Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Anyone who dies worshipping others along with Allah will definitely enter the Fire." I said, "Anyone who dies worshipping none along with Allah will definitely enter Paradise."
Hadith Text & Context
"Anyone who dies worshipping others along with Allah will definitely enter the Fire." I said, "Anyone who dies worshipping none along with Allah will definitely enter Paradise."
Narrated by Abu Dhar (RA) in Sahih al-Bukhari 1238, this profound exchange establishes the fundamental Islamic doctrine of Tawheed (Divine Oneness) and its eternal consequences.
Scholarly Commentary on Shirk
The Prophet's statement confirms that dying upon shirk (associating partners with Allah) necessitates eternal punishment. Scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explain this encompasses all forms of shirk - major (ash-shirk al-akbar) and minor (ash-shirk al-asghar) if unrepented.
Classical commentators emphasize that shirk represents the ultimate injustice to Allah's rights, invalidating all deeds and severing the servant's relationship with the Creator.
Companion's Supplementary Statement
Abu Dhar's addition "Anyone who dies worshipping none along with Allah will definitely enter Paradise" receives scholarly validation. Imam an-Nawawi states the Companions' understanding carries legislative weight when confirmed by prophetic silence.
This establishes the corollary principle: pure Tawheed at death guarantees Paradise, though scholars note this applies after accounting for other conditions like avoiding major sins without repentance.
Practical Implications from Funerals (Al-Janaa'iz)
This hadith informs funeral rites in Sahih al-Bukhari's "Funerals" chapter. Scholars derive that Muslim burial is denied to those known to have died upon shirk, reflecting the spiritual distinction between believers and polytheists.
The commentary reminds Muslims to frequently renew their Tawheed and seek protection from shirk, making the funeral a moment of reflection on one's ultimate destination.