KITAB ARBA'IN AN-NAWAWI
by: Imam An-Nawawi

Benefits of the Hadith:

• 1
  The Fundamental Objective of Daʿwah and Jihad:
  • Foundation of Tawḥīd: The foremost responsibility of all prophets and callers to Islam is to invite people towards the Oneness of Allah and the messengership of the Prophet ﷺ. Every Islamic caller must adhere to the commands of Allah.
  • Purpose of Jihad: The objective of fighting or jihad in Islam is not worldly wealth, political power, kingship, or revenge. Rather, its purpose is to establish the religion of Allah on earth and to overcome the dominance of disbelief.
  • No Compulsion: Before engaging in fighting, people are to be invited towards Islam, because there is no compulsion or coercion in matters of faith.
• 2
  Judgement Based on Outward Actions and the Inner State:
  • Validity of Outward Judgements: In this world, a person's dealings and legal status are determined on the basis of their outward actions. Whoever professes the testimony of faith is regarded as a Muslim, and his life and property are protected. No Muslim may be declared a disbeliever merely on the basis of suspicion or negative assumptions.
  • The Inner State Is Entrusted to Allah: Whatever the inner reality of the hypocrites may be, they are treated as Muslims in matters of worldly dealings, while their ultimate reckoning in the Hereafter rests with Allah Almighty. In times of trials, turmoil, and ambiguous circumstances, judgements concerning people should be based upon their outward and observable actions.
• 3
  The Fundamental Pillars of Islam and the Reality of Faith:
  • Essence of the Pillars: This Hadith encompasses some of the major foundational elements of Islam: Tawḥīd, the messengership of the Prophet ﷺ, prayer, and zakah.
  • Relationship Between Faith and Deeds: Faith is not merely a verbal claim; rather, deeds such as prayer and zakah constitute an essential manifestation of faith through which a person's faith is demonstrated.
• 4
  Protection of Life, Property, and Social Rights:
  • Sanctity of Life and Property: Islam is a religion of peace and security that provides protection for human life and property. Upon accepting Islam, a person acquires established social rights, including inheritance, marriage, and brotherhood.
  • The Right to Protection: The protection of life and property remains in force so long as a person does not violate the laws prescribed by the Sharīʿah, such as qiṣāṣ or ḥudūd, as indicated by the phrase: “except by the right of Islam.”
• 5
  The Structure of Islamic Society and the Early Muslims:
  • Balance Between Rights: Through prayer, a person's relationship with Allah is established, while zakah assists the poor and needy within society. In this way, these acts contribute to a balanced and comprehensive social system.
  • Understanding of the Caliphs: This Hadith was so clear in its implications that Sayyidunā Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq (may Allah be pleased with him) used it as evidence for fighting those who refused to pay zakah. This demonstrates that the fundamental pillars of Islam cannot be treated as separate or selectively observed.