Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said a sentence and I said another. He said, "Whoever dies while he is setting up rivals along with Allah (i.e. worshipping others along with Allah) shall be admitted into the (Hell) Fire." And I said the other: "Whoever dies while he is not setting up rivals along with Allah (i.e. worshipping none except Allah) shall be admitted into Paradise."
Hadith Commentary: The Final Decisive Criterion
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (6683) establishes the ultimate criterion for salvation. The Prophet's statement clarifies that shirk (associating partners with Allah) nullifies all deeds and guarantees eternal punishment, regardless of one's worldly achievements or apparent righteousness.
Theological Implications of Tawhid and Shirk
The companion's complementary statement emphasizes that sincere tawhid (Islamic monotheism) is the sole gateway to Paradise. This demonstrates that the foundation of faith precedes all other acts of worship in importance.
Scholars explain that this hadith establishes the principle of "al-wala' wal-bara'" - loyalty to the believers and disavowal of polytheism. The one who dies upon tawhid has fulfilled the primary purpose of creation, while the one who dies upon shirk has committed the gravest injustice to himself.
Practical Applications in Daily Life
This teaching necessitates constant vigilance against subtle forms of shirk, such as showing off in worship (riya'), blind following of desires, or seeking judgment from other than Allah's law.
The scholars of "Oaths and Vows" note that this principle extends to all aspects of faith - one must ensure their oaths, vows, and worship are directed solely to Allah, without associating any partners in intention or action.