I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "On the Day of Resurrection I will intercede and say, "O my Lord! Admit into Paradise (even) those who have faith equal to a mustard seed in their hearts." Such people will enter Paradise, and then I will say, 'O (Allah) admit into Paradise (even) those who have the least amount of faith in their hearts." Anas then said: As if I were just now looking at the fingers of Allah's Apostle.
Oneness, Uniqueness of Allah (Tawheed)
Sahih al-Bukhari 7509
Hadith Text
I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, "On the Day of Resurrection I will intercede and say, 'O my Lord! Admit into Paradise (even) those who have faith equal to a mustard seed in their hearts.' Such people will enter Paradise, and then I will say, 'O (Allah) admit into Paradise (even) those who have the least amount of faith in their hearts.'" Anas then said: As if I were just now looking at the fingers of Allah's Apostle.
Commentary on Intercession (Shafa'ah)
This noble hadith establishes the reality of the Prophet's intercession for those with even the slightest faith. The mustard seed represents the smallest measure, indicating that no believer will be left in Hell eternally if they possess genuine faith, however minute. The Prophet's repeated intercession demonstrates Allah's infinite mercy and the honor bestowed upon His final Messenger.
The Nature of Faith (Iman)
True faith, even as small as a mustard seed, has weight in the divine scales. This affirms that faith is not merely verbal declaration but something that resides in the heart and manifests in action. The decreasing measures mentioned show the comprehensiveness of divine mercy and the Prophet's concern for his entire ummah.
Anas ibn Malik's Testimony
The companion's remark about seeing the Prophet's fingers indicates he was demonstrating the minute size of faith being discussed. This vivid description preserves the authenticity and immediacy of the prophetic teaching, showing how the companions meticulously preserved every aspect of revelation.