Allah will speak with everyone amongst you without any interpreter between them. He (the man) would see towards his right and would not find anything but (the deeds) which he had done before, and he would see towards the left and would not find anything but (the deeds) which he had done before. He would see in front of him and would find nothing but Fire just before his face. So protect (yourselves) against Fire even if it is with the help of half a date. A hadith like this has been transmitted by Khaithama and addition has been made in this of (these words) ;" Even if it is with a good word."
The Book of Zakat
Sahih Muslim 1016 b
Hadith Commentary
This profound narration from Sahih Muslim serves as a stark reminder of the reality of the Day of Judgment. The imagery presented is both terrifying and illuminating - the direct speech of Allah without intermediary, the complete exposure of one's deeds on both sides, and the imminent threat of the Fire directly before one's face.
The scholars explain that this direct speech from Allah signifies the ultimate accountability where no excuses will be accepted and no intercession will avail except by Allah's permission. The seeing of deeds on right and left indicates that every action, major and minor, will be presented before the servant.
The most crucial teaching emerges in the final portion: the command to protect oneself from the Fire even with half a date or a good word. This demonstrates the immense value of even the smallest righteous deeds in the sight of Allah. The half date represents material charity, while the good word represents spiritual charity - both are means of salvation.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali comments that this hadith shows the comprehensive nature of protection from Hellfire - through wealth, through speech, and through all forms of obedience. The addition transmitted by Khaithama emphasizes that even kind words and gentle speech can serve as protection, indicating the far-reaching mercy of Allah that accepts even the simplest acts of worship.
The wisdom herein is clear: no good deed should be considered insignificant, and every opportunity for righteousness must be seized, for on that Day, the smallest good may tip the scales in one's favor and provide protection from the terrifying Fire that stands directly before every soul.