We were entrusted with the task of tending the camels. On my turn when I came back in the evening after grazing them in the pastures, I found Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) stand and address the people. I heard these words of his: If any Muslim performs ablution well, then stands and prays two rak'ahs setting about them with his heart as well as his face, Paradise would be guaranteed to him. I said: What a fine thing is this! And a narrator who was before me said: The first was better than even this. When I cast a glance, I saw that it was 'Umar who said: I see that you have just come and observed: If anyone amongst you performs the ablution, and then completes the ablution well and then says: I testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the servant of Allah and His Messenger, the eight gates of Paradise would be opened for him and he may enter by whichever of them he wishes.
The Book of Purification - Sahih Muslim 234a
This narration from Humran, the freed slave of 'Uthman, contains profound wisdom regarding the spiritual rewards of proper purification and declaration of faith. The hadith demonstrates two complementary paths to divine reward: the excellence of prayer with full presence of heart, and the perfection of ablution coupled with sincere testimony of faith.
Commentary on the Two Rak'ahs Prayer
The Prophet's initial teaching emphasizes that when a Muslim performs complete ablution (ensuring all limbs are properly washed according to Sunnah), then stands for prayer with full concentration of heart and mind - not merely going through physical motions - Paradise becomes guaranteed. This indicates the tremendous value Allah places on sincere worship performed with proper physical and spiritual preparation.
The phrase "setting about them with his heart as well as his face" signifies the essential Islamic principle of khushu' - spiritual presence and humility before Allah. The face represents the physical dimension of prayer, while the heart represents the spiritual dimension. Both must be directed toward Allah for the prayer to achieve its full merit.
Commentary on 'Umar's Addition
The Companion 'Umar ibn al-Khattab's supplementary teaching reveals another dimension: that after perfecting one's ablution, the declaration of the Shahadah ("I testify that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His servant and Messenger") opens all eight gates of Paradise. This demonstrates how the testimony of faith, when uttered with proper understanding and sincerity after purification, serves as a key to divine mercy.
Scholars explain that the eight gates correspond to different categories of righteous deeds and believers. That one may enter through any gate indicates the comprehensive nature of this reward - the believer is not restricted to a single path but is honored with multiple avenues to divine pleasure. This narration beautifully connects external purification with internal spiritual states, showing how physical acts of worship prepare the heart for deeper spiritual realities.