"I said: 'O Prophet of Allah, I did not come to you until I had sworn more than this many times" the number of fingers on his hands "that I would never come to you or follow your religion. I am a man who does not know anything except that which Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, and His Messenger teach me. I ask you by the Revelation of Allah, with what has your Lord sent your to us? He said: "With Islam.' I said: 'What are the signs of Islam?' He said: 'To say, I submit my face to Allah and give up Shirk, and to establish the Salah and to pay the Zakah."'
The Book of Zakah - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2436
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i presents a profound dialogue between a sincere seeker of truth and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, wherein the fundamental pillars of Islam are elucidated with divine clarity.
The Seeker's Spiritual Journey
The narrator begins with remarkable honesty, confessing his previous opposition to Islam through multiple oaths. This demonstrates the transformative power of divine guidance, where even the most resistant hearts can be opened to truth.
His statement "I am a man who does not know anything except that which Allah and His Messenger teach me" reflects the essential attitude of a Muslim: complete reliance on divine revelation rather than human intellect alone.
The Essence of Islam
When asked about the core message, the Prophet ﷺ responded simply: "With Islam." This comprehensive term encompasses submission to Allah in all aspects of life, both inward and outward.
The three essential signs of Islam mentioned form the foundation of faith: sincere devotion to Allah alone (Tawhid), establishment of regular prayer (Salah), and fulfillment of the obligatory charity (Zakah).
Scholarly Commentary on Zakah
Classical scholars emphasize that Zakah is not merely a financial transaction but a spiritual purification. Imam al-Nawawi explains that it cleanses wealth and soul from greed while fostering social solidarity.
Ibn Kathir notes in his tafsir that the pairing of Salah and Zakah throughout the Quran indicates their inseparable nature - worship of Allah must manifest in both spiritual devotion and social responsibility.
The placement of Zakah as the third pillar in this narration highlights its status as an immediate obligation upon embracing Islam, not a secondary matter to be delayed.