Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The deeds of anyone of you will not save you (from the (Hell) Fire)." They said, "Even you (will not be saved by your deeds), O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)?" He said, "No, even I (will not be saved) unless and until Allah bestows His Mercy on me. Therefore, do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and worship Allah in the forenoon and in the afternoon and during a part of the night, and always adopt a middle, moderate, regular course whereby you will reach your target (Paradise).
Hadith Commentary: The Primacy of Divine Mercy
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 6463, found in the book "To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)", establishes a fundamental principle of Islamic theology: salvation ultimately depends upon Allah's mercy rather than mere human effort.
Theological Significance
When the Prophet (ﷺ) declared that deeds alone cannot save anyone from Hellfire, he uprooted any potential for spiritual arrogance. This teaching strikes at the core of self-reliance and reminds believers that even the most righteous deeds are ultimately accepted through divine grace.
The companions' astonished question - "Even you, O Messenger of Allah?" - highlights how this principle applies universally, demonstrating that no soul can claim salvation as an entitlement based on deeds alone.
Balance Between Effort and Reliance
The Prophet's instruction to "do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately" establishes the proper relationship between human effort and divine grace. We are commanded to strive in worship while recognizing that ultimate success comes from Allah's mercy.
The emphasis on moderation (i'tidal) prevents both extremes: negligence in worship and excessive asceticism that may lead to burnout or self-righteousness.
Practical Implementation
The specific mention of worship in the forenoon, afternoon, and part of the night indicates the importance of consistent, balanced worship throughout the day rather than sporadic intensity.
The "middle course" (wasat) refers to the balanced path of Islam that avoids extremes while maintaining regular devotion. This consistent, moderate approach is what ultimately leads to Paradise when combined with divine mercy.
Spiritual Benefits
This teaching cultivates humility by removing grounds for spiritual competition and pride in one's deeds. It encourages sincerity (ikhlas) since deeds are performed for Allah's pleasure rather than as a claim to Paradise.
It also provides comfort to believers who may feel inadequate in their worship, reminding them that Allah's mercy encompasses all and that consistent, moderate effort coupled with divine grace is the path to salvation.