The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If anyone testifies that None has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone Who has no partners, and that Muhammad is His Slave and His Apostle, and that Jesus is Allah's Slave and His Apostle and His Word which He bestowed on Mary and a Spirit created by Him, and that Paradise is true, and Hell is true, Allah will admit him into Paradise with the deeds which he had done even if those deeds were few." (Junada, the sub-narrator said, " 'Ubada added, 'Such a person can enter Paradise through any of its eight gates he likes.")
Hadith Commentary: The Testimony of Faith
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (3435) contains the fundamental articles of Islamic faith. The Prophet (ﷺ) outlines the essential beliefs that guarantee Paradise for the believer, demonstrating Allah's immense mercy.
The Oneness of Allah (Tawhid)
"None has the right to be worshipped but Allah Alone Who has no partners" establishes the cornerstone of Islamic monotheism. This testimony (Shahadah) negates all false deities and affirms Allah's unique right to worship, rejecting any form of shirk (associating partners with Allah).
Prophethood of Muhammad
Describing the Prophet as "His Slave and His Apostle" emphasizes his human nature while confirming his divine appointment. This formulation protects against the exaggeration (ghuluww) that afflicted previous nations regarding their prophets.
The Correct Belief About Jesus
The detailed description of Jesus as "Allah's Slave and His Apostle and His Word which He bestowed on Mary and a Spirit created by Him" corrects Christian misconceptions while honoring Jesus's true status. He is created, not divine, and his miraculous birth doesn't elevate him beyond servitude to Allah.
Affirmation of the Unseen
Belief in Paradise and Hell constitutes essential iman (faith). These are not metaphorical concepts but actual creations of Allah that will manifest in the Hereafter, serving as the ultimate destinations based on one's deeds and beliefs.
Divine Mercy and Deeds
Allah's admission into Paradise "with the deeds which he had done even if those deeds were few" demonstrates His boundless mercy. Correct belief elevates righteous actions, making them acceptable despite their quantity, through Allah's grace.
The Eight Gates of Paradise
The addition by 'Ubada about entering through "any of its eight gates" illustrates the honor bestowed upon true believers. Each gate corresponds to different types of righteous deeds, but the possessor of correct faith may choose freely, showing the comprehensive reward for sound belief.