I said, “Inform me, messenger of God, of an act which will cause me to enter paradise and remove me far from hell.” He replied, “You have asked a serious question, but it is easy for the one whom God helps to answer it. Worship God, associate nothing with Him, observe the prayer, pay the zakat, fast during Ramadan, and make the Pilgrimage to the House.” He said, “Shall I not guide you to the gateways of what is good? Fasting is a protection, and almsgiving extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire, and a man's prayer in the middle of the night [has the same effect].” Then he recited, “Withdrawing themselves from their couches ... they have been doing.” 1 Then he said, “Shall I not guide you to the head and support of the matter and the top of its hump?” I replied, “Yes, messenger of God.” He said, “The head of the matter is Islam, its support is prayer, and the top of its hump is jihad.” Then he said, “Shall I not inform you of the controlling of all that?” I replied, “Yes, Prophet of God.” So he took hold of his tongue and said, “Restrain this.” I asked, “Prophet of God, shall we really be punished for what we talk about?” He replied, “I am surprised at you, 2 Mu'adh! Will anything but the harvests of their tongues overthrow men in hell on their faces (or, on their nostrils)?” Ahmad, Tirmidhi and Ibn Majah transmitted it.1 Quran, xxxii, 16f.2 Literally, may your mother be bereft of you.
The Foundation of Faith
The Prophet's response begins with the fundamental pillars of Islam: sincere worship of God alone, prayer, zakat, fasting Ramadan, and Hajj. These constitute the essential practices that purify the soul and draw one closer to Paradise.
Gateways to Goodness
Fasting serves as a shield from sin and divine punishment. Almsgiving extinguishes sins like water extinguishes fire. Night prayer, as mentioned in Surah As-Sajdah, demonstrates sincere devotion that earns God's pleasure and forgiveness.
The Structure of Religion
Islam is the foundation (head), prayer is the central support, and jihad represents the highest pinnacle. This hierarchy shows Islam as the comprehensive system, prayer as its sustaining pillar, and jihad as the ultimate manifestation of faith in action.
Mastering the Tongue
The Prophet's gripping of his tongue emphasizes that controlling speech is the key to controlling all affairs. Unrestrained speech leads many to Hellfire, making careful speech essential for salvation and protection from divine punishment.