The answer is that the two texts can be reconciled by noting that what the hadith negates is a person’s entry into Paradise as an exact quid pro quo for his deeds, whereas what the verse affirms is that deeds are a cause, not a price. Deeds—without doubt—are a cause for entering Paradise and for deliverance from the Fire, but they are not the recompense itself, nor are they sufficient on their own. Rather, Allah’s bounty and mercy are the true reason a person is admitted to Paradise and rescued from Hell.
This hadith yields several benefits:
-
A person must never be impressed with his own deeds. No matter how many righteous acts you perform, do not be self-admiring; your deeds are scant compared with Allah’s right over you.
-
It teaches that one should frequently remember Allah and often say, “O Allah, envelop me in mercy and favor from You,” for your deeds will not lead you to Allah’s good pleasure except through His mercy.
-
It provides evidence of the Companions’—may Allah be pleased with them—eagerness for knowledge. When the Prophet ﷺ said, “None of you will be saved by his deeds,” they immediately sought clarification: does this general statement include you, O Messenger of Allah, or not? He explained that it does include him.
-
Whoever reflects on the conduct of the Companions with the Prophet ﷺ will find them the most eager of people for knowledge; they would not leave anything they needed for their religious or worldly affairs without hastening to ask about it.
Allah is the One who grants success.