The Prophet (ﷺ) said, Gabriel came to me and gave me the glad tidings that anyone who died without worshipping anything besides Allah, would enter Paradise. I asked (Gabriel), 'Even if he committed theft, and even if he committed illegal sexual intercourse?' He said, '(Yes), even if he committed theft, and even if he Committed illegal sexual intercourse."
Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed)
Sahih al-Bukhari 7487
Hadith Text
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, Gabriel came to me and gave me the glad tidings that anyone who died without worshipping anything besides Allah, would enter Paradise. I asked (Gabriel), 'Even if he committed theft, and even if he committed illegal sexual intercourse?' He said, '(Yes), even if he committed theft, and even if he Committed illegal sexual intercourse."
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith establishes the fundamental principle that sincere Tawheed (monotheism) is the ultimate means of salvation. The Prophet's questioning demonstrates the magnitude of this divine mercy, testing its limits with major sins. Gabriel's affirmation reveals that while major sins are grave offenses, they do not necessarily nullify one's fundamental faith in Allah's oneness.
Scholars explain that this refers to those who maintained the foundation of Tawheed despite falling into sin, not those who persisted in sin without repentance. The hadith emphasizes that shirk (associating partners with Allah) is the only unforgivable sin if not repented from, while other sins may be forgiven through Allah's infinite mercy.
This narration serves as both a warning against shirk and an encouragement for sinners to return to pure monotheism, demonstrating that Allah's mercy encompasses all who die upon Tawheed, regardless of their previous transgressions.