The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: I have been helped by terror (in the heart of the enemy) ; I have been given words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning; and while I was asleep I was brought the keys of the treasures of the earth which were placed in my hand.
Hadith Text & Reference
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "I have been helped by terror (in the heart of the enemy); I have been given words which are concise but comprehensive in meaning; and while I was asleep I was brought the keys of the treasures of the earth which were placed in my hand."
Source: Sahih Muslim 523 e | Book: The Book of Mosques and Places of Prayer
Commentary on Divine Assistance Through Terror
The phrase "helped by terror" refers to the supernatural fear Allah instills in the hearts of enemies before battle, causing them to flee despite numerical superiority. This divine terror traveled one month's distance ahead of the Muslim army, as mentioned in other narrations. This demonstrates Allah's direct intervention in supporting His religion and protecting the believers.
Exposition of Concise Yet Comprehensive Speech
"Words which are concise but comprehensive" (Jawami' al-Kalim) signifies the miraculous nature of the Qur'an and Prophetic speech. The Prophet (ﷺ) was given the ability to express profound meanings in few words. The entire Islamic legal system, theology, and spiritual teachings are contained within brief yet comprehensive texts - a miracle confirming his prophethood.
Interpretation of the Keys Vision
The vision of receiving the earth's treasures symbolizes the future conquests and material provisions Allah would grant the Muslim ummah. Classical scholars interpret this as foretelling the expansion of Islamic territories and the abundant sustenance that would come to the believers. However, the Prophet (ﷺ) chose the eternal reward of the Hereafter over worldly dominion, as related in complementary narrations.
Spiritual Lessons & Contemporary Relevance
This hadith teaches that true victory comes through divine assistance rather than material means. The concise speech reminds us to value quality over quantity in religious discourse. The treasure vision cautions against prioritizing worldly gains over spiritual rewards, following the Prophet's example of choosing the everlasting over the temporary.