The Virtues of Good Actions by Al-Hafidh Al-Mundhiri is a deeply moving compilation of hadiths that bring out the incredible rewards promised to believers for their good deeds. It is a book that reestablishes the reader’s connection with the raison d’être they should live in the Islamic way the performance of good purely for Allah. Every tale in this short and effective book is a reminder of the fact that even the smallest things, when done with pure intention, are so heavy in the eyes of Allah.
This is not a legal ruling book or academic dispute. It is an encouragement book, written with the heart. The hadiths put together here make the reader see the mercy of Allah, the attractiveness of the Sunnah, and the limitless possibilities within everyday deeds. Whatever the deed may be offering a smile, clearing harm from the path, or remembering Allah quietly each deed can be an investment in the afterlife.
About the Author: Al-Hafidh Al-Mundhiri
Al-Hafidh Zaki ad-Din Abdul-Azim al-Mundhiri was a celebrated muhaddith and hadith compiler of the 7th century Hijri (13th century CE). He is most famously known for his collection at-Targhib wat-Tarhib, which classifies hadiths according to reward and warning. He was well-versed in the science of hadith, and his works are greatly admired throughout the Islamic world.
The Virtues of Good Actions borrows from that broader collection. It is limited to hadiths that specifically mention the rewards and blessings related to acts of worship, service, and character. In this book, Al-Mundhiri presents the reader with the opportunity not just to study good actions deeds but to fall in love with performing them.
A Book That Awakens the Heart
From page one, the book changes the reader’s attitude from chore to reward. It reminds Muslims that Islam is not just about staying away from sin, it is about seeking out good actions. From the true narration of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the book instructs that avenues of reward are all around. Donate something in charity, go see the sick, pray on time, do dhikr, speak softly, all these things are enhanced in the eyes of Allah.
The hadiths also teach that Allah’s mercy is greater than His punishment. One might go to Paradise by feeding a hungry stomach, giving someone a drink if they were thirsty, or even holding good actions intentions in one’s heart. These encouragements remind the reader to resist despair, spiritual complacency, or feeling worthless. The gate to righteousness is never closed, and this book illustrates just how much it is open.
Practical, Personal, and Timeless
One of the greatest things about this book is that it is so accessible. The hadiths are brief, concise, and usually state themselves. There isn’t much in the way of intricate commentary or academic jargon required. The Prophet ﷺ’s words are related in such a way that they directly address the reader’s heart. The behavior described doesn’t apply just to scholars, leaders, or saints. It is open to all Muslims, in all environments, men and women, young and old, wealthy and poor.
This universality renders the book ageless. Any believer of any age can open this volume and discover instant inspiration to improve. A teenager can read it and be stimulated to pray with concentration. A mother can read it and feel privileged in her daily sacrifices. An elder can read it and rejoice in unassuming remembrance. The road to Allah is not far away; it is before our eyes.
Reviving Forgotten Rewards
In contemporary fast-moving life, many of the good actions things extolled in this book have been lost or underestimated. Basic acts of kindness, everyday devotion in worship, and honesty in speech have all given way to performance or abandonment. The Virtues of Good Actions bring the compass back in line. It reminds the reader that true strength is found in humility, that Good Actions, true success is found in pleasing Allah, and that true reward is found in hidden sincerity.
Reading the hadiths reminds us that the dearest acts to Allah are usually the ones that are the least noisy prayers done in isolation, hidden charity, gentle words in disagreements, and long-suffering bearing of adversity. These are not applauded deeds, but they bring angels near and bounties multiplied.
Grounded in the Qur’anic Vision of Righteousness
The Qur’an is filled with verses calling believers to do righteous deeds. “Those who believe and do righteous actions” is a phrase that repeats dozens of times. Al-Mundhiri’s compilation supports this Qur’anic call with prophetic evidence. It links belief and action as inseparable. Faith is not passive; it moves a person to benefit others, to be just, to forgive, and to constantly return to Allah.
This book is a working manual for bringing about that Qur’anic dream. It doesn’t merely state “do good actions,” it illustrates how, using the life of the Prophet ﷺ and his companions as examples. That makes it so strong. It bridges the gap between doing and saying with real possibilities for reward.
A Daily Source of Reflection
The Virtues of Good Actions is not a novel one will pick up and set aside. It is one one will visit repeatedly. Reading one or two hadiths daily suffices to change one’s mindset, to reorder one’s priorities, or to gain hope after spiritual exhaustion. The book can be employed for individual reflection, family study circles, or imparting lessons to youth. It translates the Prophetic tradition into daily life, demonstrating how Islam is experienced through ongoing goodness.
The hadiths are also concise enough to memorize and internalize. Numerous readers end up quoting from the book in ordinary reminders to themselves or others. That’s the mark of active knowledge it enters the heart, rather than the mind.
Final Thoughts
The Virtues of Good Actions by Al-Hafidh Al-Mundhiri is a book every Muslim should own. It Good Actions reintroduces the believer to the beauty of righteous deeds, not as burdens, but as blessings. It renews appreciation for the mercy of Allah, the wisdom of the Prophet ﷺ, and the incredible value placed on even the smallest acts done sincerely.
The Virtues of Good Actions that encourage without intimidating, that instructs without overwhelming, and that lifts up without flattering. It demonstrates that it is not necessary to become intimate with Allah suddenly; through some radical overhaul of personality and life, it can happen incrementally, through day-by-day steps, grounded in purpose, supported by action, and driven by faith.
Read more: Arabic Course for English Speaking Students Vol 1 By Dr. V. Abdur Rahim
