The Prophet (p.b.u.h) said, "Seven people will be shaded by Allah under His shade on the day when there will be no shade except His. They are: (1) a just ruler; (2) a young man who has been brought up in the worship of Allah, (i.e. worship Allah (Alone) sincerely from his childhood), (3) a man whose heart is attached to the mosque (who offers the five compulsory congregational prayers in the mosque); (4) two persons who love each other only for Allah's sake and they meet and part in Allah's cause only; (5) a man who refuses the call of a charming woman of noble birth for an illegal sexual intercourse with her and says: I am afraid of Allah; (6) a person who practices charity so secretly that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given (i.e. nobody knows how much he has given in charity). (7) a person who remembers Allah in seclusion and his eyes get flooded with tears."
Hadith Commentary: The Seven Under Allah's Shade
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 1423 enumerates seven categories of believers who will receive divine protection on the Day of Judgment when there will be no shade except Allah's Throne. Each category represents a distinct form of spiritual excellence and devotion to Allah.
The Just Ruler
A ruler who governs with equity and justice, upholding divine law without favoritism or oppression. His justice extends to all subjects regardless of their status, wealth, or faith.
The Devout Youth
A young person who maintained piety during the peak of physical strength and worldly temptations. This demonstrates exceptional spiritual discipline when natural inclinations are strongest.
The Mosque-Devoted Heart
One whose soul finds comfort in mosques, regularly performing congregational prayers. This indicates a heart attached to remembrance of Allah rather than worldly distractions.
Brotherhood for Allah's Sake
Two individuals whose friendship is purely for divine pleasure, meeting and parting for righteous purposes without worldly motives. This reflects pure spiritual connection.
The Chaste Man
One who rejects illicit desires despite strong temptation, declaring "I fear Allah." This exemplifies true God-consciousness (taqwa) overcoming base instincts.
The Secret Giver
One who gives charity so discreetly that even his left hand doesn't know what his right has given. This represents the highest form of sincerity (ikhlas) in obligatory charity tax (zakat) and voluntary charity.
The Weeping Rememberer
One who remembers Allah in solitude until tears flow from awe and love. This indicates profound spiritual awareness and heartfelt connection with the Divine.