Do good deeds of non-Muslims count in Islam?
Yes, good deeds of non-Muslims count, but mostly in this world, and fully in the Hereafter once a person becomes Muslim. Allah wrongs no one: kindness is never wasted. Scholars explain that reward in the afterlife is tied to faith, and that whoever accepts Islam keeps the good they did before.
Allah never overlooks good
The Prophet ﷺ said that Allah does not wrong a believer in any good deed: he is rewarded for it in this world and in the Hereafter. As for a disbeliever, he is given provision in this world for the good he did for Allah's sake, until he reaches the Hereafter with no good deed left to be rewarded for (Sahih Muslim 2808). So a non-Muslim's charity, honesty and care for others are noticed and repaid, often through blessings, health and ease in this life.
Faith is the condition for the Hereafter
The Quran links the reward of Paradise to doing good while having faith:
Aisha once asked about Ibn Jud'an, a generous man of pre-Islamic Mecca who fed the poor. The Prophet ﷺ said it would not benefit him, because he never once said, "My Lord, forgive my sins on the Day of Judgement" (Sahih Muslim 214). Scholars explain that deeds done without belief in Allah and the Hereafter aren't aimed at a reward there.
Become Muslim and keep your good deeds
This is great news for converts. Hakim ibn Hizam asked about the charity, freeing of slaves and family ties he had kept before Islam. The Prophet ﷺ said, "You have accepted Islam along with all the good you did before" (Sahih al-Bukhari 1436). Islam wipes out past sins and keeps past good. See Are all my sins forgiven when I become Muslim?
What about people who never heard the message?
Allah says He does not punish until He has sent a messenger (Quran 17:15). Many scholars hold that people who never received Islam clearly will be tested on the Day of Judgement, and Allah judges each person with perfect justice. We don't declare any specific person's fate. See Will Christians and Jews go to heaven in Islam? and Will my non-Muslim parents go to hell?
- Non-Muslims' good deeds are rewarded in this world (Muslim 2808).
- Reward in the Hereafter depends on faith (Quran 4:124).
- Converts keep all the good they did before Islam (Bukhari 1436).
- Allah alone judges each person, with perfect justice.
People also ask
Can people in Jannah see people in hell?
Yes, the Quran describes people in Jannah seeing and speaking to people in hell, yet their joy isn't spoiled. Here's what Quran 7:44 and 37:55 say.
Read the full answer →What will we wear in Jannah?
In Jannah we will wear green garments of silk and brocade with bracelets of gold, silver and pearls, and clothes never wear out. What the Quran says.
Read the full answer →Will animals be judged on the Day of Judgement?
Animals will be gathered on the Day of Judgement and wrongs between them settled, but they aren't judged like humans; many say they become dust.
Read the full answer →What will we eat in Jannah?
In Jannah, believers will eat fruit, bird meat and whatever they desire, and drink from rivers of water, milk, honey and non-intoxicating wine.
Read the full answer →Is Jannah a real place?
Yes, Muslims believe Jannah is a real place, not a symbol. It already exists and believers will live there in body and soul, forever.
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