“Whoever says: ‘I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, with Islam as my religion, and with Muḥammad (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) as my Messenger,’ Paradise will be guaranteed for him.”
Narrated by Abū Dāwūd (no. 1529), al-Nasāʾī in al-Sunan al-Kubrā (no. 9748), Ibn Ḥibbān (no. 863), and al-Ḥākim in al-Mustadrak (no. 1904), from the narration of Abū Saʿīd al-Khudrī (may Allah be pleased with him).
Authenticated in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Jāmiʿ (no. 6428) and Silsilat al-Aḥādīth al-Ṣaḥīḥah (no. 334).
Brief Explanation of the Hadith
Contentment with Allah, submission to His Law, and obedience to His Prophet —may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him— are among the greatest causes for entering Paradise. In this ḥadīth, the Prophet —may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him— informs that whoever says: “I am content with Allah as my Lord…” with words that entail affirmation in the heart and compliance through one’s limbs, is promised Paradise.
Being content with Allah as Lord includes acceptance of His legislative and decreed rulings. Being content with Islam as a religion entail embracing its laws in belief and practice. Being content with Muhammad as Messenger requires honoring him by following him and abandoning innovation. Whoever actualizes this is promised entry into Paradise, and Allah’s promise is true. Once he enters it, his reward will be in proportion to his deeds
These words are not mere utterances; rather, they are a covenant of loyalty that manifests as faith, obedience, and steadfastness.
In this ḥadīth is a clarification of the immense status of faith in Allah, submission to His Law, and belief in His Messenger —may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him—.
It also highlights the virtue of this remembrance, for it encompasses the realization of servitude to Allah alone and disavowal of everything besides Him.
Likewise, this remembrance encompasses the three fundamental principles about which the servant will be questioned in the grave: Who is your Lord? What is your religion? Who is your Prophet?
It is also among the morning and evening supplications that the Muslim is recommended to consistently maintain.