Abu Huraira reported that an Arab came to the Prophet and said, "Guide me to a deed by doing which I shall enter paradise.” He said, “Worship God and associate nothing with Him, observe the prescribed prayer, pay the obligatory zakat, and fast during Ramadan.” He replied, "By Him in whose hand my soul is, I shall not add anything to this, or fall short of it.” Then when he turned away the Prophet said, "If anyone wishes to look at a man who will be among the people of paradise, let him look at this man.” (Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Essence of Islam
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, as compiled in Mishkat al-Masabih, presents the foundational pillars of Islamic faith and practice. The Bedouin's question seeks the most direct path to Paradise, and the Prophet's response encapsulates the core of Islam: pure monotheism (Tawhid) and the primary acts of worship.
Commentary on the Five Pillars
1. Worship God, Associating Nothing with Him (Tawhid): This is the foundation of all deeds. No act is accepted by Allah without sincere belief in His Oneness. It is the first and greatest right of Allah upon His servants.
2. Prescribed Prayer (Salah): This is the practical manifestation of Tawhid and the pillar of the religion. It is the direct, daily connection between the servant and the Lord, preventing immorality and wrongdoing.
3. Obligatory Zakat: This purifies one's wealth and soul from stinginess and fosters social solidarity. It is the financial right of the poor upon the wealthy, a test of one's commitment to Allah's commands over worldly attachments.
4. Fasting Ramadan (Sawm): This act of worship cultivates God-consciousness (Taqwa), self-restraint, and empathy for the less fortunate. It is a means of spiritual purification and a shield from sins.
Scholarly Insights
The Prophet's final statement, "If anyone wishes to look at a man who will be among the people of paradise, let him look at this man," is a profound testimony. Scholars explain that this man's certainty of faith, his immediate acceptance of the truth without hesitation, and his resolve to adhere strictly to these pillars without addition or omission, are the marks of a true believer destined for Paradise.
This hadith demonstrates that salvation is not attained through supererogatory acts of extreme asceticism, but through the sincere and complete fulfillment of these fundamental obligations. The perfection of one's faith lies in perfecting these core acts of worship.