voluntary acts, for Allah the Exalted says in a sacred hadith: “My servant does not draw near to Me with anything more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory upon him.” Accordingly, feeding your own household is better than feeding a poor person, because the former is an obligation whereas the latter is voluntary. Whoever provides food for his family, leaving nothing undone and thus fulfilling that duty, has indeed “fed others”; whatever remains and he gives away in charity is pure goodness.

The Prophet also said, “Pray at night while people are asleep.” O Allah, make us among those people. Perhaps the most pleasant, restful sleep is the one that comes after midnight until dawn; yet when a person rises during that very period for Allah—standing in the night vigil, drawing near to Him with His words and with humble supplication while everyone else is asleep—this is one of the finest deeds.

The phrase “pray at night while people are asleep” is the key point in this hadith: the Messenger of Allah ﷺ counted the night prayer among the means that lead to Paradise. He promised the reward, “you will enter Paradise in peace,” whereupon the angels will greet you: “And the angels will come to them from every gate, [Saying:] ‘Peace be upon you for the patience you showed’” ⦗and so they⦘ congratulate them on their steadfastness and on this tremendous recompense.

The expression “you will enter Paradise in peace” plainly indicates entry without punishment or torment, for anyone who is punished has certainly not been safe.

Thus, the three matters mentioned in this hadith are among the causes of entering Paradise in a state of peace.