PHOTO ENFORCED: Remembering Our Book of Deeds

Not too long ago, a new sign started appearing in front of many traffic signals, which indicates that the intersection is “photo enforced.” It’s kind of a “you’ve been warned” message from the local law enforcement. If a person is speeding or violating any rules of the road, they’ll be caught. Even if a cop is not physically there to pull them over, they will receive a citation in the mail to let them know about their mistake. It’ll even have a picture of that person attached, as evidence that they were caught in the act.

We’re also being photo enforced through our lives, with fair warning about it. Throughout the Qur’an, Allah has warned us repeatedly about the fact that we are being watched, and that our actions may have negative consequences. We will even receive hard evidence, like we do from the traffic signal tickets.

We’re also being photo enforced through our lives, with fair warning about it.

“Know (for sure) that whatever is in the skies, and whatever is on the earth, belongs exclusively to Allah. Allah knows where you stand. The Day on which they will be returned to Him, He is going to thoroughly inform them about what they were up to. And Allah has full knowledge of all things.” (24:64)

“…They may hide (their actions) from people, but they can’t hide them from Allah…” (4:108)

“Therein they will cry for help: ‘Our Master! Get us out; from now on, we will do good deeds and won’t repeat the ones we used to do.’ (The response will be:) ‘Didn’t We give you lives long enough so that whoever would, could take a warning? Besides, someone did come to warn you. Now taste (the fruit of your deeds); here, there is no helper for the wrongdoers.’ Surely, Allah knows the unseen of the heavens and the earth. He even knows the secrets of the chests (i.e. hidden thoughts of people).” (35:35-38)

“On that Day, people will proceed in sorted out groups to be shown their deeds. Then, whoever has done an atom’s weight of good will see it, and whoever has done an atom’s weight of evil will see it.” (99:7-8).

It’s our job to take these warnings seriously, because ignoring them will not change reality. Let’s not be from the ones who are spoken about in a negative light: “(The Day of) Accountability for mankind is getting closer and closer, yet they are heedless and are turning away” (21:1).

Let’s make a positive change now, because now is always the best time to change.