A man said to the Prophet (ﷺ) "Tell me of such a deed as will make me enter Paradise." The people said, "What is the matter with him? What is the matter with him?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "He has something to ask. (What he needs greatly) The Prophet (ﷺ) said: (In order to enter Paradise) you should worship Allah and do not ascribe any partners to Him, offer prayer perfectly, pay the Zakat and keep good relations with your Kith and kin." (See Hadith No. 12, Vol 8).
Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat)
Sahih al-Bukhari 1396
Hadith Commentary
This profound narration establishes the foundational pillars of Islam that lead to Paradise. The questioner's urgency indicates a sincere yearning for salvation, which the Prophet recognized as a noble spiritual quest.
The response begins with Tawhid - worshiping Allah alone without partners - as the primary condition for salvation. This establishes the correct creed before any actions.
Prayer (Salah) and Zakat are paired together in numerous Quranic verses and hadiths, indicating their inseparable connection in Islamic practice. Zakat here represents the financial aspect of worship, purifying wealth and supporting the community.
Maintaining kinship ties (Silat al-Rahim) completes the spiritual framework by addressing social obligations. This comprehensive answer covers one's relationship with Allah through Tawhid and Salah, with society through Zakat, and with family through kinship ties - forming a complete path to Paradise.
Scholarly Insights
Imam al-Nawawi comments that this hadith contains the essence of Islamic teachings, combining both rights of Allah and rights of creation.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes that the pairing of Salah and Zakat signifies the balance between spiritual and material purification in a Muslim's life.
Classical scholars emphasize that these acts must be performed with sincerity (ikhlas) and in accordance with the Sunnah to yield their full reward.