The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) addressing us said: Aren't you pleased that you should constitute one-fourth of the inhabitants of Paradise? He (the narrator) said: We glorified (our Lord, i. e. we called aloud Allah-o Akbar, Allah is the Greatest). He, then, again said: Aren't you pleased that you should constitute one-third of the inhabitants of Paradise? He (the narrator) said: We glorified (our Lord) and he (the Holy Prophet) then again said: I hope that you would constitute half of the inhabitants of Paradise and I shall explain to you its (reason). The believers among the unbelievers would not be more than a white hair on (the body of a) black ox or a black hair on (the body of a) white ox.
Narrated by Abdullah b. Mas'ud reported:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) engages his companions in a discussion about the rewards of Paradise. He emphasizes the significance of their faith by suggesting that they could be a substantial portion of the inhabitants of Paradise, comparing believers to a few distinct hairs on different colored oxen. This highlights the value of being among the faithful and the hope for a greater reward in the Hereafter.
Modern Application
This hadith encourages believers to reflect on their faith and strive for righteousness, as it suggests that even a small number of true believers can have a significant impact. In everyday life, this can inspire individuals to engage in good deeds and support one another in their spiritual journeys.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Paradise and Reward of Deeds because it discusses the potential reward of being a significant portion of the inhabitants of Paradise based on one's faith and actions.
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; and those with him are forceful against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating [in prayer], seeking bounty from Allah and [His] pleasure. Their mark is on their faces from the trace of prostration. That is their description in the Torah. And their description in the Gospel is as a plant which produces its offshoots and strengthens them so they grow firm and stand upon their stalks, delighting the sowers - so that Allah may enrage by them the disbelievers. Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them forgiveness and a great reward.
And the first forerunners [in the faith] among the Muhajireen and the Ansar and those who followed them with good conduct - Allah is pleased with them and they are pleased with Him, and He has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they will abide forever. That is the great attainment.
And why should we not believe in Allah and what has come to us of the truth? And we aspire that our Lord will admit us [to Paradise] with the righteous people."
And know that among you is the Messenger of Allah. If he were to obey you in much of the matter, you would be in difficulty, but Allah has endeared to you the faith and has made it pleasing in your hearts and has made hateful to you disbelief, defiance and disobedience. Those are the [rightly] guided.
And they will say, "Praise to Allah, who has fulfilled for us His promise and made us inherit the earth [so] we may settle in Paradise wherever we will. And excellent is the reward of [righteous] workers."