If anyone contributes a pair of anything for the sake of Allah, he would be invited to enter Paradise (with these words): O servant of Allah, it is good (for you). Those who engage in prayer will he invited to enter by the gate of prayer; those who take part in Jihad will be invited to enter by the gate of Jihad; those who give charity will be invited to enter by the gate of charity; and those who observe fast will be invited to enter by the gate ar-Rayyan. Abu Bakr Siddiq said: Messenger of Allah, is it necessary that a person be invited through one of these gates? Will anyone be invited to enter by all those gates? The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Yes, and I hope you will be one of them.
The Book of Zakat - Sahih Muslim 1027a
This noble hadith from Sahih Muslim reveals the magnificent rewards for those who perform righteous deeds for Allah's sake. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) describes how believers will be summoned to Paradise through specific gates corresponding to their primary acts of worship.
The Significance of Giving Pairs
When the Messenger (ﷺ) mentions "contributing a pair of anything," scholars interpret this as giving charity from one's valuable possessions - whether two camels, two sheep, two coins, or any paired items of value. This demonstrates complete sincerity in giving, not merely the leftovers.
The phrase "for the sake of Allah" emphasizes the importance of pure intention (niyyah). The reward is not merely for the physical act of giving but for the spiritual orientation toward seeking Divine pleasure.
The Gates of Paradise
Each gate represents a major category of worship: Salat (prayer), Jihad (struggle in Allah's path), Sadaqah (charity), and Sawm (fasting). This illustrates how different forms of worship lead to the same ultimate destination but through distinct honors.
The gate named "Ar-Rayyan" is specifically designated for those who fasted, indicating the special honor accorded to this act of worship that involves hidden devotion known only to Allah.
Abu Bakr's Insightful Question
The question by Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) demonstrates the depth of understanding among the Companions. He sought clarification about whether one could be honored through multiple gates.
The Prophet's affirmative response and special mention of Abu Bakr indicates that those who excel in multiple forms of worship will receive multiple honors. This encourages comprehensive excellence in devotion rather than limiting oneself to one form of worship.
Scholarly Commentary on Zakat and Charity
This hadith profoundly connects with the chapter on Zakat, showing that charitable giving is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual investment with eternal rewards. The gate of charity stands as a permanent honor for those who purified their wealth through obligatory and voluntary giving.
Classical scholars note that this narration encourages both the quality of giving (giving valuable pairs) and the consistency in various acts of worship, as the highest stations are for those who combine multiple righteous deeds.