05/03/2023
This hadith helps you measure where your soul is presently. Do you still feel bad about an evil action you fall into and do you feel joy when you do good?
When a believer is pleased with their good deeds, it reflects their love for good and their desire to please Allah. Conversely, when they are saddened by their bad deeds, it demonstrates their remorse and their recognition of the consequences of sinning.
Imam al-Nawawi, in his commentary on Sahih Muslim, discusses the concept of self-reflection and accountability. He explains that this hadith is a reminder for believers to continually assess their actions, as well as their emotional responses to those actions. Feeling happy with good deeds and sad with bad deeds is a sign that a believer is actively engaged in self-improvement and seeking Allah's pleasure.
Ibn Taymiyyah, in his book "Majmu' al-Fatawa," states that this hadith illustrates the importance of having a conscience and recognizing the difference between good and evil actions. He asserts that when a believer is happy with their good deeds and saddened by their bad deeds, it indicates their heart is alive and connected to Allah, as they are able to differentiate between right and wrong.
Al-Qurtubi, in his "Tafsir al-Qurtubi," comments on this hadith by emphasizing the need for a believer to constantly monitor their actions and emotions. He states that when a believer is pleased with their good deeds and grieved by their bad deeds, it is a sign of a strong faith, as they understand the importance of seeking Allah's pleasure and avoiding His displeasure.