as are the defeat, losses of life and property, and other harms that befall them.

Then Allah Most High says:

“Nor do they spend any amount, small or large, nor cross a valley, without it being recorded for them.”

Spending and crossing a valley are direct actions, so He says of them, “without it being recorded for them.” He does not say, “a righteous deed on that account.”

As for hunger, thirst, fatigue, the disbelievers’ rage, and the losses inflicted on them, these are generated effects. Of these He says:

“Without a righteous deed being recorded for them on that account.”

This indicates that their action is a cause of these effects occurring. Otherwise, nothing would be recorded to a person’s credit without some action of his being its cause. Rather, these effects are recorded because they result from his action.

Allah Most High says:

“We record what they have sent ahead and the traces they leave behind.”

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said in an authentic hadith:

“When a son of Adam dies, his deeds cease except for three: ongoing charity, knowledge from which others benefit, or a righteous child who prays for him.”

He also said in an authentic hadith:

“Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward equal to the rewards of those who follow him, without that diminishing their rewards in the least; and whoever calls to