Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
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«Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about the foremost deed that leads people to Paradise, and he replied: "Fear of Allah and good character." Then, he was asked about the things that most lead people to Hellfire, and he said: "The tongue and the private parts."»
Meaning translation ·
Explanation
The meaning in a few plain lines
The Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) pointed out that the greatest means that lead one to Paradise are:
Fear of Allah and good character.
Fear of Allah (taqwa) is to make wiqāya (shield) between oneself and the punishment of Allah, by observing His commands and prohibitions.
Good character: by having a cheerful face, doing good to others, and averting harm from them.
And that the greatest causes for a person's entry into Hellfire are:
The tongue and the private parts.
The sins committed by the tongue include: lying, backbiting, and tale-bearing.
The sins committed by the private parts include: adultery, sodomy, etc.
