One of the most beautiful Names of Allah is Ash-Shakur, The Most Appreciative. He is the One who recognizes and rewards even the smallest effort done sincerely for His sake. Nothing offered to Him is ever too little.

On days when exhaustion weighs heavy, or when life feels like it is moving faster than we can keep up, we still show up. We pray our five daily prayers. We recite even a few verses of the Quran. We whisper a simple dhikr between tasks. Sometimes it feels mechanical, like routine rather than devotion, yet none of it is lost with Allah SWT. 

Every quiet act of obedience is recorded with care.

The Prophet SAW taught us that the deeds most beloved to Allah are those that are small but consistent, rather than large acts that are abandoned. This hadith reminds us that moving slowly is not a failure. Especially when days or even weeks feel heavy, what matters most is continuity.

As long as the fardh is protected and there is space, however small, for remembrance of Allah in your day, that is already enough.

For women, there are seasons where energy is stretched thin. Menstrual cycles, motherhood, being a wife, working or studying simultaneously can leave us feeling as though we are falling short of doing "more". 

But closeness to Allah is not built only through grand gestures. Small deeds, when done consistently and sincerely, can deepen your relationship with Him in ways you may not immediately see.

Charity

Charity does not have to be dramatic to be meaningful. Giving even a dollar is still a victory. Nothing is ever too small in the sight of Allah, not even something as simple as a single date. As narrated by ‘Adi bin Hatim, the Prophet SAW said, “Save yourself from Hellfire even by giving half of a date in charity.”

Greeting your colleagues with warmth, smiling at a stranger during your commute, helping your parents with household chores, all of these are also acts of sadaqah. After the obligatory acts, charity is among the most beloved deeds to Allah SWT. It is a reminder that kindness, in all its forms, is an act of worship.

Daily Remembrance

“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest.” [Surah Ar-Ra'd 13:28]. This verse carries a quiet truth. In a world that is constantly loud, remembrance becomes a refuge. It is how the heart exhales.

For sisters experiencing menstruation, when prayer and Quran recitation are paused; dhikr remains a powerful anchor. It is an act of worship that carries no restriction. 

When you’re busy, tired or unable to observe other acts of worship, remembering Allah with simple phrases may feel small, yet they are immense in His sight. The Prophet SAW said that there are words which are light on the tongue but heavy on the scales: "SubhanAllahi wa bihamdih, SubhanAllahil Azim."

Act of Kindness

If there is anything the world needs more of right now, it is kindness towards one another. Our Prophet SAW, despite carrying the weight of revelation, leadership and responsibility, and being a present husband and father, never complained about his days or lashed out when things did not go his way. Instead, he met the world with gentleness. His kindness extended to every being he encountered, human and animal alike.

Practicing kindness, spreading love and making others feel at ease may seem ordinary in today’s world. Yet in Islam, these acts carry great weight. Allah calls us to be gentle with one another, to love for His sake and to let compassion shape the way we move through life.

Al-Miqdam ibn Ma’dikarib reported that the Messenger of Allah SAW said, “When one of you loves his brother, let him know.”

It is easy to be hard on yourself or feel left behind when you do not see yourself performing "big" deeds like waking up for tahajjud or going for Hajj every year. But Islam reminds us that there are many simple deeds beloved to Allah. When done consistently and with sincerity, they can carry greater reward than actions that are occasional or performed without the presence of heart.

Do not let what others are doing deceive you into thinking you are doing less. Deeds, too, are a form of rizq from Allah. Some are gifted with the ability to rise for tahajjud, some are generous in charity, while for others, dhikr flows naturally from the tongue. Not everyone is created the same, and that is part of Allah’s wisdom.

As long as you continue striving, however quietly, for the sake of Allah SWT, know that your efforts are seen. The reward belongs to Him, and He gives it with perfect justice and mercy.