Love of the Prophet (SAW)

1a. True Love

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 dearer to you than Allâh and His Messenger, and striving hard and fighting in His Cause, then wait until Allâh brings about His Decision (torment). And Allâh guides not the people who are rebellious. (9:24)

“None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to himself than his parents, his children, and all of mankind.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Narrated Anas: The Prophet said, “Whoever possesses the following three qualities will have the sweetness (delight) of faith:

1. The one to whom Allah and His Apostle becomes dearer than anything else.

2. Who loves a person and he loves him only for Allah’s sake.

3. Who hates to revert to Atheism (disbelief) as he hates to be thrown into the fire.”  (Bukhari)

1b. Why Love the Messenger?

• Allah has commanded us to love him.
• Allah loves him.
• His beautiful character and impeccable manners.
• None of us will be able to truly emulate him till we love him.
• The struggles he went through to make sure Islam would reach us today.
• His love and concern for us.
• A person will be raised with those whom he loves.

1c. Signs of Love for Him

• Imitating and emulating Him.
• Loving what he loves.
• Loving that with which he was sent (Qur’an and Sunnah)
• Frequently sending Salah and Salam upon Him.
• Loving those whom he loved and those who love him.
• Frequently remembering his life and ways.
• Encouraging others to study his life and following his way.

1d. His Rights upon Us

• To believe in him and everything he came with.
• To obey him and make him reference point in our disputes. Allah says in the Qur’an: O you who believe! Obey Allâh and obey the Messenger (Muhammad SAW), and those of you (Muslims) who are in authority. (And) if you differ in anything amongst yourselves, refer it to Allâh and His Messenger (SAW), if you believe in Allâh and in the Last Day. That is better and more suitable for final determination. (4:59)
• To study His life
• To follow his way and emulate Him.
• To send salah and salam upon Him.
• To honour, love and respect Him.
• To defend Him.

Next part: The Names of the Prophet (SAW)