The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ نُمَيْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي، حَدَّثَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عُثْمَانَ، حَدَّثَنَا مُوسَى بْنُ طَلْحَةَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو أَيُّوبَ، أَنَّ أَعْرَابِيًّا، عَرَضَ لِرَسُولِ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم وَهُوَ فِي سَفَرٍ . فَأَخَذَ بِخِطَامِ نَاقَتِهِ أَوْ بِزِمَامِهَا ثُمَّ قَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ - أَوْ يَا مُحَمَّدُ - أَخْبِرْنِي بِمَا يُقَرِّبُنِي مِنَ الْجَنَّةِ وَمَا يُبَاعِدُنِي مِنَ النَّارِ . قَالَ فَكَفَّ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ثُمَّ نَظَرَ فِي أَصْحَابِهِ ثُمَّ قَالَ " لَقَدْ وُفِّقَ - أَوْ لَقَدْ هُدِيَ - قَالَ كَيْفَ قُلْتَ " . قَالَ فَأَعَادَ . فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم " تَعْبُدُ اللَّهَ لاَ تُشْرِكُ بِهِ شَيْئًا وَتُقِيمُ الصَّلاَةَ وَتُؤْتِي الزَّكَاةَ وَتَصِلُ الرَّحِمَ دَعِ النَّاقَةَ " .
The Prophet (ﷺ) stopped for a while and cast a glance upon his companions and then said: He was afforded a good opportunity (or he had been guided well). He (the Holy Prophet) addressing the bedouin said: (Repeat) whatever you have uttered. He (the bedouin) repeated that. Upon this the Apostle (ﷺ) remarked: The deed which can draw you near to Paradise and take you away from Hell is, that you worship Allah and associate none with Him, and you establish prayer and pay Zakat, and do good to your kin. After having uttered these words, the Prophet asked the bedouin to release the nosestring of his she-camel.
Narrated by It is narrated on the authority of Abu Ayyub Ansari that once during the journey of the Prophet (may peace of Allah be upon him) a bedouin appeared before him and caught hold of the nosestring of his she-camel and then said, Messenger of Allah (or Muhammad), inform me about that which takes me near to Paradise and draws me away from the Fire (of Hell). He (the narrator) said:
Context
This hadith recounts an interaction between the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and a Bedouin who seeks guidance on how to attain Paradise and avoid Hellfire. The Prophet (ﷺ) responds by outlining fundamental acts of worship: worshiping Allah alone, establishing prayer, giving zakat, and maintaining family ties. This exchange underscores the simplicity and clarity of the core tenets of Islam.
Modern Application
In our daily lives, this hadith serves as a reminder to focus on the fundamental aspects of our faith. By prioritizing worship, prayer, charity, and family connections, we can strengthen our spiritual lives and foster a sense of community.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Good Deeds and Reward of Deeds because it outlines essential actions that lead to spiritual rewards and emphasizes the importance of good conduct in Islam.
Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.
But among the bedouins are some who believe in Allah and the Last Day and consider what they spend as means of nearness to Allah and of [obtaining] invocations of the Messenger. Unquestionably, it is a means of nearness for them. Allah will admit them to His mercy. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.
The bedouins say, "We have believed." Say, "You have not [yet] believed; but say [instead], 'We have submitted,' for faith has not yet entered your hearts. And if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will not deprive you from your deeds of anything. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful."
It is that of which Allah gives good tidings to His servants who believe and do righteous deeds. Say, [O Muhammad], "I do not ask you for this message any payment [but] only good will through kinship." And whoever commits a good deed - We will increase for him good therein. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Appreciative.
This hadith is #12 from Sahih Muslim, in the Book of The Book of Faith. It is graded Sahih and narrated by It is narrated on the authority of Abu Ayyub Ansari that once during the journey of the Prophet (may peace of Allah be upon him) a bedouin appeared before him and caught hold of the nosestring of his she-camel and then said, Messenger of Allah (or Muhammad), inform me about that which takes me near to Paradise and draws me away from the Fire (of Hell). He (the narrator) said:.
