A bedouin came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! When will The Hour be established?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Wailaka (Woe to you), What have you prepared for it?" The bedouin said, "I have not prepared anything for it, except that I love Allah and H is Apostle." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "You will be with those whom you love." We (the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) ) said, "And will we too be so? The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Yes." So we became very glad on that day. In the meantime, a slave of Al-Mughira passed by, and he was of the same age as I was. The Prophet (ﷺ) said. "If this (slave) should live long, he will not reach the geriatric old age, but the Hour will be established."
Good Manners and Form (Al-Adab)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 6167
Hadith Text
A bedouin came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! When will The Hour be established?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Wailaka (Woe to you), What have you prepared for it?" The bedouin said, "I have not prepared anything for it, except that I love Allah and His Apostle." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "You will be with those whom you love." We (the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ)) said, "And will we too be so? The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Yes." So we became very glad on that day. In the meantime, a slave of Al-Mughira passed by, and he was of the same age as I was. The Prophet (ﷺ) said. "If this (slave) should live long, he will not reach the geriatric old age, but the Hour will be established."
Commentary on the Bedouin's Question
The Prophet's response "Wailaka" serves as a gentle reprimand, redirecting the questioner from speculative matters to practical preparation. This demonstrates the Islamic principle that knowledge of the Hour's exact timing is with Allah alone, while our concern should be with spiritual readiness.
The bedouin's declaration of love for Allah and His Messenger, despite his lack of other preparations, shows that sincere love is the foundation of faith. The heart's attachment to Allah and His Prophet is the essence of iman (faith).
The Principle of Association in the Hereafter
"You will be with those whom you love" establishes a fundamental spiritual reality: in the Hereafter, people will be grouped according to their spiritual affinities and loves. This includes both the object of love (Allah and His Messenger) and the quality of that love.
The companions' immediate inquiry about their own status shows their keen understanding and desire for certainty in matters of faith. The Prophet's affirmative response brought them immense joy, demonstrating the comfort and hope this principle provides to believers.
The Timeless Nature of the Hour's Imminence
The final portion regarding the slave of Al-Mughira emphasizes that the Hour is always imminent in religious consciousness. Even if someone appears to have a full lifespan ahead, the Hour could come before their old age.
This serves as a perpetual reminder that every generation should live with the awareness that the Hereafter could arrive at any moment, thus maintaining constant spiritual vigilance and preparation.