33/34. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 1888b — Faith, Wealth, and Safety
The virtue of Jihad and keeping watch over the frontier
Hadith About the Best Man: Faith, Sacrifice, and No Harm
Sahih Muslim : 1888b
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 1888b
حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ بْنُ حُمَيْدٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّزَّاقِ، أَخْبَرَنَا مَعْمَرٌ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنْ عَطَاءِ، بْنِ يَزِيدَ اللَّيْثِيِّ عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ، قَالَ قَالَ رَجُلٌ أَىُّ النَّاسِ أَفْضَلُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ قَالَ " مُؤْمِنٌ يُجَاهِدُ بِنَفْسِهِ وَمَالِهِ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ " . قَالَ ثُمَّ مَنْ قَالَ " ثُمَّ رَجُلٌ مُعْتَزِلٌ فِي شِعْبٍ مِنَ الشِّعَابِ يَعْبُدُ رَبَّهُ وَيَدَعُ النَّاسَ مِنْ شَرِّهِ " .
It has been narrated (through a diferent chain of transmetters) on the same authority (i. e. Abu Sa'id Khadri) who said: A man asked: Messenger of Allah, which of men is the best? He said: A believer who fights staking his life and spending his wealth in the way of Allah. He asked: Who is next to him (in excellence)? He said: Next to him is a man who lives an isolated life in a mountain gorge, worshipping his Lord and sparing men from his mischief.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1888bIn-book reference : Book 33, Hadith 183USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 20, Hadith 4653
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 1888b
This narration gives the same answer in clear words: the best man is a believer who fights with his life and wealth in the way of Allah. When the questioner asks who comes next, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) mentions a man who lives apart in a mountain gorge, worships his Lord, and spares people from his mischief. For readers searching for a best people hadith, this report shows that honor is tied to faith, sacrifice, worship, and protecting others from harm. The second example is not praised just for being isolated. The text highlights worship and the fact that people are safe from his wrongdoing. That makes the message useful and balanced.
What we learn from this hadith
- The first person praised is a believer who gives life and wealth in Allah’s way.
- The second person praised worships his Lord in seclusion.
- Keeping people safe from one’s harm is clearly valued.
- The Hadith links excellence with both devotion and self-control.
