This week, we will review the 22nd hadith of the forty hadith of An-nawawih. For the past review, see here

On the authority of Abu Abdullah Jabir bin Abdullah al-Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him):

A man questioned the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) and said: "Do you think that if I perform the obligatory prayers, fast in Ramadan, treat as lawful that which is halal, and treat as forbidden that which is haram, and do not increase upon that [in voluntary good deeds], then I shall enter Paradise?" He (peace be upon him) replied, "Yes."

Muslim

This Hadith conveys a conversation between a man and the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). The man inquires if adhering to the obligatory acts such as performing the obligatory prayers, fasting in Ramadan, abiding by halal and avoiding haram, without increasing in voluntary good deeds, would be sufficient to enter Paradise. The Prophet (peace be upon him) responds affirmatively, indicating that such adherence is a path to Paradise.

Below are some of the lessons from this Hadith:

1. The Simplicity of Salvation: This Hadith exemplifies the merciful and straightforward nature of Islam. It highlights that salvation is attainable through the core obligatory acts, making it accessible to all, regardless of their capacity for voluntary acts. This demonstrates Allah's (swt) mercy and His willingness to reward the sincere efforts of His servants.

2. The Importance of Obligatory Acts: While voluntary acts are highly commendable and contribute to spiritual growth, the foundation of faith and salvation lies in fulfilling the obligatory duties, such as the five daily prayers and fasting during Ramadan. These acts are non-negotiable for a Muslim and are the building blocks of a strong relationship with Allah.

3. Balancing Acts: This Hadith encourages believers to strike a balance in their religious practices. While performing obligatory acts is the core, engaging in voluntary acts like charity, dhikr, and extra prayers is highly encouraged. These voluntary acts serve as a means to purify the soul, earn extra rewards, and make up for any shortcomings in fulfilling obligatory acts.

4. Avoiding Major Sins: It's vital to avoid major sins that can prevent one from entering Paradise. Committing shirk (associating partners with Allah) and harboring arrogance are examples. It also reminds us of the importance of settling disputes and debts with others, ensuring we do not wrong anyone, as these are matters that need resolution before the Day of Judgment.

5. The Role of Minor Sins: Minor sins can be forgiven through acts like voluntary prayers, charity, and sincere repentance. Thus, while this Hadith implies that obligatory acts can lead to Paradise, these additional acts serve to cleanse the soul and refine one's character.

In summary, Hadith 22 reassures us of the accessibility of Paradise through adherence to obligatory acts while encouraging a balanced approach to faith and emphasizing the necessity of avoiding major sins.

To be continued...