The success of a person in this life and in the Hereafter depends on the quality of Imaan (faith) buried in the core of his heart. This faith comprises many branches of which the belief in the statement of testimony (Shahaadah) is of paramount importance upon which all the other branches of faith pivot.

The belief and utterance of this fundamental statement- ‘There is no God but Allah and Muhammad (S.A) is His Messenger’ – represents an oath, trust and confidence upon Allah and His wisdom, as well as in the complete lifestyle of the Holy Prophet (SA). This oath of allegiance would become complete when it is embraced with true love for Allah and His Messenger (S.A). Only then would a believer accept, believe and act on the other branches of Islam with sincerity and real earnestness.

Through the grace and succour of Allah, Islam has remained intact and Muslims have remained upon truth throughout the past ages since the time of the noble Prophet Muhammad (S.A) to our present era, 1427 (AH). However, with the passage of time and the advancement of technology and sciences, new ideologies, thoughts and opinions have emerged and as a result many have discarded the orthodox teachings of Islam and have adopted a compromised version conducive to their whims and fancies. Through this process the true teachings and Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A) have been thrown aside and belittled with the claims that these practices are outdated, uncivilized and unadaptable to modern times. They revile the practices of the Prophet (S.A) together with a fake boast of having unending love for him. Those who adhere to this futile thought do so clearly out of a lack of knowledge or out of the weakness of Imaan and clear misguidance.

Faith and love for Allah are demonstrated by an outright resignation to His will and a total adherence to His laws (commands and prohibitions), being done willfully to earn His pleasure. However, in order for one to fulfill these requirements, it is necessary that he demonstrates his true love for Allah by having un-compromised love and adherence to His Messenger (S.A).

Allah Himself declares in the Holy Quraan: “Say (O Muhammad [S.A] to mankind) If you (really) love Allah then follow me (my Sunnah) Allah will love you …” (3:31) In this verse Allah has made His love pending upon following the lifestyle of the Prophet (S.A) so much so that those who choose to leave off the Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A) cannot really profess true love for Allah and His Messenger (S.A). This togetherness in love of Allah and His Rasool (S.A) is required for the realization of complete faith. In a Hadith related by Anas (R.A), the Prophet (S.A) mentioned three things such that if a person possesses them he would experience the sweetness of Imaan (faith). The Prophet (S.A) then exhorted with the first of these by saying, “The love for Allah and His Messenger is more than that for all and everything …” (Bukhari and Muslim)

The Prophet (S.A) has also said: “You cannot have total Imaan as long as you do not love me more than your parents, children and all people.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Regardless of the natural love and inclination that a believer would have for his parents, children, spouses, wealth, etc, the love for the Prophet Muhammad (S.A) should be greater. Allah has even warned of severe punishment when our love for other than Him and His Messenger is greater. He admonishes in the Quraan:

“Say, if your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight, are more beloved/dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in the cause of Allah, then wait until Allah brings about His decision (torments).” (9:24)

A believer must love the Prophet (S.A) above all even more than his own self. In a narration, Umar ibn Al Khattaab (R.A) said to the Prophet (S.A): ‘O Messenger of Allah! Most assuredly, I love you more than all things, but my own self/life.’ The Prophet (S.A) replied: “I swear by the Being in whose power is my life! None of you is a perfect believer until he loves me more than his own life.” Umar (R.A) then exclaimed: ‘I now love you more than my own life.’ Rasulullah (S.A) replied: “Now you are a perfect believer.” (Bukhari)

Initially, Umar (R.A) did not reflect on the necessity of loving the Messenger of Allah more than his own self since it is normal that people would always prefer their own self above others. However, when the Prophet (S.A) informed him of the great necessity towards such love for the acquisition of complete Imaan, he then realized that he would unhesitatingly put himself in difficulties and distress to safeguard the Prophet (S.A). Further to that, he would willingly even sacrifice his own life for the protection of the Prophet (S.A). Thus he conceded with his reply of unwavering love to the Prophet (S.A) even more than his own self.

Dear Muslims, to achieve this state of love for the Prophet (S.A), we must subjugate our wishes, desires and wants to that of Allah and His Messenger (S.A). We must therefore love what he loved and dislike what he disliked. Likewise we must join relations with whom he has taught us to join relations with, and sever relations from whom he has taught us to sever relations from. We must also pattern our character and attitudes like that of the Rasuul (S.A) and emulate him in our everyday activities and professions such as being a leader, a statesman, a businessman, a father, a husband, a worshipper, a friend, a neighbor, a Daa'ee (inviter to Islam), a teacher, a student and a good human being.

When we associate ourselves with the Sunnah of the Prophet (S.A) in this life then we would also benefit from his companionship in the next life.

