That Heraclius sent for him and said, "What did he, i.e. the Prophet (ﷺ) order you?" I replied, "He orders us to offer prayers; to give alms; to be chaste; and to keep good relations with our relatives.
Hadith Commentary: The Four Pillars of Islamic Conduct
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 5980, wherein Abu Sufyan recounts his dialogue with Heraclius, presents four fundamental injunctions from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) that form the cornerstone of a Muslim's character and societal obligations.
The Commandment of Prayer (Salah)
The foremost instruction is the establishment of prayer. This signifies the direct worship of Allah, the foundation of the believer's relationship with the Creator. It is the spiritual axis around which a Muslim's life revolves, instilling discipline, mindfulness, and constant remembrance of God.
The Ordinance of Alms (Zakat)
The command to give alms establishes the economic and social justice incumbent upon the community. It purifies wealth, curbs greed, and fosters mutual responsibility by ensuring the circulation of wealth and providing for the needy, thereby strengthening the bonds of brotherhood.
The Mandate of Chastity ('Iffah)
The injunction to be chaste encompasses guarding one's private parts from all unlawful relations and maintaining modesty in conduct, speech, and dress. This preserves the sanctity of the individual, the family unit, and society at large, protecting it from moral decay.
The Duty to Kinship (Silat al-Rahim)
The final command to keep good relations with relatives underscores the importance of social obligations. It entails treating kin with kindness, upholding family ties, and fulfilling the rights owed to them, which is a means of attaining Allah's mercy and blessings in one's sustenance and life.