"Religion is sincerity (An-Nasihah)." The 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 Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 4200
Hadith Text
"Religion is sincerity (An-Nasihah)." The 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."
Commentary on the Five Pillars of Sincerity
Sincerity to Allah entails pure Tawhid, avoiding shirk, fulfilling obligations, abstaining from prohibitions, and recognizing His blessings.
Sincerity to His Book involves believing in its revelation, studying its meanings, implementing its rulings, and defending it from distortion.
Sincerity to His Messenger requires believing in his prophethood, obeying his commands, reviving his Sunnah, and loving him above all creation.
Sincerity to Muslim leaders means giving them rightful obedience in goodness, advising them privately, and not rebelling against just rule.
Sincerity to common Muslims involves guiding them to good, showing mercy to young, respecting elders, and concealing their faults.
Scholarly Insights
Imam an-Nawawi states this hadith encompasses the entire religion, as sincerity is the foundation of all righteous deeds and proper relationships.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali explains that nasihah is a comprehensive term meaning sincere advice and pure intention in all matters of religion.
Al-Khattabi notes this hadith demonstrates Islam's comprehensive nature, covering vertical relationship with Allah and horizontal relationships with creation.