The Book of Virtue, Enjoining Good Manners, and Joining of the Ties of Kinship

Sahih Muslim - Hadith 2564c

Hadith Text

"Verily Allah does not look to your faces and your wealth but He looks to your heart and to your deeds."

Commentary on the Hadith

This profound narration establishes that Allah's judgment is based on spiritual reality rather than worldly appearances. The "faces" represent external beauty and lineage, while "wealth" signifies worldly status and possessions.

Allah's gaze upon the "heart" refers to the purity of intention (niyyah), faith (iman), and spiritual condition. The "deeds" encompass both outward actions and inward states, emphasizing that true worth is measured by piety (taqwa) and righteous conduct.

This teaching redirects human valuation from material standards to spiritual criteria, reminding believers that nobility in Allah's sight comes through sincere devotion and moral excellence, not through ancestry or wealth.

Practical Implications

Purify intentions in all actions, seeking only Allah's pleasure.

Cultivate God-consciousness and spiritual virtues within the heart.

Judge others by their character and piety, not by appearance or wealth.

Focus on developing righteous deeds that reflect inner faith.