I said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Who will be the luckiest person who will gain your intercession on the Day of Resurrection?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "O Abu Huraira! I have thought that none will ask me about this Hadith before you, as I know your longing for the (learning of) Hadiths. The luckiest person who will have my intercession on the Day of Resurrection will be the one who said, 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah,' sincerely from the bottom of his heart."
The Excellence of Sincere Monotheism
This blessed narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 6570, found in the Book "To make the Heart Tender (Ar-Riqaq)," reveals the profound connection between sincere faith and the Prophet's intercession. Abu Huraira's inquiry demonstrates the companions' deep concern for their ultimate salvation.
The Condition for Intercession
The Prophet's response emphasizes that mere verbal utterance of the shahada is insufficient. The phrase "sincerely from the bottom of his heart" indicates the necessity of ikhlas (purity of intention) and yaqin (certainty) in one's declaration of tawhid.
This sincerity requires the heart's affirmation to accompany the tongue's utterance, free from doubt and shirk, embodying true submission to Allah alone.
Spiritual Implications
The Prophet's anticipation of Abu Huraira's question highlights the importance of seeking beneficial knowledge. The term "luckiest person" refers to one who attains ultimate success through combining correct belief with righteous action.
This hadith serves as a reminder that the Prophet's intercession is reserved for those whose hearts have been purified through genuine tawhid, making the softening of hearts (riqaq) essential for salvation.