"When the Prophet (s.a.w) was taken for the Night Journey, he passed by a Prophet, and, some Prophets and with them were some people, and a Prophet, and some Prophets and with them was a group of people, and a Prophet, and some Prophets and with them there was no one. Until he passed by a large multitude. (The Prophet (s.a.w)said: ) I said: 'Who is this?' It was said: 'Musa and his people. But raise your head and look.' There was a large multitude that covered the horizon, from one side to the other. It was said: 'These people are your Ummah, and there are seventy thousand besides these from your Ummah that shall enter Paradise without a reckoning.' So he went inside, and they did not question him, and he gave no explanation to them. (Some of them) said: 'We are them.' Others said: 'They are the children who were born upon the Fitrah and Islam.' So the Prophet (s.a.w) came out and said: 'They are those who do not get themselves cauterized, nor seek Ruqyah, nor read omens, and upon their Lord they rely.' So 'Ukashah bin Mihsan stood and said: 'Am I among them O Messenger of Allah?' He said: 'Yes.' Then another one stood up and said: 'Am I among them?' So he said "Ukashah has preceded you to it.'" Other chains report similar narrations.
Hadith Commentary: The Seventy Thousand Entering Paradise Without Reckoning
This profound narration from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (Hadith 2446) describes the Prophet's vision during the Night Journey, revealing a special group from his Ummah destined for Paradise without accounting. The classical scholars explain this refers to those who embody complete reliance upon Allah while abstaining from practices contrary to pure Tawhid.
Characteristics of the Blessed Group
The Prophet specified four distinguishing marks: they avoid cauterization for healing (unless medically necessary), do not seek Ruqyah except from Quran/supplications, reject superstitious omens, and maintain absolute trust in Allah. Scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah clarify these indicate complete dependence on Allah rather than created means.
Imam An-Nawawi explains this group represents the highest level of Tawakkul (reliance on Allah), where one uses permissible means while recognizing Allah as the true source of benefit and harm. Their avoidance of certain practices demonstrates their pure understanding that ultimate control rests with Allah alone.
Scholarly Interpretations
Early scholars differed on whether the seventy thousand represented the total or an initial group, with some like Ibn Hajar suggesting they are the vanguard followed by others sharing their qualities. The response to 'Ukashah indicates these positions are earned through spiritual merit rather than mere declaration.
Ibn Al-Qayyim notes this hadith emphasizes that true faith manifests in both inward reliance and outward avoidance of practices contradicting Islamic monotheism. The combination of positive trust and negative avoidance creates the complete believer deserving this extraordinary reward.
Contemporary Relevance
This narration remains highly relevant today, reminding Muslims to purify their reliance on Allah and avoid superstitious practices. The scholars stress that the essence of these qualities - pure Tawhid and complete trust - remains attainable for every sincere believer striving to embody these characteristics in their daily life and worship.