The Prophet (ﷺ) looked at a man fighting against the pagans and he was one of the most competent persons fighting on behalf of the Muslims. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Let him who wants to look at a man from the dwellers of the (Hell) Fire, look at this (man)." Another man followed him and kept on following him till he (the fighter) was injured and, seeking to die quickly, he placed the blade tip of his sword between his breasts and leaned over it till it passed through his shoulders (i.e., committed suicide)." The Prophet (ﷺ) added, "A person may do deeds that seem to the people as the deeds of the people of Paradise while in fact, he is from the dwellers of the (Hell) Fire: and similarly a person may do deeds that seem to the people as the deeds of the people of the (Hell) Fire while in fact, he is from the dwellers of Paradise. Verily, the (results of) deeds done, depend upon the last actions."
To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)
Sahih al-Bukhari - Hadith 6493
Contextual Analysis
This profound narration presents a warrior who appeared outwardly righteous, fighting valiantly for Islam against polytheists. His external deeds suggested he was among the inhabitants of Paradise, yet the Prophet's divine insight revealed his ultimate destination to be Hellfire.
The man's subsequent suicide demonstrated the corruption in his heart that nullified his apparent good deeds. His despair and self-destruction contradicted the essential Islamic principles of patience and trust in Allah's decree.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars explain that deeds are judged by their conclusions (khatimah). A person may perform righteous acts throughout life, but if their final actions are corrupt, this indicates the true state of their heart. Conversely, a sinner may repent at life's end and attain divine mercy.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments that this hadith warns against relying solely on outward appearances in judging spiritual states. Only Allah knows the true condition of hearts and final outcomes.
Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that suicide is among the major sins that can invalidate a lifetime of worship, as it demonstrates ultimate despair in Allah's mercy and violation of the trust placed in the human soul.
Spiritual Lessons
This narration teaches Muslims to constantly examine their intentions and seek sincere repentance. One must never become complacent about their spiritual state or make final judgments about others' standing with Allah.
The hadith underscores the importance of ending one's life in obedience to Allah and maintaining hope in divine mercy even during severe trials. The ultimate judgment rests with Allah alone, who knows the secrets of hearts and final outcomes.