Once we accompanied the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) on a journey. When we reached near Medina, the people began to say aloud: "Allah is most great," and they raised their voice.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: O people, you are not supplicating one who is deaf and absent, but you are supplicating One Who is nearer to you than the neck of your riding beast.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) then said: AbuMusa, should I not point out to you one of the treasures of Paradise?
I asked: What is that?
He replied: "There is no might and there is no power except in Allah"
Prayer (Kitab Al-Salat): Detailed Injunctions about Witr - Sunan Abi Dawud 1526
A traditional commentary from the perspective of classical Islamic scholarship
Contextual Analysis
This narration occurred during a return journey to Medina, illustrating the Prophet's guidance on proper spiritual conduct. The companions' loud takbir (declaration of Allah's greatness) demonstrated their enthusiasm, yet required refinement in understanding divine presence.
Scholarly Commentary on Divine Proximity
The Prophet's correction emphasizes that Allah is neither deaf nor distant. Classical scholars like Ibn al-Qayyim explain this as affirming divine omnipresence and attentive hearing, while Imam al-Nawawi notes it teaches moderation in voice during remembrance.
The metaphor "nearer than the neck of your riding beast" signifies Allah's intimate knowledge and control over creation's most vital functions, as commented by al-Qurtubi in his tafsir.
The Treasure of Paradise
The phrase "La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah" (There is no might and no power except with Allah) is described as a "treasure" because, as Imam al-Ghazali explains, it embodies complete dependence on Allah and recognition of human incapacity.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes this declaration contains profound tawhid (monotheism) by affirming all power belongs exclusively to Allah, making it a key to Paradise's treasures when understood and practiced sincerely.
Practical Implications
This hadith teaches balanced devotion - avoiding extremes while maintaining consciousness of divine presence. Scholars emphasize its relevance to all acts of worship, particularly prayer (salat) where presence of heart is essential.
The "treasure" phrase serves as spiritual protection and means of attaining divine assistance, recommended by scholars for frequent recitation during trials and daily activities.