One day while Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was sitting with the people, a man came to him walking and said, "O
Allah's Messenger (ﷺ). What is Belief?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Belief is to believe in Allah, His Angels, His
Books, His Apostles, and the meeting with Him, and to believe in the Resurrection." The man asked,
"O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) What is Islam?" The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, "Islam is to worship Allah and not worship
anything besides Him, to offer prayers perfectly, to pay the (compulsory) charity i.e. Zakat and to fast
the month of Ramadan." The man again asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) What is Ihsan (i.e. perfection or
Benevolence)?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Ihsan is to worship Allah as if you see Him, and if you do not
achieve this state of devotion, then (take it for granted that) Allah sees you." The man further asked,
"O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) When will the Hour be established?"
The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, "The one who is asked about it does not know more than the questioner does, but
I will describe to you its portents. When the lady slave gives birth to her mistress, that will be of its
portents; when the bare-footed naked people become the chiefs of the people, that will be of its
portents. The Hour is one of five things which nobody knows except Allah. Verily, the knowledge of
the Hour is with Allah (alone). He sends down the rain, and knows that which is in the wombs."
(31.34) Then the man left. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Call him back to me." They went to call him back but
could not see him. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "That was Gabriel who came to teach the people their religion."
(See Hadith No. 47 Vol 1)
Narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:
Context
In this hadith, a man asks the Prophet ﷺ about the essence of faith, Islam, and ihsan. The Prophet ﷺ provides clear definitions, emphasizing the importance of belief in Allah and performing good deeds. This interaction illustrates the foundational aspects of Islamic teachings and the significance of understanding one's faith.
Modern Application
In everyday life, understanding the core principles of faith, Islam, and ihsan can guide Muslims in their actions and interactions. This knowledge encourages individuals to strive for excellence in worship and conduct, fostering a deeper connection with their faith.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Faith and Belief and Divine Revelation because it outlines fundamental aspects of Islamic belief as taught by the Prophet ﷺ.
The believers are only those who believe in Allah and His Messenger and, when they are [meeting] with him for a matter of common interest, do not depart until they have asked his permission. Indeed, those who ask your permission, [O Muhammad] - those are the ones who believe in Allah and His Messenger. So when they ask your permission for something of their affairs, then give permission to whom you will among them and ask forgiveness for them of Allah. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], "We make no distinction between any of His messengers." And they say, "We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination."
O you who have believed, believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger and the Scripture which He sent down before. And whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray.
O Mankind, the Messenger has come to you with the truth from your Lord, so believe; it is better for you. But if you disbelieve - then indeed, to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and earth. And ever is Allah Knowing and Wise.
Say, [O Muhammad], "O mankind, indeed I am the Messenger of Allah to you all, [from Him] to whom belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth. There is no deity except Him; He gives life and causes death." So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the unlettered prophet, who believes in Allah and His words, and follow him that you may be guided.
This hadith is #4571 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Prophetic Commentary on the Qur'an (Tafseer of the Prophet (pbuh)). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Abu Huraira:.