Loving the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Loving the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a cornerstone of Islamic faith. This love should surpass all other forms of affection. If it does not, there is a clear deficiency in one’s faith. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) himself stated:
“None of you truly believes until Allah and His Messenger are more beloved to him than anything else.”
Moreover, he emphasized,
“A servant does not truly believe until I am more beloved to him than his family, his wealth, and all the people,”
as narrated by Bukhari and Muslim. This profound love is not just an emotion but a commitment that influences every aspect of a believer’s life.
Umar ibn Al-Khattab offers deep insights into loving the Prophet
Reflecting on the gentle dialogue between the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Umar ibn Al-Khattab offers deep insights into this essential love. According to Sahih Bukhari, Umar ibn Al-Khattab once said: “O Messenger of Allah! You are more beloved to me than everything except myself.” This natural self-love is something all humans share. However, the Prophet (peace be upon him) responded by guiding Umar and all believers to a higher standard: “No, by the One in whose hand is my soul, not until I am more beloved to you than yourself.” In response, Umar declared: “Now, by Allah, you are more beloved to me than myself.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) then acknowledged: “Now, O Umar,” signifying that Umar’s faith was now complete and sincere.
This conversation highlights a crucial truth: true faith and sincerity with Allah are intertwined with the love for His Messenger. The Qur’an echoes this, stating:
{Say, [O Muhammad], “If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”} (Al Imran: 31).
Thus, following the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is not merely an act of obedience but an expression of deep, genuine love.
Studying the life and character of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Studying the life and character of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is essential in nurturing this love. A superficial acquaintance with anyone rarely results in profound affection. It is through delving into the intricacies of their life, understanding their struggles, virtues, and achievements that we begin to admire and love them deeply. The same applies to our beloved Prophet. Knowing the details of his life, his sacrifices, his unwavering commitment to justice, mercy, and compassion, and his role as a guide for humanity kindles a deep, abiding love in our hearts.
No person with a sound nature can read about or hear the stories of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) without feeling an overwhelming sense of love and admiration. The more we learn about him, the more our love for him grows, and in turn, our faith deepens. This is an interactive relationship that is vital in the lives of believers. Loving the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is not a static state; it is dynamic, growing with our increased knowledge and understanding of his life and teachings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, loving the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) more than ourselves, our families, and our possessions is a fundamental aspect of true faith. It requires us to prioritize his teachings and example in every aspect of our lives. By studying his biography and reflecting on his character, we can cultivate this profound love, thereby strengthening our faith and sincerity with Allah. This love is not just an emotional connection but a guiding principle that shapes our actions, our choices, and our lives as believers.