The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: He who has in his heart as much pride as much pride as grain of mustard-seed will not enter paradise. And he who has in his heart as much faith as grain of mustard-seed will not enter Hell.
Abu Dawud said: Al-Qasmali has transmitted it from Al-A'mash in a similar way.
Hadith on Pride and Faith
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "He who has in his heart as much pride as a grain of mustard-seed will not enter paradise. And he who has in his heart as much faith as a grain of mustard-seed will not enter Hell."
Abu Dawud said: Al-Qasmali has transmitted it from Al-A'mash in a similar way.
Commentary on Pride (Kibr)
Pride is among the most destructive spiritual diseases, being the very sin that caused Iblis's downfall. The scholars define pride as rejecting the truth and looking down upon people. Even the smallest amount of pride - compared to the minute mustard seed - is sufficient to bar one from Paradise, demonstrating the severity of this spiritual malady.
The mustard seed analogy emphasizes that Allah judges based on what is in hearts, not merely outward actions. Pride corrupts one's entire relationship with Allah and creation, making the soul unfit for the humility required in Paradise.
Commentary on Faith (Iman)
Conversely, even the smallest amount of sincere faith protects from eternal Hellfire. This demonstrates Allah's immense mercy - He does not disregard even the most minute good. The mustard seed comparison shows that true faith, however small, has transformative power in the divine balance.
Scholars explain that this refers to the core faith (iman) that distinguishes a Muslim from a disbeliever. While such a person may enter Hell temporarily for sins, they will ultimately be delivered due to their fundamental faith, unlike the proud who may be denied Paradise entirely.
Spiritual Implications
This hadith establishes the fundamental principle that salvation ultimately depends on what resides in the heart. Outward Islam without inward faith is insufficient, while inward faith - even if accompanied by shortcomings - ultimately brings salvation.
The contrast between pride and faith illustrates the two fundamental orientations of the soul: one turning away from Allah through self-exaltation, the other turning toward Allah through submission and recognition of truth.