Hazrat Anas (R.A) relates that a villager came to the Prophet (S.A) and asked: ‘When will Qiyaamah come, O Messenger of Allah?’ He (S.A) said: “What preparations have you made for it?” He (the man) replied: ‘I have not done a lot of prayers or fasting or charity for it but I love Allah and His Rasuul (S.A).’ The Prophet (S.A) said: “You will be with the one you love (on the Day of Judgement).” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Hazrat Anas commented after this good news from the Prophet (S.A): “After having heard this good news, Muslims became exceedingly happy. After having embraced Islam nothing else (after accepting Islam) made them as happy (as this statement of the Messenger of Allah [S.A]).” (Bukhari and Muslim)

In another Hadith it is related that a man came to the Prophet (S.A) and said: ‘Messenger of Allah! I love you more than my family and my possessions. I remember you and I cannot wait until I can come and look at you. I remember that I will die and you will die and I know that when you will enter the Garden (Jannah), you will be raised up with the Prophets (A.S). When I enter it, I will not see you.’ Allah then revealed (the verse of Quraan): “Whoever obeys Allah and the Messenger, they are with those whom Allah has blessed among the Prophets, the true ones, the martyrs and the right doers. They are the best of companions.” (4:68) The Prophet (S.A) called the man and recited the verse to him. (Tabrani)

The above Ahadith inform us of the companionship and close proximity to those whom one loved and associated with in this world when he would enter the life of the Hereafter. Having love for the Prophet (S.A) in this world and following his Sunnah, means that one would benefit in the Hereafter through his intercession, drinking at the fountain (Kauthar), being able to answer the questions in the grave, etc, as well as being in his general companionship. On the other hand, if one disassociates himself from the Sunnah and instead he inclines and loves the frivolous things of this world then the result is that he may be deprived of the many benefits which are associated with the companionship of the Prophet (S.A) in the Hereafter.

In another Hadith the Prophet (S.A) advised Anas (R.A) as follows: “...Whoever gives life to my Sunnah has loved me and whoever loves me is with me in the Garden (Jannah).” (Tirmidhi)

Giving life to the Sunnah means to love, abide and practice it in all walks of life. If any particular Sunnah practice has become dormant or absent in the lives of anyone then reviving it means to learn it and to reapply it in one’s life, as well as to teach it to others.

In another Hadith, the Prophet (S.A) has also said: “Whoever revives a Sunnah at the time of great trial of this Ummah, he would receive the reward of one hundred martyrs.” (Muslim)


Signs of true love for the Prophet (S.A)

Qadi ‘Iyadh has mentioned several signs of true love for the Prophet (S.A) in his book (Ash Shifaa), Muhammad the Final Messenger. Some of these are briefly mentioned as follows:

1. One will emulate him, applying his Sunnah, following his words and deeds, obey his commands and avoid his prohibitions, adopt his aadaab (mannerism) in ease and hardship, joy and despair.
   
   
2. One will prefer what the Prophet (S.A) has laid down as law and what he has encouraged, to his own passions, ego and appetites.
   
   
3. One’s anger against people will only be for the sake of the pleasure of Allah – i.e. he would only become angry for the things the Prophet (S.A) became angry with.
   
   
4. One would remember and mention the Prophet (S.A) often. Whoever loves a thing or someone remembers and mentions it/him a lot.
   
   
5. One would yearn to meet the Prophet (S.A). Every lover yearns to meet their beloved.
   
   
6. When the name of the Prophet (S.A) is mentioned great love and respect is felt for him in one’s heart. (Some of the companions used to weep and their skins used to tremble upon hearing the beloved name of the Prophet (S.A).
   
   
7. One would love the Prophet as well as all those associated with him such as those of his household, his companions – both Muhajirun and Ansar. Such a person will also be opposed to those who hate them and revile them. Whoever loves anyone, loves those who he loves.
   
   Concerning the grandsons of the Prophet (S.A), Hasan and Hussain (R.A), the Prophet (S.A) said: “Whoever loves them loves me. Whoever loves me loves Allah. Whoever hates them hates me. Whoever hates me hates Allah.” (Bukhari)
   
   Concerning his daughter, Fatimah (R.A), he said: “She is part of me. Whoever hates her hates me.” (Bukhari) Concerning his Sahabas (companions), he warned: “(Fear) Allah, (fear) Allah, (concerning) my companions! Do not make them targets after me. Whoever loves them loves them by loving me. Whoever hates them, hates them by hating me.…” (Tirmidhi)
   
   Concerning the Ansaar (the helpers- the resident companions of Madinah who helped the Prophet (S.A) and his companions after the migration), he (S.A) said: “The sign of true faith is love for the Ansaar and the sign of hypocrisy is hatred for them.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
   
   
8. To oppose anyone who harbors enmity against the Sunnah and introduces innovation in the religion which the Prophet (S.A) has brought. Allah says: “You will not find any people who believe in Allah and the Last Day who love anyone who oppose Allah and His Messenger.” (58:22)
   
   
9. Love of the Prophet (S.A) is to love the Quraan which he has brought. Sahl ibn Abdullah said: “The sign of the love of Allah is love of the Quraan. The sign of the love of the Quraan is to love the Prophet (S.A). The sign of the love of the Prophet (S.A) is love of the Sunnah.”
   
   
10. A sign of the love of the Prophet (S.A) is to have compassion for his Ummah (Muslim community), giving them counsel, striving for their best interest and removing what is harmful from them. The Quraan says that the Prophet (S.A) was “compassionate and merciful to the believers.” (9:128)
    
    
11. One who loves the Prophet (S.A) must be prepared to accept difficulty and poverty in this world. In a Hadith, Abdullah bin Mughaffal declared his profound love to the Prophet (S.A) by swearing three times that he loved him. The Prophet (S.A) said: “If you love me, prepare for poverty (test) quickly.” The Prophet (S.A) also said to Abu Sa’eed al Khudri, “Poverty (test) for those among you who loves me comes quicker than a flood from the top of the mountain to the bottom.” (Tirmidhi)