47/1. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 4985 — The Best Deed Is Faith
Mentioning the Best of Deeds
Best Deed in Islam: Faith in Allah and His Messenger
Sunan an-Nasai : 4985
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 4985
حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَبْدِ الرَّحْمَنِ، أَحْمَدُ بْنُ شُعَيْبٍ - مِنْ لَفْظِهِ - قَالَ أَنْبَأَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا إِبْرَاهِيمُ بْنُ سَعْدٍ، عَنِ الزُّهْرِيِّ، عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ الْمُسَيَّبِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، أَنَّ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم سُئِلَ أَىُّ الأَعْمَالِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ " الإِيمَانُ بِاللَّهِ وَرَسُولِهِ " .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah [SAW] was asked: "Which deed is best?" "He said: Faith in Allah [SWT] and His messenger [SAW]."
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 4985In-book reference : Book 47, Hadith 1English translation : Vol. 6, Book 47, Hadith 4988
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 4985
This hadith about the best deed in Islam is simple and powerful. Abu Hurairah narrates that the Messenger of Allah was asked, Which deed is best? He answered: faith in Allah and His Messenger. The core topic is faith, because the answer puts belief in Allah and His Messenger at the front of good action. The narration does not list many deeds or compare every act in detail. It gives one direct answer to one direct question. For readers searching for hadith about iman, this report shows that outward deeds have a foundation, and that foundation is faith in Allah and His Messenger. The wording is short, but its message is deep and easy to remember.
What we learn from this hadith
- Faith in Allah and His Messenger is named as the best deed in this report.
- A clear question received a clear prophetic answer.
- Good deeds are connected to a sound foundation of belief.
