Kitāb al-Zuhd 1, record 246 of the digital edition

Translation

5.Al-Qāsim ibn Muḥammad narrated from ʿAlī who said, “I heard Abā ʿAbdillāh (a) say, ‘Verily when Allah, the Blessed and Exalted, wants to take account [of the actions] of the believer, He gives him his book [of deeds] in his right hand and calls him to account [in private] between Himself and him. He says, “My servant, did you do such and such, and performed such and such [deeds]?” So he will say, “Yes my Lord, I have done that.” He will say, “I hereby forgive you [for these misdeeds] and transform them into good deeds.” So [when they see his book of deeds] the people will say, “Glory be to Allah! Did this servant not have [even] a single evil deed?” And this is [the interpretation of] the verses wherein Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, says: As for the one who is given his record in his right hand, he will have an easy reckoning, and will return to his people well pleased (Q84:7-9).’ I asked, ‘Who are his people [being referred to in the verse]?’ He said, ‘His people in the world will be his people in Paradise, if they were believers.’[1] And if He wishes ill for His servant [due to his evil], He calls him to account in front of all the people, reproves him, and gives him his book [of deeds] in his left hand. This is [the interpretation of] the verses wherein Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, says: And as for the one who is given his record [in his left hand] from behind his back, he will cry for [instant] destruction and will burn in a blazing fire. He used to [previously] live among his people well pleased [with himself]. (Q84:11-13)’ I asked, ‘Which people [is it referring to]?’ He replied, ‘His people in the world.’ I asked, ‘[What is the meaning of] the statement: He thought he would never return (Q84:14)?’ He said, ‘He assumed that he would never return [to his Lord].’”

Translation: Shaykh Tahir Ridha Jaffer — published with the edition, reproduced verbatim.