Are you ready?! Let’s compete in good deeds

In The Name of Allah, The Most Merciful, The Bestower of Mercy.

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allāh have mercy upon him, stated:

Every competitor competes the other and is happy when joined, as the companions of the Messenger, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, used to compete in good and they were pleased when others joined them; rather they used to encourage one another whilst competing. This is seeking to be foremost in (good deeds). Allah, The Most High, said: [ فَاسْتَبِقُوا الْخَيْرَاتِ – So hasten towards all that is good]

Allah, The Most High, said:
سَابِقُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا كَعَرْضِ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ

Race one with another in hastening towards Forgiveness from your Lord (Allah), and towards Paradise, the width whereof is as the width of heaven and earth. [57:21]

Umar Ibn Al-Khattab, may Allāh be pleased with him, used to hasten towards (good deeds to compete) Abu Bakr, may Allāh be pleased with him, but he never won. [1]

Umar, may Allāh be pleased with him, said: One day, Allāh’s Messenger, peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him, commanded us to give charity. At that time I had some property, so I said: “Today I shall surpass Abu-Bakr if I am to surpass him any day”. So I brought half of my property. The Messenger of Allah said: “What did you leave for your family?” I replied: “The same amount”. Then Abu-Bakr brought all that he had with him. So the Messenger of Allah said to him: “What did you leave for your family?” He replied: “I left Allah and His Messenger for them”. I said: “I shall never (excel you) in anything”. [2]

[1] Ar-Ruh 431-432

[2] Sahih Abi Dawood 1678