Man’s Deeds Bring Responsibilities
The concept of deed, which is distinguished from conduct, has characteristics knowing which can give us a better understanding of man’s identity.
The Quran’s portraying of mankind introduces him as one who has deeds and is responsible for them. The word Amal (action, deed) has been mentioned in the Quran a lot.
Deed is different from conduct. We have different conducts some of which are deeds. So each deed is a conduct but not all conducts are deeds.
Conducts are external actions whereas deeds can be external or internal actions. For example having faith or Kufr (disbelief) are deeds that take place in the heart and have reward or punishment.
Conduct may not bring responsibility but deeds are accompanied with responsibility. A conduct turns to a deed with three basic factors available.
The first one is cognitive. We should have a purpose. Some conducts may have a defined ending but not a purpose.
The second factor is having motivation. One should have a desire and a motivation for proceeding with a deed.
And the third one is free will and freedom of choice, especially when there is a conflict and one should make a decision about whether he should do this or that.
Amal also has other features. For example it can be attributed to the Amel (one who does it). If it cannot be attributed, it is not Amal.
As mentioned before, Amal brings responsibility and one should be accountable for it.
Another important feature is that Amal makes identity. We form our identity with our deeds. The Holy Quran says about the son of Nuh (Noah): “He said: ‘Noah, he is not of your family. It is not a good deed. Do not ask Me about things of which you have no knowledge. I reproach you lest you become among the ignorant.” (Verse 46 of Surah Hud)
