and one of Allah (SWT)'s mercies on us is that He (SWT) has opened for
us a great door of opportunity of doing good deeds which remains open
even after death. The key to this door is through charity and
sacrifice.
During his life, a Muslim may contribute his money towards the
building of a mosque or an orphanage or the printing of a useful book.
After his death these deeds lighten up his grave and this indeed is a
great opportunity, unique to the teachings of Islam. A man should be
so crafty so as to sow his farm only to reap the harvest in the
hereafter. The teachings of our Imams have emphasized a lot on this
aspect.
Often Imam Ali (AS) used to raise his voice during the nights in the
city of Kufa so as to be heard by every one: "Prepare for a journey
and do good deeds with what you have been blessed, for what lies in
front is difficult road full of obstacles and frightening junctions
from which there is no escape."
Imam Jafar Sadiq (AS) says that: "Three things help a man after his
death, and these are: a charity given by him, a good habit he taught
to others and a good offspring he leaves behind, who prays for his
forgiveness."
Prophet Muhammad (S) says that: "Four things continue to reward a
person even after his death; a man who dies on the true path, a good
advise or knowledge given by him to someone who acts on that advice,
an act of charity and a good son who prays for him and asks for
forgiveness on his behalf."
Imam Jafar Sadiq (AS) says that: "Six things benefit a man after his
death; a pious son who asks for forgiveness on his behalf, a copy of
the Noble Qur'an he read from, a tree he planted, a glass of water he
quenched others' thirst with, a well he dug, and a good tradition or
habit he left behind to those around him."
