What is the meaning of this Hadith?
من علم أن الصلاة حق واجب دخل الجنة
‘Whoever knows that Salah is compulsory will enter Jannah’
Answer
Imam Ahmad (rahimahullah) has recorded this Hadith on the authority of Sayyiduna ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan (radiyallahu ‘anhu).
(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 1 pg. 60)
‘Allamah Sindhi (rahimahullah) explains that ‘knowing’ here refers to firmly believing (having Iman on the fact) that Salah is compulsory, together with performing it, as no consideration is given to merely knowing that Salah is compulsory without performing it.
He further explains and cautions, ‘Entering Jannah does not mean that a person will enter immediately’ [A person may have to atone for his sins first, and eventually enter Jannah.].
(Refer: Hashiyatus Sindhi ‘Ala Musnadil Imam Ahmad)
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar, with the following note:
The caution that ‘Allamah Sindi (rahimahullah) has mentioned applies to all such promises of entry into Jannah in the Hadith, unless otherwise stated differently.
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar