from Ubadah bin As-Samit, he said: "I entered upon him while he was dying, so I cried, and he said: "There now, why are you crying? For by Allah, if I am a martyr , then I will intercede for you, and if I can I will benefit you,' then he said: 'By Allah! There is no Hadith which I heard from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) which is good for you but I narrate it to you today, while I am near death. I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: "Whoever testifies to La Ilaha Illallah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, then Allah has forbidden the fire for him."
The Book on Faith - Jami' at-Tirmidhi
Hadith Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2638
Narration Context
This profound narration comes from the esteemed companion Ubadah bin As-Samit, who visited a dying companion. The emotional scene reveals the deep bonds of brotherhood among the early Muslims and the spiritual concern they held for one another's ultimate fate.
Scholarly Commentary
The dying companion's statement about martyrdom and intercession demonstrates the elevated status of martyrs in Islam. His assurance of intercession reflects the authentic teachings that martyrs will be granted the privilege to intercede for their loved ones on the Day of Judgment.
The core teaching - "Whoever testifies to La Ilaha Illallah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, then Allah has forbidden the fire for him" - constitutes the fundamental principle of Islamic faith. This testimony (Shahadah) is the gateway to Islam and the foundation of all belief.
Scholars explain that this prohibition from the Fire applies to those who utter the Shahadah with sincere conviction, understanding its meaning, and fulfilling its requirements through proper belief and action. The testimony must be accompanied by acceptance of all that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ brought from Allah.
Spiritual Significance
This hadith offers immense comfort to believers, affirming that sincere faith guarantees protection from eternal punishment. However, classical scholars emphasize that this applies to those who maintain their faith until death and whose testimony was not contradicted by actions that nullify faith.
The timing of this revelation - from a dying companion - adds profound weight to its message, reminding us of the ultimate importance of safeguarding our faith throughout life until our final breath.