Becoming complacent: that is, to rely on that promise and thus give up competing in righteous deeds.

Overall meaning of the hadith: The Prophet ﷺ wished to make clear both the obligation of monotheism upon the servants and its merit. He therefore put the matter in the form of a question, for such a style sinks deeper into the heart and is more effective for the learner’s understanding. After he had outlined to Muʿādh the excellence of monotheism, Muʿādh sought permission to inform the people so that they might rejoice. The Prophet ﷺ forbade him, fearing that they would depend on it and consequently diminish their good works.

Relevance of the hadith to the chapter: It explains monotheism as worshipping Allah alone without partner.

Points derived from the hadith:

1. The humility of the Prophet ﷺ, demonstrated by his riding a donkey and allowing another to ride behind him—quite unlike the practice of the proud.
2. The permissibility of two riders sharing one animal if it can bear the load.
3. Instruction by the method of question and answer.
4. Whoever is asked about something he does not know should say, “Allah knows best.”
5. Knowledge of Allah’s right over His servants: that they worship Him alone without associating anything with Him.
6. Whoever does not avoid polytheism has not truly worshipped Allah, even if he appears outwardly to do so.
7. The virtue of monotheism and the virtue of those who uphold it.
8. A definition of monotheism: worshipping Allah alone and abandoning polytheism.
9. The recommendation to bring a fellow Muslim glad tidings of what pleases him.
10. The permissibility of withholding knowledge when a benefit demands it.
11. The proper etiquette of the student toward his teacher.