In Islam, the rewards for even the smallest actions can be profound, reminding us that no act of kindness or worship goes unnoticed by Allah (SWT). 

We often overlook how impactful something as simple as a dollar of sadaqah can be. I’ve found that whenever I have extra change, instead of letting it pile up, I keep it in a pocket in my car to give to someone in need. Those in need are always grateful, no matter the amount or form. Sadaqah not only benefits those who receive it, but also shields the giver from calamity and increases their sustenance and blessings. As Allah (SWT) says in the Qur'an, “Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He may multiply it for him many times over? And it is Allah who withholds and grants abundance, and to Him you will be returned” (Qur'an, 2:245). Allah promises that for those who spend in His way, He multiplies their rewards (Quran 2:261). 

It's easy to forget the power of small acts of remembrance. We say Alhamdulillah when something big happens, but what about the everyday blessings, like our car starting in the morning or having clean water? Acknowledging these little moments connects us to Allah (SWT), and His rewards are countless when we keep Him in mind. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Allah (SWT) says: ‘I am as my servant expects Me to be, and I am with him when he remembers Me. If he thinks of Me, I think of him. If he mentions Me in company, I mention him in an even better company. When he comes closer to Me by a handspan, I come closer to him an arm’s length. If he draws closer to Me by an arm’s length, I draw closer by a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him. If my servant comes to Me walking, I go to him running’” (Al-Bukhari). It is truly such an impactful reminder that Allah (SWT) is waiting for us to bring him near, to guide us, and to reward us. 

A task as simple as starting your day with Qur'an, no matter how rushed you are, can change your entire morning. I’ve found that listening to even a few surahs calms my energy and brings peace. Over time, the regular habit of listening or reciting also helps in memorizing the Qur'an without even realizing it. 

Another small, yet powerful habit is reciting Surah Ikhlas three times after every prayer. This has been noted to equal the reward of reading the entire Qur’an. Additionally, including a greeting to the Prophet ﷺ during the start of your duas is another way to show respect and bring blessings to your prayers.

Lastly, in a world filled with temptations, it’s crucial to remember that this life is temporary, and so are its trials. Giving up haram for the sake of Allah (SWT) brings unimaginable rewards. The Prophet ﷺ said, “Certainly, you will never leave something for the sake of Allah, the Mighty & Majestic, except that Allah will replace it with something better.” And what’s most beautiful is that Allah (SWT) rewards us not only for our good deeds but even for our intentions. The Prophet ﷺ said that if someone intends to do good but doesn’t, Allah still records it as a good deed. If they follow through, Allah multiplies it tenfold or more. But if someone intends to do something wrong and refrains, Allah records it as a full good deed (Al-Bukhari). This shows how eager Allah (SWT) is to reward us, even for the simplest actions.

What’s even more comforting is that if you regularly do a good deed but are unable to perform it one day due to illness or another valid circumstance, Allah (SWT) still rewards you as if you had done the deed. “The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are most consistent, even if it is small.” (Bukhari). This is a reminder of Allah’s (SWT) infinite mercy and His appreciation for our efforts. When we acknowledge Allah (SWT), He rewards us even more. It’s a beautiful reflection of how much Allah (SWT) values both our intentions and our dedication. In Islam, nothing is too small to matter. Every intention, every small effort, and every remembrance brings us closer to Allah (SWT), and the rewards are boundless.