Quranic Answer
In the Holy Quran, the effects of human actions on their lives are clearly examined, and sometimes seemingly good deeds can lead to unexpected outcomes. One reason for this phenomenon is the heart's intention behind the action. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 225, Allah states, 'Allah is All-Aware of what is in your hearts.' Therefore, if a person's intention in performing a good deed is not sincere or is done for show, the anticipated outcome will not materialize. Additionally, there might be obstacles and issues within what appears to be good deeds that can lead to opposite results. For instance, in Surah At-Talaq, verse 3, it is mentioned, 'And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out.' Thus, actions that are not rooted in piety and sincerity may ultimately yield negative results. Overall, it is essential for a person to reflect on their intentions and goals, and not lose sight of pure intentions and connection to God, as these factors greatly influence the fate of their actions.
Related Verses
لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ ۗ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِن نَّسِينََا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَا إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِنَا ۚ رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ ۖ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا ۖ أَنتَ مَوْلَانَا فَانصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ
Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear. It will have [the consequence of] what [good] it has gained, and it will bear [the consequence of] what it has earned.
Al-Baqarah : 225
وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مَخْرَجًا
And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out.
At-Talaq : 3
Short Story
One day, a man named Amir decided to do a good deed and help a charity. However, his intention was merely to be seen, not from a place of love. When news of his good deed reached him and people praised him, he felt an emptiness inside. At that moment, a verse from the Quran flashed in his mind: 'Allah is with the truthful.' He realized he had found no real joy in his act of charity. Eventually, he decided to purify his intention and continue to do good deeds for the sake of God and humanity and truly thrived and felt happy in that path.