(32) Chapter: Superiority of Poor, Weak and unrenowned Muslims

Abu Sa'id Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said: There was a dispute between the Hell and Jannah. The Hell said: "The haughty and proud are my inmates." Jannah said: "The modest and the humble are my residents". Thereupon, Allah the Exalted and Glorious (addressing Jannah) said: "You are My Mercy, through you I shall show mercy to those whom I wish". (And addressing the Hell), He said: "You are (the means) of My punishment by which I shall punish such of My slaves as I wish and each one of you would have its fill". [Muslim]. Commentary: In this Hadith people who are termed as `modest' and `humble' are the rich in Faith and piety. They lead a life of patience and contentment. This Hadith gives glad tidings to such noble people. On the contrary, it has a threat of Hell for those who disobey Divine injunctions and are haughty and proud. Now, it is entirely one's own choice which way he goes. The dialogue between Jannah and Hell quoted in this Hadith is not something impossible. It is not at all difficult for Allah to create in them such intelligence and consciousness which can enable them to make a discussion on the subjects mentioned in the Hadith. Thus, there is no need to offer any justification for the veracity of such Ahadith. These should, therefore, be taken as literally correct. This Hadith is mentioned in detail in Musnad Ahmad and is narrated by Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) at greater length than in the narration of Abu Sa`id AlKhudri (May Allah be pleased with him) quoted in Kitab-ut-Tafsir (the Book of Commentary) of Sahih Al-Bukhari.