Tag: faith

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “He who desires to be rescued from the fire of Hell and to enter Jannah, should die in a state of complete belief in Allah and the Last Day, and should do unto others what he wishes to be done unto him.” — Introduction This profound hadith, narrated by the knowledgeable Companion Abdullah bin Amr (RA), serves as a concise yet comprehensive roadmap for every Muslim aspiring for ultimate success. In a single statement, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) masterfully connects the core of faith (Iman) with the essence of moral conduct (Akhlaq), presenting them as two inseparable pillars of salvation. Breakdown of the Key Components The hadith outlines three fundamental conditions for achieving salvation from Hellfire and attaining entry into Paradise. 1. The Ultimate Goal: Salvation and SuccessThe hadith begins by stating the universal desire of every believer:to be “rescued from the fire of Hell and to enter Jannah.” This sets the highest possible stakes, reminding us that our life’s purpose is oriented towards this eternal outcome. It is a call to conscious, purposeful living. 2. The First Condition: Dying upon Correct Faith (Iman) “…should die in a state of complete belief in Allah and the Last Day…” This is the foundational condition. Belief in Allah (Tawhid) and the Last Day (Yawm al-Qiyamah) are two of the six articles of faith. However, the phrase “die in a state of” is crucial. It signifies: · Continuity: Faith is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey that must be preserved until one’s final breath. It warns against complacency and emphasizes the importance of consistently strengthening one’s belief through knowledge, worship, and supplication.· Soundness: The belief must be pure, aligned with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, free from distortions or innovations.· The Last Day as a Motivator: Belief in the Last Day, with its accountability, reckoning, and eternal consequences, is the powerful engine that drives a person to fulfill the next condition. It makes one conscious that every action has a reaction. 3. The Second Condition: The Golden Rule of Conduct (Akhlaq) “…and should do unto others what he wishes to be done unto him.” This is the practical manifestation of true faith. The Prophet (ﷺ) articulates a universal ethical principle, often called the “Golden Rule,” in the most personal and powerful way. This principle means: · Empathy and Justice: It commands us to actively treat others with the kindness, fairness, respect, and compassion that we ourselves desire. It forbids us from harming others, cheating them, or speaking ill of them, as we would not want such things done to us.· A Measure for All Interactions: This rule applies universally—to family, friends, neighbors, business partners, strangers, and even adversaries. It governs our speech, financial dealings, and social interactions.· The Social Dimension of Islam: Islam is not merely a personal spirituality; it is a social religion. This hadith brilliantly links personal salvation to one’s ethical conduct within society. One cannot claim to have perfect faith while harming others. The Inseparable Link between Faith and Action The genius of this hadith lies in the conjunction “and.” It makes the attainment of Paradise dependent on both conditions simultaneously. · Faith without good conduct is incomplete and hypocritical. How can one claim to believe in Allah’s justice yet be unjust to others?· Good conduct without correct faith, while commendable in a worldly sense, lacks the foundation that gives it spiritual value and connects it to the ultimate goal of Allah’s pleasure. Thus, the hadith teaches that true, living faith (Iman) necessarily produces beautiful character (Akhlaq). The internal belief must manifest as external goodness. Conclusion and Practical Takeaways for Today 1. Audit Your Faith: Are we actively nurturing our belief in Allah and the Hereafter? Are we protecting it from the doubts and distractions of modern life through learning and reflection?2. Apply the Golden Rule: In our next interaction—be it at home, at work, or online—let us pause and ask: “Am I treating this person the way I would want to be treated if I were in their position?” This simple question can prevent conflict, spread goodness, and purify our intentions.3. Seek a Good End: The emphasis on “dying in a state of belief” is a reminder to constantly ask Allah for Husn al-Khatimah (a good ending). We do this not only through dua but by living a life that is pleasing to Him, a life characterized by sincere faith and righteous deeds towards both Allah and His creation. This hadith is a beautiful summary of the Islamic way of life: a heart filled with faith and hands extended in goodness. May Allah (SWT) grant us the ability to live by the wisdom of this hadith, to die upon the state of true Iman, and to attain His mercy and Jannah. Ameen.