Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him."
The Noble Hadith
"Whoever can guarantee (the chastity of) what is between his two jaw-bones and what is between his two legs (i.e. his tongue and his private parts), I guarantee Paradise for him."
Sahih al-Bukhari 6474 | Book: To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)
Commentary on the Two Guarantees
The Prophet (ﷺ) establishes a profound covenant: the servant's guardianship over speech and private parts in exchange for Divine guarantee of Paradise. This demonstrates the immense value Allah places on controlling these two portals of either great reward or severe destruction.
"Between the two jaw-bones" refers to the tongue - the instrument of speech through which one utters belief or disbelief, truth or falsehood, remembrance or heedlessness. Its protection entails avoiding lies, backbiting, slander, vain talk, and all that displeases Allah.
The Tongue's Perils and Protection
Imam Nawawi states: "Most human sins originate from the tongue." The wise believer weighs his words like his actions, speaking only what benefits or is necessary. Guarding the tongue includes proper use in dhikr, reciting Quran, enjoining good and forbidding evil with wisdom.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali explains: "The tongue's protection isn't merely silence, but directing speech toward what pleases Allah. The best speech is remembrance of Allah; the worst is falsehood and corruption."
Chastity of Private Parts
"What is between the two legs" signifies the private parts - preserving them from all unlawful sexual relations whether through adultery, fornication, or homosexual acts. This includes guarding the eyes from haram gazes and the heart from lustful thoughts that lead to sin.
Al-Qurtubi comments: "This guarantee encompasses both outward chastity and inward purity. The true believer protects his organs from prohibited acts and his heart from corrupt intentions, for actions follow intentions."
The Path to Paradise
This hadith presents a comprehensive path to salvation through controlling two fundamental human instincts: speech and sexuality. When channeled according to Divine guidance, they become means of worship rather than destruction.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani concludes: "The Prophet's guarantee demonstrates the certainty of this promise. Whoever truly preserves these two aspects throughout life has fulfilled the conditions for entering Paradise without punishment, by Allah's mercy and the Prophet's intercession."