While I was riding behind the Prophet (ﷺ) and between me and him and between me and him there was only the back of the saddle, he said, "0 Mu`adh!" I replied, "Labbaik, 0 Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), and Sa`daik!" he said, "Do you know what is Allah's right upon his slave?" I said, "Allah and His Apostle know best" He said "Allah's right upon his slaves is that they should worship Him alone and not worship anything else besides Him." Then he proceeded for a while and then said, "O Mu`adh bin Jabal!" I replied, "Labbaik, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ):, Sa`daik!' He said, "Do you know what is the right of the slaves upon Allah if they do that?" I replied, "Allah and His Apostle know best." He said, "The right of the slaves upon Allah is that He will not punish them (if they do that).
Hadith Commentary: The Mutual Rights Between Allah and His Servants
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (5967) contains essential theological principles regarding the relationship between the Creator and His creation. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) engages his companion Mu'adh ibn Jabal in a pedagogical dialogue while traveling, establishing fundamental Islamic doctrine.
Allah's Right Upon His Servants: Tawhid
The first question establishes the foundation of Islamic belief: "Do you know what is Allah's right upon his slave?" The answer reveals the core of Islamic monotheism - that servants must worship Allah alone without associating partners with Him. This constitutes the essence of Tawhid, the absolute oneness of God in His lordship, worship, and attributes.
Scholars explain this encompasses both outward acts of worship (prayer, fasting, charity) and inward states (sincerity, love, fear, and hope directed solely to Allah). This right precedes all other obligations in Islam.
The Servants' Right Upon Allah: Divine Promise
The second question establishes the reciprocal nature of this relationship: "Do you know what is the right of the slaves upon Allah if they do that?" The magnificent answer reveals Allah's boundless mercy - that He will not punish those who fulfill their obligation of pure monotheistic worship.
Classical commentators emphasize this doesn't imply Allah is obligated by His creation, but rather reflects His self-prescribed mercy and justice. As Allah states in the Quran: "My mercy encompasses all things" (7:156). This promise applies to those who maintain Tawhid until death, though minor sins may require purification.
Pedagogical Methodology
The Prophet's teaching method demonstrates effective pedagogy: asking questions to engage the student, pausing between concepts for reflection, and delivering profound truths in simple language. The physical proximity during this teaching moment (riding together) reflects the intimate teacher-student relationship in Islamic education.
Legal and Theological Implications
This hadith establishes that worship (ibadah) is comprehensive, encompassing all acts pleasing to Allah. It confirms that salvation ultimately depends on maintaining pure Tawhid, while also acknowledging Allah's ultimate discretion in judgment. Scholars note this forms the basis for understanding the relationship between divine decree and human responsibility.