Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said "Three persons will have a double reward:
1. A Person from the people of the scriptures who believed in his prophet (Jesus or Moses) and then believed in the Prophet (ﷺ) Muhammad (i .e. has embraced Islam).
2. A slave who discharges his duties to Allah and his master.
3. A master of a woman-slave who teaches her good manners and educates her in the best possible way (the religion) and manumits her and then marries her."
Exposition of the Hadith on Three Who Receive Double Reward
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari (97) reveals the profound mercy of Allah towards three categories of believers who receive multiplied reward for their faith and righteous actions.
The People of Scripture Who Embrace Islam
The first category refers to the Ahl al-Kitāb (People of the Book) who first believed in their authentic prophets - such as Moses or Jesus - and then completed their faith by believing in Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. They receive double reward: first for believing in their original prophet, and second for affirming the final Messenger.
This demonstrates Islam's recognition of previous revelations and honors those who recognize the continuity of divine guidance. Their initial faith is not negated but perfected through Islam.
The Righteous Slave
The second category is the slave who fulfills his duties both to Allah and to his earthly master. This person receives double reward for maintaining the delicate balance between spiritual obligations and worldly responsibilities.
The slave's situation is particularly meritorious because he serves two masters simultaneously - his human master and his Divine Master - and excels in both services despite the inherent difficulties of his condition.
The Virtuous Master of a Female Slave
The third category describes a master who elevates his female slave through three noble actions: educating her in religion and good character, granting her freedom, and then marrying her.
This sequence represents the pinnacle of moral treatment - transforming her from bondage to freedom, from ignorance to knowledge, and from servitude to partnership in marriage. Each stage earns divine pleasure, culminating in the double reward mentioned.
Wisdom and Legal Implications
This hadith emphasizes that true nobility lies in righteous conduct rather than mere social status. It illustrates Allah's justice in rewarding sincere effort regardless of one's circumstances.
Scholars note that these categories exemplify how overcoming particular challenges in one's spiritual journey can lead to greater divine recompense, encouraging believers to excel in their specific life situations.