A man from Najd with unkempt hair came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and we heard his loud voice but could not understand what he was saying, till he came near and then we came to know that he was asking about Islam. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "You have to offer prayers perfectly five times in a day and night (24 hours)." The man asked, "Is there any more (praying)?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) replied, "No, but if you want to offer the Nawafil prayers (you can)." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) further said to him: "You have to observe fasts during the month of Ramadan." The man asked, "Is there any more fasting?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) replied, "No, but if you want to observe the Nawafil fasts (you can.)" Then Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) further said to him, "You have to pay the Zakat (obligatory charity)." The man asked, "Is there any thing other than the Zakat for me to pay?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) replied, "No, unless you want to give alms of your own." And then that man retreated saying, "By Allah! I will neither do less nor more than this." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If what he said is true, then he will be successful (i.e. he will be granted Paradise)."
The Hadith of the Najdi Man
Narrated Talha bin 'Ubaidullah: A man from Najd with unkempt hair came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and we heard his loud voice but could not understand what he was saying, till he came near and then we came to know that he was asking about Islam. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "You have to offer prayers perfectly five times in a day and night (24 hours)." The man asked, "Is there any more (praying)?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) replied, "No, but if you want to offer the Nawafil prayers (you can)." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) further said to him: "You have to observe fasts during the month of Ramadan." The man asked, "Is there any more fasting?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) replied, "No, but if you want to observe the Nawafil fasts (you can.)" Then Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) further said to him, "You have to pay the Zakat (obligatory charity)." The man asked, "Is there any thing other than the Zakat for me to pay?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) replied, "No, unless you want to give alms of your own." And then that man retreated saying, "By Allah! I will neither do less nor more than this." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "If what he said is true, then he will be successful (i.e. he will be granted Paradise)."
Commentary on the Pillars of Islam
This profound hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 46 establishes the fundamental pillars of Islamic practice. The Prophet (ﷺ) systematically outlined the obligatory acts: the five daily prayers, fasting in Ramadan, and paying Zakat. These constitute the minimum requirements for fulfilling one's Islamic duties.
The Najdi man's inquiry about additional obligations demonstrates his desire for comprehensive understanding. The Prophet's response clarifies the distinction between fard (obligatory) and nafil (voluntary) acts, emphasizing that while voluntary worship is meritorious, it does not replace the obligatory duties.
Scholarly Insights
Classical scholars note that the man's appearance - with unkempt hair - indicates he was a bedouin, yet his profound questions reveal a sincere seeking of truth. His final declaration, "I will neither do less nor more than this," shows complete acceptance of Allah's commandments without addition or subtraction.
Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments in Fath al-Bari that this hadith demonstrates the completeness of Islam's legislative framework. The Prophet's assurance of success for one who fulfills these obligations highlights that salvation comes through steadfast adherence to fundamental duties rather than excessive innovation.
Legal Implications
This narration serves as primary evidence for the obligatory nature of the five daily prayers, Ramadan fasting, and Zakat. It establishes the principle that voluntary acts, while rewarding, cannot substitute for obligatory duties. The man's acceptance without hesitation exemplifies the ideal Muslim attitude toward divine commandments.
Scholars derive from this that while supererogatory worship is commendable, the foundation of one's practice must be the established obligations. The Prophet's final statement provides comfort that fulfillment of these pillars, with sincerity, leads to Paradise.