"Once Mu`adh was along with Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as a companion rider. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "O Mu`adh bin Jabal." Mu`adh replied, "Labbaik and Sa`daik. O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)!" Again the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "O Mu`adh!" Mu`adh said thrice, "Labbaik and Sa`daik, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)!" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "There is none who testifies sincerely that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad is his Apostle, except that Allah, will save him from the Hell-fire." Mu`adh said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) ! Should I not inform the people about it so that they may have glad tidings?" He replied, "When the people hear about it, they will solely depend on it." Then Mu`adh narrated the above-mentioned Hadith just before his death, being afraid of committing sin (by not telling the knowledge).
The Hadith of Mu'adh ibn Jabal
Sahih al-Bukhari 128 - Book of Knowledge
Context and Significance
This profound narration occurs during a journey where the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) rode alongside his companion Mu'adh ibn Jabal. The repetition of Mu'adh's name three times indicates the gravity and importance of what was to follow.
Mu'adh's response "Labbaik and Sa'daik" demonstrates the highest etiquette when addressed by the Messenger of Allah, meaning "I respond to Your call and I am happy to serve You."
The Core Teaching
The Prophet (ﷺ) declares that whoever testifies with sincerity and true conviction that "None has the right to be worshipped except Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger" will be saved from Hellfire. This testimony (Shahadah) is the foundation of Islamic faith.
The condition of "sincerity" (mukhlisan) is crucial - it requires pure intention, complete acceptance, and implementation of this testimony in one's life, not mere verbal utterance.
Wisdom in Restricting Knowledge
When Mu'adh requested permission to share this glad tiding with people, the Prophet (ﷺ) refused, fearing people might practice "ittikal" - relying solely on this testimony while neglecting other religious obligations.
This demonstrates the profound wisdom in gradual and appropriate dissemination of knowledge, considering people's understanding and potential misconceptions.
Mu'adh's Final Act
Mu'adh only narrated this hadith shortly before his death, fearing the sin of withholding beneficial knowledge. This shows the balance scholars must maintain between sharing knowledge and considering potential misunderstandings.
His action exemplifies the responsibility of scholars to ensure knowledge reaches people at appropriate times and contexts.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars explain that while the Shahadah is the key to Paradise, it must be accompanied by fulfilling religious obligations and avoiding major sins. The testimony's protection from Hellfire applies to those who die upon it without invalidating it through major shirk or disbelief.
This hadith emphasizes both the immense value of sincere faith and the wisdom in pedagogical methods when teaching religious matters.