Hadith 22: The deeds that lead to Paradise

1. Read

عَنْ أَبِي عَبْدِ اللَّهِ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ الْأَنْصَارِيِّ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا: أَنَّ رَجُلًا سَأَلَ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه و سلم فَقَالَ: أَرَأَيْت إذَا صَلَّيْت الْمَكْتُوبَاتِ، وَصُمْت رَمَضَانَ، وَأَحْلَلْت الْحَلَالَ، وَحَرَّمْت الْحَرَامَ، وَلَمْ أَزِدْ عَلَى ذَلِكَ شَيْئًا؛ أَأَدْخُلُ الْجَنَّةَ؟ قَالَ: نَعَمْ . [رَوَاهُ مُسْلِمٌ]

On the authority of Abu Abdullah Jabir bin Abdullah al-Ansaree (may Allah be pleased with him) that: A man questioned the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and said, “Do you think that if I perform the obligatory prayers, fast in Ramadhan, 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 and blessings of Allah be upon him) replied, “Yes.”

Narrated by: Abu Abdullah Jabir bin Abdullah al-Ansaree
Source: Muslim
Grade: Sahih

Open this hadith in the library

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.