Jabir ibn 'Abdullah reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, went up the minbar. When he reached the first step, he said, "Amen". When he ascended to the second step, he said, "Amen," and when he stepped onto the third step, he said, "Amen." They said, "Messenger of Allah, we heard you say 'Amen' three times." He said, "When I went up the first step, Jibril, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, came to me and said, 'Wretched is the slave to whom Ramadan comes and when it passes from him is not forgiven.' I said, 'Amen.' Then he said, 'Wretched is the slave who has one or both of his parents alive and they do not let him enter the Garden.' I said, 'Amen.' Then he said, 'Wretched is a slave who does not bless you when you are mentioned in his presence,' and I said, 'Amen.'"
Hadith Commentary: The Three "Amens"
This profound narration from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 644 reveals three critical matters where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphatically affirmed angelic pronouncements with "Amen," indicating their grave importance in Islamic tradition.
First Affirmation: Ramadan's Missed Opportunity
The first "Amen" responds to Jibril's declaration about the wretchedness of one who experiences Ramadan yet fails to attain forgiveness. Scholars explain that Ramadan represents a divinely appointed season for spiritual purification. Its prescribed fasting, night prayers, and increased devotion create optimal conditions for divine mercy. To exit this blessed month without forgiveness indicates either persistent major sins without repentance or neglect of Ramadan's fundamental obligations.
Second Affirmation: Parental Rights Neglected
The second "Amen" concerns those with living parents who fail to honor them properly. Classical commentators emphasize that righteous treatment of parents - known as birr al-wālidayn - serves as a direct pathway to Paradise. The hadith indicates that parental displeasure can bar one from entry, highlighting how service to parents ranks仅次于 worship of Allah alone in Islamic hierarchy of obligations.
Third Affirmation: Neglecting Prophetic Blessings
The final "Amen" addresses those who hear the Prophet's name mentioned yet fail to invoke blessings upon him (salawāt). Scholars interpret this as indicating both the obligation and immense merit of sending blessings upon the Prophet. This practice maintains spiritual connection with prophethood and demonstrates proper love and respect for Allah's final messenger.
Scholarly Insights
Traditional scholars note the strategic timing of these revelations during the Prophet's ascent of the minbar, symbolizing elevated spiritual stations. The triple repetition emphasizes the severity of neglecting these three matters. The term "wretched" (khāba) denotes ultimate failure and loss in both worldly and hereafter contexts.
This hadith from the book "Supplication" in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad serves as a comprehensive reminder of essential Islamic practices: maximizing Ramadan's potential, fulfilling parental rights, and maintaining proper reverence for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).