We have been sharing many Hadiths attributed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about cautions and things to be avoided, specially when it comes to one's character traits and qualities. Today we share a Hadith, in which the Prophet (ﷺ) identifies three qualities a person should avoid to ensure their place in Paradise. Each quality represents a harmful aspect that not only affects the individual but also impacts others and society.
This Hadith is mentioned Jami` at-Tirmidhi Book 21: The Book on Military Expeditions/ كتاب السير عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم / (21 - Chapter: What Has Been Related About Ghulul / باب مَا جَاءَ فِي الْغُلُولِ/ as Hadith number # 1572:
Narrated by Thawban:
Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: "Whoever dies and he is free of three: Kibr (Pride), Ghulul, and debt, he will enter paradise."
* There are narrations on this topic from Abu Hurairah and Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhni
Arabic Text:
حَدَّثَنِي أَبُو رَجَاءٍ، قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَوَانَةَ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ سَالِمِ بْنِ أَبِي الْجَعْدِ، عَنْ ثَوْبَانَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ " مَنْ مَاتَ وَهُوَ بَرِيءٌ مِنْ ثَلاَثٍ الْكِبْرِ وَالْغُلُولِ وَالدَّيْنِ دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ " . وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ وَزَيْدِ بْنِ خَالِدٍ الْجُهَنِيِّ .
Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Let us explain this Hadith in more detail, first by understanding the the three traits mentioned in the Hadith:
- Kibr (Pride):
- Kibr refers to arrogance or an inflated sense of self-worth, where a person sees themselves as superior to others. It is a form of pride that makes one disregard the truth and look down on people, which contradicts humility—a core value in Islam.
- The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) taught that pride prevents a person from fully submitting to Allah because it promotes self-centeredness and diminishes humility. Allah warns against pride in the Qur'an, as it distances one from His mercy and guidance.
- Ghulul (Dishonesty or Embezzlement):
- Ghulul involves dishonesty, especially regarding public or entrusted wealth. In the context of this hadith, it refers to acts of embezzlement, misuse of public funds, or betraying trusts, whether in personal, social, or financial matters.
- Ghulul is a serious offense in Islam because it harms the community and undermines trust. It’s considered a form of stealing and corruption, which Islam strongly condemns. A person guilty of ghulul will be held accountable, as it represents a betrayal of Allah’s trust and the rights of others.
- Debt:
- Debt in Islam is treated with great caution. Islam encourages borrowing only out of necessity and emphasizes repayment. The Prophet (ﷺ) discouraged people from taking on unnecessary debt because it can lead to stress, irresponsibility, and hardship on the borrower and their family if left unpaid.
- While taking on debt is permissible when needed, dying with unpaid debt, especially without planning for repayment, is seen as a serious matter. The Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized clearing one’s debts, as unresolved debt can prevent a soul from finding peace after death.
Lessons from the Hadith
- The Importance of Humility: Humility is a foundational value in Islam. To be free from pride means approaching others with respect and seeing oneself as equal before Allah. Avoiding pride allows a person to submit fully to Allah, recognize their limitations, and embrace the guidance of Islam.
- The Importance of Integrity and Trustworthiness: This hadith emphasizes the importance of honesty and trustworthiness, especially regarding wealth and public property. Islam considers a trustworthy character essential to faith, as dishonesty damages relationships, weakens communities, and erodes societal integrity.
- The Importance of Responsibility with Financial Matters: The hadith encourages responsibility in financial matters, especially avoiding unnecessary debt. If debt is necessary, it should be taken on with the intention of repayment. This teaches accountability and the need to manage one’s resources wisely.
- Paving the Way to Paradise: This hadith highlights that avoiding these three qualities helps secure a place in Paradise, as they are significant barriers to a good standing with Allah. Purifying oneself from pride, dishonesty, and unresolved debt can lead to a more peaceful, fulfilling life and a positive standing in the Hereafter.
Practical Application
- Cultivating Humility: Muslims can practice humility by recognizing the worth of others, acknowledging their own faults, and constantly thanking Allah for His blessings. Reflecting on the greatness of Allah and one's own dependence on Him is an effective way to combat pride.
- Upholding Honesty and Integrity: Whether in personal relationships, business dealings, or handling community resources, one should be truthful and fair. Avoiding even minor acts of dishonesty is essential to maintaining a trustworthy character and fulfilling one’s duty as a Muslim.
- Managing Debt Wisely: Muslims are encouraged to avoid unnecessary borrowing and to live within their means. If taking on debt, they should plan for repayment and prioritize clearing debts to avoid burdening their families or communities after their passing.
This hadith thus reminds us that humility, honesty, and responsible financial management are critical components of a strong, ethical Muslim character. By avoiding pride, dishonesty, and unpaid debt, one upholds values that protect both the individual and society, paving the way to Allah’s mercy and ultimately Paradise. These qualities embody the essence of Islam: submission to Allah, compassion for others, and integrity in personal and public matters.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.
وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ
(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”
That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.
May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.
Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.
Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
Please refer to our reference page: Collection of Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ about Warning and Cautions for more Hadiths on the subject.
Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references as given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors. If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.
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