Hadith Text

The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: If anyone's last words are "There is no god but Allah" he will enter Paradise.

Source Reference

Sunan Abi Dawud 3116 - Funerals (Kitab Al-Jana'iz)

Scholarly Commentary

This noble hadith demonstrates the immense mercy of Allah towards His servants. The testimony of faith (kalimah at-tawhid) being one's final utterance signifies a blessed ending (husn al-khatimah) and indicates divine acceptance.

Scholars explain that this applies to one who lived by this testimony, not merely uttered it at death while persisting in disobedience. The final words reflect what dominated the heart during life. This hadith encourages constant remembrance of Allah and preparation for death.

Imam An-Nawawi states this indicates the superiority of dying while remembering Allah. The promise of Paradise is for those whose faith was sincere, as the final words manifest what was established in the heart throughout life.

Practical Implications

Muslims should frequently recite the shahadah and teach it to the dying. The companions would prompt the dying with "La ilaha illallah" as these words have the power to erase sins and open the gates of Paradise when uttered with sincerity at life's conclusion.