The Book on Faith - Jami' at-Tirmidhi

Hadith Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2644

Hadith Text

"Jibril came to me and gave me glad tidings, that whoever dies without associating anything with Allah, then he will enter Paradise. I said: 'Even if he commits adultery and theft?' He said: 'Yes.'"

Scholarly Commentary

This profound hadith demonstrates the paramount importance of Tawhid (Islamic monotheism) in the Islamic faith. The Prophet's question highlights the gravity of major sins like adultery and theft, yet the angel's response affirms that even these grave sins do not necessarily lead to eternal damnation if one maintains pure Tawhid.

Scholars explain that this refers to those who commit sins but do not consider them permissible (istihlal). Their faith remains intact, though weakened. Such sinners are subject to Allah's will - either forgiven by His mercy or punished in Hellfire temporarily before entering Paradise. This does not minimize the severity of major sins, but rather emphasizes that shirk (associating partners with Allah) is the only unforgivable sin if one dies upon it.

The hadith serves as both a warning against shirk and a mercy for believers who fall into sin but maintain their fundamental belief in Allah's oneness. It balances hope and fear - hope in Allah's vast mercy while maintaining fear of His punishment.