The best good deeds that expiate sins include Wudu’, the five daily prayers, Hajj and `Umrah. The greatest of good deeds is Tawhid, and the gravest of evil deeds is disbelief and ascribing partners to Allah.

Obeying Allah not only brings immense rewards in the Hereafter, but also opens the doors to success and provision in this world. The key is to maintain sincerity in worship, with a pure intention focused on seeking the pleasure of Allah.

Remembering Allah (Dhikr) brings great benefits, such as spiritual well-being, tranquility and softening of the heart. By Dhikr the Muslim attains great reward by doing a small deed, which is simply moving one’s lips and reciting a few words. Dhikr is required from everyone, and it is encouraged in all circumstances, apart from exceptional situations. The believer who loves Allah and His Messenger, and is certain of the truth of His religion, inevitably remembers Allah all the time. Even if he only recites a little Dhikr, he cannot be a hypocrite, but he is missing out on a great deal of reward.

Some scholars say that it is permissible to use prayer beads (Masbahah ), but they say that it is preferable to do Tasbih (count praises) on one’s fingers; others say that it is Bid`ah (reprehensible religious innovation).

There is nothing wrong with repeating this dhikr – “Subhan alladhi yusabbih ur-ra‘du bi hamdihi wa’l-mala’ikatu min kheefatihi (Glory be to the One Whom the thunder glorifies and praises, and the angels [also glorify Him] out of fear and awe of Him” – when hearing thunder more than once.

When there is a command in the Quran to remember Allah’s blessing, what is meant is to remember it in one’s heart, by calling to mind Allah’s grace and favour in bestowing it upon His slaves; remembering it in one’s words, by speaking of it; and remembering it in one’s physical actions, by not using that blessing in ways that incur the wrath of Allah, may He be Glorified and Exalted.