'Three have a double reward: one ofthe People of the Book who believes in his Prophet and then believes inMuhammad has two rewards. When a slave carries out the due of Allah andthe due of his master, he has a double reward. And (the third is) a manwho has a slavegirl with whom he has intercourse and teaches her well andinstructs her well and then sets her free and marries her. He has two rewards.'"
Hadith Commentary: The Three Who Receive Double Reward
This noble hadith from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad (203) illuminates three distinct categories of believers who are granted a double recompense from Allah, demonstrating the vastness of Divine mercy and the comprehensive nature of Islamic justice.
The Believer from the People of the Book
The first is a person from the People of the Book (Ahl al-Kitab) who first believed sincerely in his own prophet (such as Moses or Jesus) and then, upon hearing the message of Islam, also believed in the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). He receives a double reward: one for his initial, correct faith in his prophet, and another for affirming the finality of prophethood with Muhammad (ﷺ). This shows Islam's recognition of previous revelations and honors those who complete their faith.
The Righteous Slave
The second is a slave who fulfills the dual responsibilities in his life perfectly. He fulfills the "due of Allah" (Haqq Allah) by performing his religious obligations like prayer and fasting. Simultaneously, he fulfills the "due of his master" (Haqq al-Mawla) by being honest, hardworking, and not betraying the trust placed in him. His struggle to please both his Lord and his earthly master in a difficult situation is immensely valued, hence the double reward.
The Master Who Educates and Marries His Slave Woman
The third is a man who owns a slave woman. He first has lawful intercourse with her (as was permissible within that societal structure). The great virtue comes from his subsequent actions: he takes the responsibility to "teach her well" (likely meaning religious knowledge and manners) and "instructs her well" (in life skills and etiquette). He then completes this immense kindness by setting her free, liberating her from servitude, and finally honors her by marrying her, making her his free wife. This series of righteous actions—education, manumission, and marriage—transforms a relationship of ownership into one of dignity and love, meriting a double reward from Allah.
Conclusion and Wisdom
The common thread in these three examples is the performance of an act of worship or righteousness that involves an extra degree of effort, sincerity, or completion of a duty. This hadith, from the book "Being a master" as compiled in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, serves as a powerful encouragement for believers to excel in their faith and dealings with others, promising abundant grace from the Most Merciful.