"We were forbidden in the Quran to ask the Prophet about anything not imperative, so we liked it when a wise man from among the people of the desert came and asked him. A man from among the desert people came and said: 'O Muhammad, your messenger came to us and told us that you say that Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has sent you.' He said: 'He spoke the truth.' He said: 'Who created the heavens?' He said: 'Allah.' He said: 'Who created the Earth?' He said: 'Allah.' He said: 'Who set up the mountains in it?' He said: 'Allah.' He said: 'Who created beneficial things in them?' He said: 'Allah.' He said: 'By the One Who created the heavens and the Earth, and set up the mountains therein, and created beneficial things in them, has Allah sent you?' He said: 'Yes.' He said: 'Your messenger said that we have to offer five prayers each day and night.' He said: 'He spoke the truth.' He said: 'By the One Who sent you, has Allah commanded you to do this?' He said: 'Yes.' He said: 'Your messenger said that we have to pay Zakah on our wealth.' He said: 'He spoke the truth.' He said: 'By the One Who sent you, has Allah commanded you to do this?' He said: 'Yes.' He said: 'Your messenger said that we have to fast the month of Ramadan each year.' He said: 'He spoke the truth.' He said: 'By the One Who sent You, has Allah commanded you to do this?' He said: 'Yes.' He said: 'Your messenger said that we have to perform Hajj, those who can afford it.' He said: 'He spoke the truth.' He said: 'By the One Who sent you, has Allah commanded you to do this?' He said: 'Yes.' He said: 'By the One Who sent you with the truth, I will not do more than this or less.' When he left, the Prophet said: 'If he is sincere, he will certainly enter paradise.'"
The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2091
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i presents a profound dialogue between the Bedouin questioner and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) concerning the fundamental pillars of Islam.
Context and Background
The Companions were initially restrained from excessive questioning of the Prophet (pbuh) as mentioned in Quran 5:101. This divine wisdom prevented unnecessary burdens upon the nascent Muslim community.
The arrival of this Bedouin, described as "wise" despite his desert origins, provided an opportunity for comprehensive clarification of Islam's foundational obligations without violating the Quranic prohibition.
Scholarly Commentary on the Dialogue
The Bedouin's methodical questioning demonstrates sound reasoning - he first established the Prophet's credibility through fundamental theological proofs (creation of heavens, earth, mountains), then proceeded to specific religious obligations.
His repeated affirmation "By the One Who sent you" shows his recognition of divine authority while seeking categorical confirmation of each religious duty.
The Prophet's consistent responses of "He spoke the truth" and "Yes" affirm the authenticity of the message delivered through his messengers and the divine origin of these obligations.
The Five Pillars in Focus
This narration systematically enumerates four of Islam's five pillars: Shahadah (implied in the initial testimony), Salah (five daily prayers), Zakah (obligatory charity), Sawm (fasting Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage).
The inclusion of fasting Ramadan specifically highlights its equal status among Islam's fundamental obligations, being divinely mandated like the other pillars.
Spiritual Significance
The Bedouin's concluding declaration "I will not do more than this or less" represents perfect acceptance and commitment to Allah's commands without addition or neglect.
The Prophet's assurance of Paradise for this man demonstrates that sincere adherence to Islam's fundamental obligations, without innovation or deficiency, guarantees divine acceptance and eternal reward.
Legal and Theological Implications
This hadith establishes the obligatory nature of fasting Ramadan as being equal in importance to the other pillars of Islam.
It illustrates the methodology of verifying religious knowledge through proper chains of authority and direct confirmation from the Prophet (pbuh).
The narration serves as a comprehensive summary of Islamic fundamentals, making it particularly valuable for both new Muslims and scholars seeking to reinforce basic Islamic teachings.