LOVE FOR RASULULLAH (SALLALLAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) ...

HADITH

''The person, who is closest to me on the day of Qiyaamah, will be the person who has sent the most Durud on me.'' (Tirmizi)

Love for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam)

He is a Muslim! And he does not love Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam)! This is impossible! All Muslims must love Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) in order to be a Muslim. Nonetheless, some love him a little and some love him a lot.

The one who love him a little, also practices the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) a little. He claims to love Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) but when one looks at him, one will be surprised that he does not have any resemblance to Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) besides having a Muslim name which perhaps his family has preferred to give it to him due to an actor having this name. Otherwise, there is nothing which is apparent in him that indicates that he is a Muslim.

Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) has commanded to keep the beard but this person does not find it necessary to observe it. What is the point of shaving one’s beard every morning? We should acknowledge that there are many who are very sincere although they cannot keep the beard. They acknowledge their mistake. They have regret and sorrow of not having the willpower or opportunity to observe this Sunnah. However, what is most unfortunate is that there are many who - leave alone keeping a beard -, they have the audacity to criticise and mock at those who practice this important Sunnah. With great hesitation, it must be said that the Imaan and the love for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) is very poor in this category of people.

Similarly, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) expressed his disgust for the one, whose “Izaar” or trouser, hangs below the ankles. The action is condemnable! Yes, this is very grave although we often commit the mistake of underestimating its gravity. However, the Muslim is not taking it into consideration. To get away, he may easily tell you that Allah Ta’ala does not look at the appearance. It seems that appearance is only meant for romancing, attending engagements, weddings or for touring. One should not think in this manner. Appearance must be playing an important role for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) to find it necessary to give such an order concerning it. When a person's love for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) is weak, he does not see the importance of following the Sunnah of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). He is satisfied with few seasonal practices and some verbal claims in order to express his love and affection for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). Nonetheless, this is not sufficient as Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:

''... The one, who loves my Sunnah, is the one who loves me...''

Therefore, love for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) lies in loving and practicing his Sunnah. There is an expression that says:

• The friend of a friend is a friend.

•  The friend of an enemy is an enemy.

Based on this, we say that the friend of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) is a friend and the enemy of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) is an enemy. 

Hence, are these fashions, clothing, haircuts and styles which we have imitated, the inventions of the friends of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) or of his enemies? Obviously, it is not his friends. So, how can we follow the principle and the fashion of the enemies of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) and then, claim that we love Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam)? No doubt, this will not please Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). In a certain way, we are hurting the feelings of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) which a Muslim cannot do. As for the one who has great love for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam), he follows Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) in his conception, Ibaadat, transactions, social and conjugal life, character, his behaviour and in all fields of his life in general, every moment and every day. When a person attains such a stage, every day is Eid Milaad-un-Nabi for him. This is true love for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) and this is the principle of the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum), Taabi'in, Tabi Taabi'in and all pious people in general. Otherwise, speaking regarding love for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) occasionally without adopting his principles in one’s life is like a son who swears at his mother for 364 days and offers her a beautiful gift only on Mother's Day. Everyone who has intelligence will not appreciate this type of love. It appears to be more hypocrisy than love or affection. By Allah! Our Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) deserves our love more than anything! More than ourselves! More than our lives!

اَللّهُمَّ ارْزُقْنَا حُبَّ نَبِيِّك وَمُرَافَقَتَهُ فِى الْجَنَّة

''Oh Allah! Grant us sincere love for Your Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) and grant us all his companionship in Jannah! Ameen!''

• Hazrat 'Ali (Radiyallahu Anhu):- ''Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) was more beloved to us than our wealth, children, parents and cold water in a moment of thirst.''

• Hazrat 'Amr Bin 'Aas (Radiyallahu Anhu):- ''There was nothing more beloved to us than Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam).''

• Hazrat Khoubaib (Radiyallahu Anhu):- ''I prefer sacrificing my life than a thorn pricking the feet of Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam).''

• Hazrat Abu Sufyaan (Radiyallahu Anhu):- ''I have not seen people loving a person like the Sahabah (Radiyallahu Anhum) loved Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam).''

[English version of "L’amour pou Rassouloullah ‎(Sallallaahou A'laihi Wasallam)‎" – Al Jamiat – Vol.2 No.1]