Here we see that love for Allah, for His Noble Prophet
Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), and even love for all the Prophets of his Ummah brings
blessings to a believer; but uniquely for Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), all
believers, including the Prophets who follow (come after) him, must send Darood
(blessings) upon him whenever his name is mentioned. The Qur’an commands us: “Indeed, Allah sends His blessings upon His Prophet, and
His angels pray for him. O believers! Invoke Allah’s blessings upon him, and
greet him with worthy salutations of peace (worthy of his dignity).”
(Al-Ahzaab 33:57)
Therefore, in Islam, it is clear that love for the Holy
Prophet (pbuh) must surpass all worldly attachments; that is, greater than love
for parents, family, or even oneself. A Hadith of the Holy Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh) reported in Sahih al-Bukhari states: “None of you will become a true
believer until he loves me more than his father, his mother, and all mankind.”
This shows that love for the Prophet (pbuh) is not merely a superficial
sentiment, but a deep commitment expressed through action and sacrifice.
When we observe the lives of the companions, many examples
demonstrate this truth. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), for instance, accompanied the
Holy Prophet (pbuh) in the cave of Thawr during the Hijra. He was ready to
sacrifice his comfort and even his health to protect the Holy Prophet (pbuh).
When a snake bit his foot, he did not move it so as not to disturb the
Prophet’s (pbuh) sleep. This sacrifice was a tangible proof of sincere love. In
the Qur’an, Allah says: “Those who give preference to the Prophet and the Muhajirun
even though they themselves are in poverty; those who are saved from the greed
of their souls, they are the ones who will succeed.” (Al-Hashr 59: 10)
This verse was revealed concerning the sacrifice of Abu
Talha (ra) and his family, but it also encompasses the spirit of all companions
who placed the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and the mission of Islam above their own
needs. Love for the Prophet (pbuh) was not limited to great companions only;
even the poor dwellers of Suffah lived in deprivation, yet they were content
simply to remain close to the Prophet (pbuh), to learn from him, and to receive
his affection. He (pbuh) shared his food with them, taught them the Qur’an and
spiritual values. This relationship was based on mutual love; the Holy Prophet
(pbuh) had compassion for them, and the Ashab-e-Suffah found in him (pbuh) a
source of guidance and comfort.
A Hadith reported in Sahih Muslim says: “The closest to
me on the Day of Resurrection will be the one with the best character and who
shows the most love.” This proves that love for the Prophet (pbuh) is not
just a feeling, but must be translated into noble behaviour and service to
others.
During the battle of Uhud, the companions showed
extraordinary courage. When rumours spread that the Noble Prophet (pbuh) had
died, many were disheartened. Yet those who remained firm risked their lives to
defend him. Abu Talha (ra) shielded the blessed face of the Prophet (pbuh) with
his hands, even as arrows pierced him. Ziyad Ibn as-Sakn (ra) fell martyr with
a smile on his face, happy to have defended the Prophet (pbuh). This shows that
love for the Prophet (pbuh) was a force that drove people to supreme sacrifice.
The Qur’an says: “Say: If your fathers, your
children, your brothers, your wives, your family, the wealth you have acquired,
the commerce you fear will decline, and the houses you cherish, if all these
are dearer to you than Allah, His Messenger, and striving in His way, then wait
until Allah brings His decision.” (At-Tauba 9: 24)
This verse confirms that love for the Prophet (pbuh) and
for the divine mission must surpass all worldly attachments. In daily life, the
Holy Prophet (pbuh) embodied love and compassion. When Jabir (ra) invited him
to eat a lamb, he brought all the companions to share the meal. Miraculously,
the food sufficed for all. This miracle was a sign that sincerity and
generosity attract divine blessing. Fatima (ra), his daughter, once asked her
father for a servant because her hands were worn from work; but the Prophet
(pbuh) told her that the people of Suffah did not even have food to eat. This
response showed that he always thought of the poor before his own family. Such
qualities reflected the universal love he (pbuh) taught.
Islamic hospitality was also reinforced by the example of
the Holy Prophet (pbuh). When a guest arrived and there was no food, Abu Talha
(ra) and his wife pretended to eat in the dark so that the guest could eat well
and be satisfied. Allah revealed a verse to honour this sacrifice. This shows
that love for the Prophet (pbuh) and for the Islamic mission inspired
extraordinary generosity. The Qur’an says: “Those
who give preference to others even though they themselves are in need; they are
the ones who will succeed.” (Al-Hashr 59: 10). This verse was
revealed as divine recognition of the sacrifice of the Ansar.
Love for the Prophet (pbuh) was also expressed by
companions who were ready to die for him. Khubaib (ra) and Zaid (ra) were
executed by enemies, yet they remained firm. Zaid (ra) said to Abu Sufyan: “By
Allah, I would not like Muhammad (pbuh) to be pricked even by a thorn while I
remain safe with my family.” These words moved Abu Sufyan, who later
embraced Islam. This shows that love for the Prophet (pbuh) was a force that
touched even the hearts of enemies.
Finally, let’s talk about the extraordinary love that Abu
Huraira (ra) showed for the Holy Prophet (pbuh). Abu Huraira (ra) was among
those who stayed close to Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh). He accompanied the Prophet
(pbuh) almost everywhere with his permission. Love for the Prophet (pbuh)
transformed many hearts, including that of Abu Huraira (ra). He remained close
to the Prophet (pbuh); he learned from him and reported more Hadiths than any
other companion. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) affectionately called him “father of
the kitten.” This connection between the Prophet and Abu Huraira (ra) was based
on mutual love and spiritual guidance. The Qur’an says: “Indeed, in the
Messenger of Allah you have a beautiful example for whoever hopes in Allah and
the Last Day and remembers Allah much.” (Al-Ahzab 33: 22)
This verse demonstrates briefly, yet profoundly, that love
for the Holy Prophet (pbuh) is not just a feeling, but a model of life. Truly,
love for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is a light that guides hearts towards
Allah. It requires sacrifice, compassion, generosity, and spiritual discipline.
It is not limited to words alone, but is expressed in action and service to
others. Whoever attains this sincere love obtains closeness and connection with
the Holy Prophet (pbuh) in this world and in the Hereafter.
A Hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari reported by Anas (ra) states
that Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) said concerning love for Allah and His Prophet
(pbuh) and their closeness in the Hereafter: “A person will be with the one
he loves.” From the moment Anas (ra) and the other companions of the Holy
Prophet (pbuh) heard these words, they were overjoyed. Anas (ra) hoped that
although his deeds were not equal to those of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh), Hazrat
Abu Bakr, and Umar (ra), his love for Allah and for them would grant him their
company in the Hereafter one day. Insha-Allah, may Allah accept the
sincere prayers and sacrifices of the noble companions of the Holy Prophet
Muhammad (pbuh), which they offered with sincerity of heart and out of love for
Allah and His Noble Prophet (pbuh).
May Allah count us also among those who will gain closeness
to Him and His Noble Prophet (pbuh) in the Hereafter. Remember well that
whoever sincerely loves Allah and the Prophet (pbuh) will be honoured to be
with him in Paradise, Insha-Allah, if he has firmly established in Islam
(true submission to Allah) upon the earth. This truth remains a source of
inspiration for every Muslim, and it is a reminder that love for the Holy
Prophet (pbuh) is the key to attaining Allah’s love and eternal success. Insha-Allah, Ameen.
---Friday sermon of 05 June 2026~ 18 Dhu'l Hijjah 1447 AH delivered by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius.