in their worship, burdening themselves with hardship by abstaining from food, drink, and marriage.

5 – The ḥadith encourages marrying a woman who is walūd—that is, likely to bear many children—so that the Muslims’ offspring multiply, their numbers swell, and they become a force able to stand against the enemies of Allah and their own foes. A large population will cultivate the earth, draw out its blessings, seek out its treasures, and thus fulfill Allah’s purpose that it be developed.

6 – Among the benefits of numerous progeny is that it realizes the Prophet’s ﷺ pride in the size of his community and his wish to outnumber the other prophets’ followers on the Day of Resurrection. This is a mighty honor and a great source of glory, for Allah—exalted is He—granted success to his message, supported his call, and made it prevail over every faith, so his nation became the largest, the best, and the finest of all followers. The Almighty says, “You are the best community ever raised for mankind” (Q 3:110), and He says, “Thus We have made you a justly balanced nation so that you may be witnesses over humanity” (Q 2:143). “Balanced” here means the choicest and most excellent.

7 – Islam is a religion of movement and productive effort, not one of isolation, withdrawal, and disengagement from life’s arena—provided that worldly pursuits do not overshadow deeds for the Hereafter and that they are undertaken to elevate and honor Islam and to bring benefit to others. Islam is both religion and state; it is not confined to rituals alone. Indeed, when worldly activities and customary practices are pursued with the intention of reform and of bringing public or private benefit, they themselves become acts of worship.

8 – The passage also shows that hastening to good deeds, competing in them, and striving to excel is not the blameworthy ostentation of riyāʾ so long as the servant seeks the Face of Allah and the abode of the Hereafter.

9 – Likewise, it indicates the recommendation that a person take the initiative in performing good works and strive to outstrip his peers. The Almighty says, “It is they who hasten to good deeds, and they are foremost in doing them (61)” (Q 23:61), and He says, “Race toward forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden as vast as the heavens and the earth” (Q 57:21).