A Bedouin came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said, "Tell me of such a deed as will make me enter Paradise, if I do it." The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Worship Allah, and worship none along with Him, offer the (five) prescribed compulsory prayers perfectly, pay the compulsory Zakat, and fast the month of Ramadan." The Bedouin said, "By Him, in Whose Hands my life is, I will not do more than this." When he (the Bedouin) left, the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Whoever likes to see a man of Paradise, then he may look at this man."
Narrated Abu Zur'a:
From the Prophet (ﷺ) the same as above.
Hadith Commentary: The Path to Paradise
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 1397 encapsulates the fundamental pillars of Islam that lead to Paradise. The Bedouin's inquiry reflects a sincere desire for spiritual certainty, while the Prophet's response establishes the foundational acts of worship.
The Five Pillars in Concise Form
The Prophet (ﷺ) enumerated four essential pillars: Tawhid (monotheism), Salah (prayer), Zakat (obligatory charity), and Sawm (fasting). Scholars note the omission of Hajj indicates it wasn't yet obligatory or that the Bedouin's circumstances might not require it.
The sequence is significant: faith precedes action, prayer follows faith, then Zakat - showing the interconnectedness of spiritual and material purification.
The Significance of Zakat in This Context
Zakat's inclusion among these essential acts demonstrates its crucial role in Islamic spirituality. It purifies wealth and soul, serving as practical manifestation of Tawhid by acknowledging Allah's ownership of all provision.
Classical commentators emphasize that Zakat completes the prayer, as the Qur'an frequently pairs them. The Bedouin's acceptance of these pillars without addition shows their sufficiency for salvation when performed with sincerity.
The Bedouin's Declaration and Its Implications
His oath "By Him in Whose Hands my life is" demonstrates immediate acceptance without hesitation. Scholars interpret this as evidence of strong faith and contentment with divine guidance.
The Prophet's subsequent declaration that this man is from Paradise indicates that perfection in these fundamental acts, coupled with sincere belief, guarantees divine reward. This comforts believers that Paradise is attainable through consistent practice of Islam's basics.