The Book of Heart-Melting Traditions

Sahih Muslim 2736

Hadith Text

"I stood at the door of Paradise and I found that the overwhelming majority of those who entered therein was that of poor persons and the wealthy persons were detained to get into that. The denizens of Hell were commanded to get into Hell, and I stood upon the door of Fire and the majority amongst them who entered there was that of women."

Scholarly Commentary

This tradition, narrated from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), reveals profound spiritual realities concerning the Hereafter. The preponderance of the poor entering Paradise serves as a stern reminder that worldly wealth often becomes a veil between the servant and his Lord, breeding arrogance and neglect of religious duties.

The wealthy are detained not due to their wealth itself, but due to their failure in fulfilling the rights of Allah upon their possessions - namely zakah and charitable spending. Poverty, when borne with patience and contentment, becomes a means of spiritual purification and elevation in rank before Allah.

Concerning women forming the majority in Hellfire, scholars explain this refers to those women who are ungrateful to their husbands and neglect their religious obligations. Their ingratitude (kufr) here denotes not disbelief, but rather a failure to recognize and appreciate good treatment. This serves as a grave warning for women to perfect their faith and fulfill their domestic and religious responsibilities.

Spiritual Lessons

Wealth is a trial requiring gratitude and proper discharge of financial obligations.

Poverty can be a blessing when accompanied by patience and contentment.

Women must be particularly cautious of ingratitude and negligence in religious matters.

This hadith motivates self-reflection and reform before the Final Day.