I came to the Prophet and found him asleep under a white sheet. When I came back to him after he had awakened he said, “If anyone says there is no god but God and dies in that belief, he will enter paradise.” I asked, “Even if he commits fornication and even if he steals?” He replied, “Even if he commits fornication and even if he steals.” I asked, “Even if he commits fornication and even if he steals?” He replied, “Even if he commits fornication and even if he steals.” I asked, “Even if he commits fornication and even if he steals?” He replied, “Even if he commits fornication and even if he steals, in spite of Abu Dharr.” When Abu Dharr told this he said, “Even if Abu Dharr’s pride is humbled.”(Bukhari and Muslim.)
The Hadith of Abu Dharr al-Ghifari
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, also referenced in Mishkat al-Masabih 26, presents a profound dialogue between the Companion Abu Dharr and Prophet Muhammad concerning the relationship between faith and major sins.
The Primacy of Tawhid
The Prophet's initial statement establishes that sincere belief in Allah's Oneness (Tawhid) is the fundamental requirement for Paradise. This echoes the Quranic principle that Allah forgives all sins except shirk (associating partners with Allah).
Scholars explain that this hadith refers to those who maintain true faith in their hearts, even while committing major sins. Their ultimate destination is Paradise, though they may face punishment for their sins first.
Abu Dharr's Repeated Questioning
Abu Dharr's persistent questioning demonstrates the Companion's desire to understand the limits of divine mercy. His repetition shows both astonishment at this expansive mercy and concern that such statements might be misunderstood as license to sin.
The Prophet's consistent responses emphasize that while major sins are grave offenses, they do not necessarily nullify one's faith or permanently exclude one from Paradise if accompanied by genuine Tawhid.
The Final Qualification
The Prophet's addition "in spite of Abu Dharr" and Abu Dharr's subsequent comment about his pride being humbled reveal important spiritual lessons. This shows that even righteous Companions needed reminders about the vastness of Allah's mercy beyond human comprehension.
Classical commentators note this teaches humility in religious understanding and cautions against setting limits on divine forgiveness that Allah Himself has not set.
Practical Implications
This hadith does not encourage sinning but rather emphasizes hope in Allah's mercy for believers who stumble. It balances between despair over sins and presumption about forgiveness.
Scholars caution that this applies only to those who maintain fundamental faith - it cannot be used to justify persistent sinning without repentance or to claim that actions have no consequences in the hereafter.