Mu'adh said, "I was riding behind the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and he called out, 'Mu'adh!' 'At your service!' I replied. Then the Prophet said the same thing three times and went on, 'Do you know what is Allah's right on His slaves? That they should worship Him and not associate anything with Him.' Then he rode on for an hour.
Commentary on the Hadith of Mu'adh ibn Jabal
This narration from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 943 presents a profound teaching moment between the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companion Mu'adh ibn Jabal. The Prophet's repetition of Mu'adh's name three times indicates the supreme importance of what was to follow - establishing the fundamental principle of Islamic monotheism.
Theological Significance
The declaration "That they should worship Him and not associate anything with Him" constitutes the essence of Tawhid (Divine Unity). This is the primary right Allah has over His creation, preceding all other obligations in Islam.
Scholars note that the Prophet's pause of approximately an hour after this statement allowed Mu'adh to contemplate the gravity of this fundamental truth, demonstrating the pedagogical wisdom of allowing students time for reflection after receiving essential knowledge.
Spiritual Implications
The setting - while traveling - shows that Islamic education occurs in all circumstances, not merely in formal settings. The riding position also symbolizes the journey of faith and knowledge.
Classical commentators emphasize that this hadith establishes worship (ibadah) as the ultimate purpose of creation, while shirk (associating partners with Allah) represents the gravest sin that invalidates all deeds.