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Do "the enduring good deeds" count among the good deeds that can be taken from the oppressor for the oppressed on the Day of Resurrection, or do they remain untouched because they are called "the enduring good deeds"?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Scholars differed concerning the meaning of "al-Baqiyat al-Salihat" (the enduring good deeds) mentioned in the Qur’an. Some interpret it as dhikr (remembrance of God), while others, including al-Tabari and al-Shanqeeti, preferred the view that it refers to all good deeds. This is supported by the hadith of Aisha: "Nothing remained of it except its shoulder," meaning the meat of the sacrificed animal. He (the Prophet) said: "All of it remained except its shoulder," meaning what she had given in charity is what truly remains.

Whatever the intended meaning, there is no ambiguity regarding the transfer of their rewards through compensation on the Day of Judgment. The meaning of "al-Baqiyat al-Salihat" is that they endure in comparison to the fleeting matters of this world, such as wealth and children, and it does not mean that they are indelible from a servant's record, as they can be nullified by apostasy. The verses encourage performing deeds that remain with the Muslim and benefit them in the afterlife, but this does not mean that these deeds will not be taken from them if they owe others for injustices. All good deeds are liable to be taken from to compensate the wronged party. This is the "bankrupt" person as explained by the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, warning the Muslim against injustice and negligence in seeking forgiveness for it in this world, because on the Day of Judgment there will be no wealth or possessions; rather, good deeds will be taken and given to those who were wronged.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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