The Forty Hadiths of al-Nawawi
On the authority of Abu Ruqayyah
Tamim ibn Aws al-Dari, may Allah be pleased with him,
that the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:
"The religion is sincerity."
We asked, "To whom?"
He replied,
"To Allah, to His Book, and to His Messenger,
and to the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk."
Narrated by Muslim.
This hadith clarifies
that sincerity is the foundation upon which the religion stands,
as well as the well-being of society.
It consists of purity of heart and action for Allah the Exalted,
following His Book,
emulating His Messenger, peace be upon him,
and offering sincere counsel to those in authority and the general body of Muslims.
The hadith teaches
that a true Muslim desires goodness for others
just as he desires it for himself.
Thus, he enjoins what is right with gentleness and wisdom,
and keeps away from deceit and treachery,
whereby the bonds of brotherhood and faith are strengthened among people.