What is GOOD for You, Me and Us?

We all are looking for good for ourselves, for our families, communities and countries. It is good that we think for good. We even wish good for other nations and communities.

Have we ever thought what is that good we wish for each other. Have we ever thought whatever is good may not be good for us. Some time we think something is not good for us, but it may be good for us. Look at the reminder of Allah SWT: What is Good for Us?

...it may well be that you dislike a thing even though it is good for you, and it may well be that you like a thing even though it is bad for you. Allah knows and you do not know.[2: 216].

We really do not know what is good for us. We should seek good from Allah SWT. We should know beyond doubt that Allah SWT clearly expounds His injections to us so that we can reflect and understand the right line of thinking and action [2: 219].

Allah SWT loves those who abstain from evil and keep themselves pure. This good for us. Do we know with surety what is that evil which Allah SWT does not like? How much conscious efforts do we make to avoid evil? Allah SWT is also asking to avoid evil and His wrath [2: 222].

What are the evils we do commit and that cause the wrath of Allah SWT? Do we know them very well and abstain from them? Do we remember the truth that one day we have to face Him, "Know well that one Day you shall face Him [2: 223]. We are told that we should develop and promote virtues, piety, and the good for mankind. "Surely Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing" [2: 224]. "Do not forget, "Allah is aware of all whatever good you do". [4: 127]

"[So, remember well] that whoever from amongst you turns away from His Din and dies in the state of unbelief their work will go to waste in this world and in the Next. They are destined for the Fire, and it is there that they will abide. "[2: 217]

Hence, Allah SWT calls us and reminds us to seek His help for all sorts of good. Allah calls you, by His leave, towards Paradise and forgiveness; and He makes His injunctions clear to people so that they may take heed. "[2: 221]

"Thus, Allah makes His injunctions clear to you that you may understand." [2: 242] "Thus does Allah make His teachings clear to you that you may reflect." [2: 266]

So, we learn that whatever we wish for us we must first think and then do what we are seeking is good for us? We need to think and reflect on every think. We are after all asked do good deeds: "[O Prophet], announce glad tidings to those who believe in this Book and do righteous deeds [in accordance with its teachings] ..."[2: 25]

We will forgive you your sins and shall bestow more favour on the doers of good"[2: 58]; "Those who believe and do righteous deeds are the people of the Garden, and there will they abide" [2: 82]; "Whoever submits himself completely to the obedience of Allah and does good will find his reward with his Lord. [2: 112]

"...so excel one another in good works" [2: 148]; "And whoever does a good work voluntarily should know that Allah is Appreciative, All-Knowing." [2: 158]; "Whoever voluntarily does better than is required, will find it better for him" [2: 184]; "...do good, for Allah loves those who do good." [2:195]; "...whatever good you do, Allah knows it" [2: 197];

"...Allah is aware of whatever good you do" [2: 215]; "Do not swear by Allah in your oaths if they are intended to hinder you from virtue, piety and promoting the good of mankind. Surely Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing" [2: 224]; "Truly the reward of those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish Prayer and pay Zakah is with their Lord; they have no reason to entertain any fear or grief" [2: 277]; "...hasten to excel each other in doing good" [3: 114]; "...those who believe and do good deeds, We shall cause them to enter the Gardens..."[4:57].

We are taught to do good and reminded again and again: "...those who believe and do good, We shall cause them to enter the Gardens" [4: 122]; "Whoever does good and believes-whether he is male or female- such shall enter the Garden" [4: 124]; "And whose way of life could be better than that of he who submits his whole being to Allah, does good, and follows exclusively the way of Abraham whom Allah took for a friend? "[4: 125]; "Man is prone to selfishness, but if you do good and are God-fearing, then surely Allah is aware of the things you do." [4: 128]

"Surely Allah's mercy is close to those who do good" [7: 56]; "Allah has promised those who understand [believe] and do righteous deeds forgiveness from sins and a great reward "[5: 9]. Finally, Allah SWT says, "He will grant those who have understood [believed] and done good deeds their rewards in full and will give them more out of His bounty" [4: 173].