Does every good deed have a worldly reward?

Understanding the concept of reward for good deeds in Islam, particularly within the framework of the Holy Quran, requires deep and comprehensive reflection. The notion that 'every good deed immediately yields a worldly reward' might seem appealing at first glance, but Quranic teachings offer a far broader and more encompassing perspective. The Quran emphasizes that no good deed is wasted by Allah, and its reward is preserved, but the nature and timing of this reward are not necessarily limited to this world; rather, they often have profound spiritual and eschatological dimensions. The basis of reward and retribution for actions in the Quran is built upon divine justice. Allah Almighty has repeatedly promised in the Quran that He does not let the deeds of the righteous perish. For instance, in Surah Al-Kahf, verse 30, He states: "Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds - indeed, We will not allow to be lost the reward of any who did good in deeds." This verse and similar ones provide a divine guarantee that no good deed will go unrewarded. However, is this reward necessarily and solely in this world? The answer is that the reward for goodness has various dimensions, including worldly blessings, peace of mind, inner contentment, facilitation of affairs, and most importantly, immense recompense in the Hereafter. The Holy Quran explicitly states that the primary and complete abode of reward is the Hereafter. This world is a realm of action and testing, not a realm of complete retribution. Verse 97 of Surah An-Nahl beautifully illustrates this concept: "Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life, and We will surely give them their reward [in the Hereafter] for the best of what they used to do." The phrase "Hayatan Tayyibah" (a good and pleasant life) refers to the worldly rewards of good deeds, which can include spiritual tranquility, contentment, health, blessings in sustenance, and the affection of people. This 'Tayyibah' life does not necessarily mean limitless material wealth and prosperity; rather, it primarily pertains to the quality and inner peace of life, even if seemingly accompanied by challenges. Many righteous individuals may face poverty, illness, or hardships in this worldly life, yet Allah grants them a peace and contentment that surpasses any material wealth. Furthermore, it must be noted that this world is a realm of trials and tribulations. Sometimes, a person's good deeds are met with tests instead of immediate material rewards. These trials do not indicate that the good deed is wasted; instead, they are opportunities for spiritual growth, purification of the soul, and elevation in the ranks of faith. Allah is All-Wise, and He ordains everything in the best way and at its appointed time. In Surah Al-Ankabut, verses 2 and 3, He says: "Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, 'We believe,' and will not be tested? (2) But We have certainly tested those before them, and Allah will surely make evident those who are truthful, and He will surely make evident the liars (3)." These verses demonstrate that worldly life is full of trials, and believers are not exempt from them. The Quran also introduces the principle of "Is the reward for good anything but good?" (Hal Jazaa’u al-Ihsaan illa al-Ihsaan) in Surah Ar-Rahman, verse 60. This is a general principle indicating the divine law governing existence: every action has a reflection and a consequence. Goodness brings forth goodness, but this goodness can manifest in various forms: from tangible worldly rewards to spiritual blessings, peace of mind, popularity among people, preservation of offspring and progeny, and of course, countless rewards in the Hereafter. Therefore, every good deed ultimately has its reward, but not necessarily in the form we expect or at the time we desire. Sometimes, this reward appears as the warding off of calamity, prevention of harm, or guidance towards good, which we might be unaware of. The important thing is for a person to continue their righteous deeds with faith and reliance on Allah, trusting in His promise regarding the reward for the righteous, for Allah never breaks His promise and never leaves the righteous unrewarded. This inner conviction is, in itself, one of the greatest worldly rewards Allah bestows upon believers.