52/17. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 2816g — Moderation in Deeds
No One Will Enter Paradise By Virtue Of His Deeds, Rather By The Mercy Of Allah, Exalted Is He
Moderation in Deeds Hadith and Allah’s Mercy
Sahih Muslim : 2816g
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 2816g
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ نُمَيْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي، حَدَّثَنَا الأَعْمَشُ، عَنْ أَبِي صَالِحٍ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " قَارِبُوا وَسَدِّدُوا وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّهُ لَنْ يَنْجُوَ أَحَدٌ مِنْكُمْ بِعَمَلِهِ " . قَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ وَلاَ أَنْتَ قَالَ " وَلاَ أَنَا إِلاَّ أَنْ يَتَغَمَّدَنِيَ اللَّهُ بِرَحْمَةٍ مِنْهُ وَفَضْلٍ " .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
Abu Huraira reported Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Observe moderation in deeds (and if it is not possible, try to be near moderation) and understand that none amongst you can attain salvation because of his deeds alone. They said: Allah's Messenger, not even you? Thereupon he said: Not even I, but that Allah should wrap me in His Mercy and Grace.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 2816gIn-book reference : Book 52, Hadith 70USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 39, Hadith 6765
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 2816g
This hadith about moderation in deeds joins two lessons together. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said to observe moderation, and if perfect moderation is not possible, to come near it. He then said that no one attains salvation because of deeds alone. When asked whether this applied even to him, he said yes, except that Allah wraps him in mercy and grace. This wording is very helpful because it prevents two mistakes. A person should not abandon deeds, because the hadith commands moderation in action. At the same time, a person should not rely on deeds alone. The right path is steady effort with hope in Allah’s mercy.
What we learn from this hadith
- A believer should aim for moderation in deeds.
- If perfect balance is hard, one should try to come close to it.
- Salvation is not because of deeds alone.
- Allah’s mercy and grace are needed by every person.
