"The Messenger of Allah said: 'Religion is sincerity (An-Nasihah).' They said: 'To whom, O Messenger of Allah? He said: 'To Allah, to His Book, to His Messenger, to the imams of the Muslims and to their common folk"'
The Book of al-Bay'ah - Sunan an-Nasa'i - Hadith Commentary
This profound hadith from Sunan an-Nasa'i 4198 establishes the comprehensive nature of Islamic faith through the concept of Nasihah (sincerity, good counsel).
Meaning of Nasihah
Nasihah encompasses sincere advice, purity of intention, and genuine devotion. It is the foundation upon which all acts of worship and social interactions are built.
To Allah
This entails sincere belief in His Oneness, performing obligations solely for His pleasure, avoiding what He prohibited, loving what He loves, and hating what He hates.
To His Book
This involves believing in the Quran as Allah's speech, reciting it properly, understanding its meanings, implementing its rulings, and defending it against misinterpretation.
To His Messenger
This requires believing in his prophethood, obeying his commands, avoiding his prohibitions, loving him more than oneself, and reviving his Sunnah.
To Muslim Leaders
This means giving them sincere counsel, obeying them in righteousness, reminding them gently of errors, and not rebelling against just rule while maintaining proper Islamic advice.
To Common Muslims
This involves guiding them to goodness, teaching the ignorant, enjoining right and forbidding wrong with wisdom, and showing compassion to all believers.