Module 8E-05 There are three kinds of relationships

There are three kinds of relationships that can be described between an action and its reward or punishment:

Regular relationships:

These are ordinary rewards or punishments that are decided by law enforcers. These may vary between societies; for example, for speeding, the punishment may be a fine, or penalty points.

Connected relationships:

The rewards or punishments are effects of the acts and one causes the other. For example, when a student prepares well for an exam, one of the rewards he/she will likely get is a good result.

Unity of relationship:

The rewards or punishments are nothing other than the actions; they are the realities of those actions made apparent in another universe.

According to the Qur’an, in the akhirah we will witness the third kind of relationship between our acts and the rewards and punishments we see. This is what is meant by the phrase tajassum al-a‘mal (the embodiment of our deeds). The actions we do in this life will take a form in the akhirah.

Rasulullah (s) said about the Day of Judgement: ‘When a believer comes out of his grave, his actions will appear before him in a beautiful form. He will enquire: “Who are you? By Allah, you appear to be a virtuous person.” It will reply: “I am the embodiment of your good actions.” It will then illuminate his path and guide him to paradise. And when a disbeliever comes out of his grave, his actions will appear before him in a terrible form. He will ask: “Who are you? By Allah, I find you repulsive.” It will reply: “I am the embodiment of your actions.” Then it will carry him to the fire of hell.’