do whatever I will.” (In another narration: “fully able.”)

It was recorded by Muslim (1 / 119–120), Ibn Khuzaymah in Oneness of God (p. 207), Ahmad (1 / 410–411), Abu Ya'la (3 / 1235–1236), and al-Tabarani in The Major Collection (3 / 48 / 2), through several routes from Hammad ibn Salamah, who narrated from Thabit, from Anas, from Ibn Mas'ud, that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said it. The other wording was recorded by Ahmad and al-Tabarani.

In a narration through Ubaydah, from Abd Allah, attributed to the Prophet, there is a shorter version with a similar meaning. It states: “He will then say to him: ‘Wish.’ So he will wish, and it will be said to him: ‘You shall have what you wished for, and ten times the world.’ He will say: ‘Are You making fun of me when You are the King?’ ...” The hadith was recorded by Muslim, Ahmad (1 / 378–379), and al-Tirmidhi (2 / 98), who graded it authentic.

Note: Allah Most High’s statement at the end of the hadith, “But I am able to do whatever I will,” or, in the other wording, “fully able,” demonstrates the error in what appears in the commentary on The Tahawiyyah Creed (p. 20), quoted from some distinguished scholars: “Some people say, ‘He is fully able to do whatever He wills,’ but this is not correct...” I say: Rather, it is precisely correct, since it has been established in this hadith—especially as it is supported by Allah Most High’s saying:

“And He is able, whenever He wills, to gather them together.”

(Quran 42:29)

That does not conflict with the universality of His will and power, as the person cited imagined. And Allah knows best.

2602 — “No deed of any one of you will admit him into Paradise [nor save him from Hell].” They asked, “Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “Not even me—[and he gestured with his hand thus over his head:]—unless Allah envelops me in His favor and mercy,” [twice or three times]. “[So strive to be correct and come as close as you can] [and be of good cheer] [and set out in the morning and evening, and during part of the night. Moderation, moderation: you will arrive] [and know that the deed most beloved to Allah is the one done most consistently, even if it is small].”

It has been reported from a group of Companions, among them Abu Hurayrah, Aishah, Jabir, Abu Sa'id al-Khudri, and Usamah ibn Sharik.