Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, "By Him in whose hand Muhammad’s soul is, anyone of this people, Jew or Christian, who hears of me and then dies without believing in my message, will be among those who go to hell.” Muslim transmitted it.
The Universal Call to Faith
This profound hadith from Sahih Muslim, as recorded in Mishkat al-Masabih 10, establishes the finality and universality of Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ message. The oath "By Him in whose hand Muhammad's soul is" emphasizes the absolute certainty and gravity of this divine warning.
Scope of Responsibility
The phrase "anyone of this people" refers to those living after the Prophet's mission became established. Classical scholars like Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explain this includes all who receive the authentic message of Islam without distortion.
"Jew or Christian" specifically mentions the People of the Book because they already possess divine scriptures and should recognize the final Prophet foretold in their traditions.
Conditions of Accountability
Imam An-Nawawi clarifies that accountability requires: 1) Hearing about the Prophet ﷺ with sufficient clarity to understand his message, 2) Having the message reach them in an undistorted form, and 3) Being without valid excuses preventing acceptance.
The phrase "without believing in my message" encompasses faith in the Prophet's truthfulness, acceptance of all he brought from God, and practical submission to Islamic teachings.
Divine Justice and Wisdom
Scholars emphasize this warning reflects God's perfect justice - none are punished until the message reaches them clearly. Al-Qurtubi notes this hadith motivates Muslims to convey Islam with wisdom and beautiful preaching.
The specification of hellfire serves as both a warning to non-believers and a reminder to Muslims of their responsibility in da'wah (inviting to Islam).