The Book of Paradise, its Description, its Bounties and its Inhabitants - Sahih Muslim 2878a

This narration from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) contains profound wisdom regarding the state of human beings at death and resurrection. The scholars explain that a person will be resurrected in the same spiritual condition in which they departed from this worldly life.

Scholarly Commentary on the State of Resurrection

Imam An-Nawawi, in his commentary on Sahih Muslim, explains that this hadith indicates that whatever state a person dies in - whether faith or disbelief, obedience or disobedience - they will be resurrected in that same state. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining righteous deeds until death.

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali elaborates that this includes both the inner state of the heart and the outward actions. If one dies while loving Allah and His Messenger, they will be raised with that love. If one dies in a state of innovation or sin, they will be resurrected accordingly.

Practical Implications for the Believer

This teaching serves as a powerful reminder for Muslims to constantly strive to improve their spiritual condition and to seek repentance before death overtakes them. The scholars stress the importance of dying upon Islam and Sunnah.

Al-Qurtubi notes that this principle applies to both major and minor states - whether one dies in prayer, fasting, or engaged in permissible worldly matters - they will be resurrected in that state, which should motivate believers to fill their final moments with righteous deeds.