[Commentary]

This ḥadith conveys the same message as Allah’s words: “O mankind! We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may come to know one another. Surely the most honored of you in Allah’s sight is the most God-fearing of you” (Q 49:13).

Allah, Exalted is He, does not look at His servants’ bodies—whether they are large or small, healthy or ill—nor at their outward appearances—whether handsome or unattractive. None of that carries any weight with Allah. Likewise, He pays no regard to lineage, whether high or low, nor to wealth, nor to any other worldly standard whatsoever. The only bond between Allah and His creation is piety: whoever is more mindful of Allah is nearer to Him and more honored before Him. Therefore, do not boast of your wealth, your beauty, your physique, your children, your palaces, your cars, or anything else of this world. If Allah grants you piety, that is His favor upon you—so praise Him for it.

The Prophet’s statement, “but He looks at your hearts,” shows that the heart is the pivot on which everything turns. This supports the ḥadith with which the author opened the book: “Actions are judged only by intentions.”

It is the heart that truly matters. How many people perform deeds that outwardly appear sound, good, and righteous, yet because they rest on a hollow foundation, they collapse. Intention is the root. You may see two men praying in the same row behind the same imam, yet the difference between their prayers is as vast as the distance between East and West, for their hearts diverge: one heart is heedless—perhaps even showing off in his prayer, Allah forbid—seeking thereby some worldly gain.