📖 Narrated by Abu Malik al-Ash‘ari (RA):
> The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“Purity is half of faith. ‘Alhamdulillah’ fills the scale, and ‘SubhanAllah’ and ‘Alhamdulillah’ fill that which is between heaven and earth. Prayer is light, charity is proof, patience is illumination, and the Qur’an is a proof for you or against you. Everyone begins the morning as a seller of his soul, either freeing it or destroying it.”
(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 223)
This hadith is among the comprehensive teachings of the Prophet ﷺ that gathers multiple core elements of faith in one statement. It begins with the foundation — purity, and continues to explain the value of remembrance, prayer, charity, patience, and the Qur’an, concluding with the ultimate responsibility of the soul.
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1. The Meaning of “Purity is Half of Faith”
The Prophet ﷺ began:
> “Al-ṭahūru shaṭr al-īmān” – Purity is half of faith.
a. Purity in Two Dimensions
Physical Purity (ṭahārah ẓāhirah): cleanliness of body, clothes, place, and environment.
Spiritual Purity (ṭahārah bāṭinah): cleansing the heart from envy, pride, hatred, hypocrisy, and disbelief.
Faith (īmān) includes belief and actions. Purity prepares a believer externally and internally to approach Allah.
✅ Example: You perform wudu (ablution) before prayer, purifying both body and soul.
👉 Lesson: Without purity, faith remains incomplete, for cleanliness is a gateway to worship and sincerity.
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2. The Link Between Purity and Worship
Allah loves those who purify themselves:
> “Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:222)
Every act of worship — prayer, fasting, Hajj, Qur’an recitation — requires purity of body and intention.
👉 Lesson: Purity is not just cleanliness; it’s a form of worship and a reflection of inner faith.
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3. “Alhamdulillah” Fills the Scale
> “Alhamdulillah fills the scale.”
“Alhamdulillah” (All praise is for Allah) represents gratitude, one of the highest forms of faith.
On the Day of Judgment, deeds will be weighed; praise and gratitude carry immense reward.
✅ Example: Saying “Alhamdulillah” for health, food, and guidance keeps the heart humble and thankful.
👉 Lesson: Constant gratitude enriches faith and fills your scale of good deeds.
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4. “SubhanAllah” and “Alhamdulillah” Fill the Space Between Heaven and Earth
> “SubhanAllah
and Alhamdulillah fill that which is between heaven and earth.”
SubhanAllah: declaring Allah’s perfection, free from all flaws.
Alhamdulillah: acknowledging His blessings with gratitude.
Together, they represent pure belief in Allah’s majesty and mercy.
👉 Lesson: The tongue that remembers Allah often will shine with light on Judgment Day.
5. “Prayer is Light”
> “As-ṣalātu nūr”
Prayer guides a believer like a lamp in darkness.
It brings light to the heart, face, and grave.
It transforms character, preventing evil and indecency (Surah Al-‘Ankabut 29:45).
✅ Example: One who prays regularly walks with spiritual confidence and peace.
👉 Lesson: Prayer is not just an obligation—it’s a light that shows the path to Allah.
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6. “Charity is Proof”
> “Wa ṣadaqatu burhān”
Charity is evidence of true faith because it shows trust in Allah’s promise.
A believer who gives generously proves his love for Allah over love for wealth.
Charity purifies wealth and the soul.
✅ Example: Even a small coin given sincerely becomes a witness for you on Judgment Day.
👉 Lesson: Charity reveals the truth of your heart and strengthens faith.
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7. “Patience is Illumination”
> “Wa ṣ-ṣabru ḍiyā’”
Ḍiyā’ means a shining light with heat—showing that patience may be difficult but is rewarding.
Life is full of tests; patience in hardship is a mark of believers.
✅ Example: When facing loss, you say “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un”, remaining steadfast.
👉 Lesson: Patience is a burning light that leads to paradise.
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8. “The Qur’an is a Proof for You or Against You”
> “Wal-Qur’ānu ḥujjatun laka aw ‘alayka”
If you recite, understand, and act upon it—it will defend you.
If you neglect or disobey it—it will testify against you.
✅ Example: The Qur’an may say on the Day of Judgment: “O Lord, he abandoned me.”
👉 Lesson: Your relationship with the Qur’an decides whether it becomes your friend or witness against you.
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9. “Every Soul is a Merchant of Itself”
> “Kullun yaghdu fa bā’i‘un nafsah, fa mu‘tiquhā aw mubiquhā.”
(Every morning, each soul sets out to sell itself—either freeing it or destroying it.)
Each day, you “trade” your time and deeds.
By obeying Allah, you free your soul from Hell.
By sinning, you enslave it to destruction.
👉 Lesson: Life is a daily trade; wise believers invest in eternal success.
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10. The Comprehensive Message of the Hadith
This hadith brings together:
Purity (foundation)
Remembrance (heart connection)
Prayer (light)
Charity (proof of sincerity)
Patience (spiritual strength)
Qur’an (guidance)
Choice (self-accountability)
It shows that faith is not a single act—it is a balanced system of worship, character, and daily struggle.
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Conclusion
This hadith is a complete roadmap to success:
Start with purity (half of faith),
Keep your tongue moist with remembrance,
Strengthen your soul with prayer and charity,
Endure trials with patience,
Live by the Qur’an,
And choose actions that free your soul.
🌟 Purity is not only cleanliness—it’s the mirror of faith, preparing the believer for light, peace, and eternal reward.
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