Hadith 21: Say "I believe in Allah", then be steadfast

1. Read

عَنْ أَبِي عَمْرٍو وَقِيلَ: أَبِي عَمْرَةَ سُفْيَانَ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: قُلْت: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ! قُلْ لِي فِي الْإِسْلَامِ قَوْلًا لَا أَسْأَلُ عَنْهُ أَحَدًا غَيْرَك؛ قَالَ: قُلْ: آمَنْت بِاَللَّهِ ثُمَّ اسْتَقِمْ . [رَوَاهُ مُسْلِمٌ]

On the authority of Abu `Amr — and he is also called Abu `Amrah — Sufyan bin Abdullah ath- Thaqafee (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: I said, "O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about al-Islam which I can ask of no one but you." He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Say I believe in Allah — and then be steadfast."

Narrated by: Abu `Amr — and he is also called Abu `Amrah — Sufyan bin Abdullah ath- Thaqafee
Source: Muslim
Grade: Sahih

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2. Understand

• Who narrated this hadith, and which book did Imam an-Nawawi take it from?
• What does it command, forbid or describe? Say it in one sentence of your own.
• Which words are the Prophet's own, and which are the narrator setting the scene?

Take the explanation of this hadith from a qualified teacher or a recognised commentary. The aim here is that you know the text precisely before you hear it explained.

3. Reflect

Where does this hadith meet your own life this week? Write it in the notes box on the hadith's page; only you can see it.

4. Memorise

Learn the Prophet's words in Arabic, phrase by phrase, aloud. When you can recite them without looking, mark the hadith Memorised and it will be scheduled for revision.

5. Act

Choose one specific thing to do, or to stop doing, because of this hadith. Small and kept is better than large and dropped.