Every Muslim knows the shahada. But knowing the words and fulfilling their conditions are two different things entirely. Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali, rahimahullah, addresses this distinction with piercing clarity in his book The Key to Paradise, published by Dar As-Sunnah. The following is an excerpt from pages 31–33.
La Ilaha Illallah — The Key to Paradise
A group of scholars said that the meaning of these ahadith was that the statement "La ilaha illallah" is a cause that leads to entry into Paradise and safety from the Fire, and necessitates this. However, causes can only come into effect if their conditions are met and any preventative barriers are absent.
Al-Hasan al-Basri, rahimahullah, was asked: "People say that whoever says 'La ilaha illallah' shall enter Paradise." He said: "Whoever says 'La ilaha illallah' and fulfils its obligations and meets its requirements shall enter Paradise."
Wahb ibn Munabbih, rahimahullah, was asked: "Is not the testification that 'none has the right to be worshipped save Allah' the key to Paradise?" He replied: "Of course. But every key has its teeth. If you bring a key that has teeth, the door shall open. But if not, it will not."
Al-Hasan also said to Farazdaq when he was burying his wife: "This is indeed an excellent preparation — however this statement has conditions, so beware of accusing chaste women."
It is also reported that he said to Farazdaq: "This is the certain pole — but where is the rope to tie it?"
The Key Must Have Its Teeth
Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, radiyAllahu anhu, reported that a man asked the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him:
"O Messenger of Allah, inform me of a deed that will enter me into Paradise."
He said: "That you worship Allah without associating any partners with Him, that you establish prayer, give the wealth-tax, and join the ties of kinship." (Bukhari and Muslim)
The strength of this is seen in the fact that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, linked entry to Paradise to the performance of righteous deeds in many texts. The key is la ilaha illallah — but the teeth of that key are its conditions and what it demands of the one who says it.
About the Book
The Key to Paradise by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali is a concise and profound examination of the conditions and requirements of la ilaha illallah. Published by Dar As-Sunnah. Available at The Islamic Book Cafe for $8.00.
Baarakallahu feekum — The Islamic Book Cafe | Portland, Oregon
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