Abu Malik al-Ash‘ari reported God’s messenger as saying, “Being purified is half of faith, saying ‘Praise be to God’ fills the scale, saying ‘Glory be to God’ and ‘Praise be to God' fill or fills* the space between the heavens and the earth, prayer is a light, sadaqa is a proof [of sincere faith], endurance is a shining glory, and the Qur’an is a proof on your behalf or against you. All men go out early and sell themselves, thereby setting themselves free or destroying themselves.”*An alternative reading is given in the text, the first feminine dual and the second feminine singular.Muslim transmitted it. A version has, “Saying ‘There is no god but God’ and ‘God is most great’ fills the space between heaven and earth.” I did not find this version in the two Sahihs, in al-Humaidi's book [Al-jam' bain as-sahihain], or in the Jami [ibn al-Athir’s Jami' al-usul] but Darimi mentioned it in place of “Glory be to God and Praise be to God.”
Purification: The Foundation of Faith
In this noble hadith from Mishkat al-Masabih 281, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) establishes purification (tahara) as half of faith itself. This profound statement indicates that physical and spiritual cleanliness are not mere preliminaries but constitute the very substance of iman. The classical scholars explain that purification encompasses both the outward cleansing from physical impurities and the inward purification of the heart from spiritual diseases such as pride, envy, and hypocrisy.
The Weight of Divine Remembrance
When the Messenger states that "al-hamdu lillah" (Praise be to God) fills the scale, he reveals the immense spiritual weight of gratitude in the divine balance. The scholars of tafsir explain that this phrase encompasses acknowledgment of all blessings and constitutes complete submission to divine decree.
The declaration of "Subhanallah wa al-hamdu lillah" (Glory be to God and Praise be to God) filling the space between heavens and earth demonstrates how these simple yet profound remembrances transcend physical dimensions and ascend directly to the divine presence.
Spiritual Illuminations
Prayer is described as a "nur" (light) that illuminates the heart of the believer and guides them through life's darkness. The classical commentators explain this light manifests as clarity in decision-making, purity in intention, and guidance in all affairs.
Charity (sadaqa) serves as "burhan" (proof) of genuine faith - an evident demonstration that one's belief has transcended theoretical acceptance to practical manifestation through sacrifice for God's sake.
The Ultimate Choice
The concluding metaphor - "All men go out early and sell themselves" - presents the fundamental choice every soul faces. As explained by traditional scholars, each person either sells their soul to God through obedience (thus achieving liberation) or to their desires and Satan (thus ensuring destruction). The Qur'an becomes either a witness for the believer who implemented its guidance or against the one who neglected its commandments.