cheerfully (Abu Dawud)

Inviting others over a meal and giving gifts (Bukhari)

Giving sincere advice to those who seek it (Muslim)

Refraining from exposing anyone’s faults (Abu Dawud)

Helping a manual worker perform a certain task (Bukhari)

Facilitating a disabled person (Bukhari)

Providing water to a thirsty stray dog (Bukhari)

Removing an obstacle from the road (Muslim)

Not arguing unnecessarily even when one is right (Abu Dawud)

Blessing someone who sneezes (Bukhari)

Visiting those who are sick (Bukhari)

Following the funeral procession (Bukhari)

General

Helping an elderly person or any person having difficulty with physical tasks like carrying groceries/ carrying a pram down stairs etc

Smiling at strangers

Listening and offering appropriate advice to friends, family

Mediating conflict for family, friends or members of the community

Mentoring people

Giving compliments ( in an honest and genuine way)

Volunteering for causes – giving time and skills

Making people laugh / cheering up people