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Excellence and Etiquette of Sincere Love for the Sake of Allaah

Started by bamalli, August 30, 2007, 08:45:54 PM

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bamalli

    Excellence and Etiquette of Sincere Love for the Sake of Allaah

    By Imaam Aboo Zakariya Yahyaa Ibn Sharaf An-Nawawi
 
         

    Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, the Exalted, says:

    "Muhammad is the Messenger of Allaah. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and falling down prostrate (in prayer), seeking bounty from Allaah and (His) Good Pleasure. The mark of them (i.e., of their Faith) is on their faces (foreheads) from the traces of prostration (during prayers). This is their description in the Taurat (Torah). But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot, then makes it strong, and becomes thick and it stands straight on its stem, delighting the sowers, that He may enrage the disbelievers with them. Allaah has promised those among them who believe (i.e., all those who follow Islamic Monotheism, the religion of Prophet Muhammad till the Day of Resurrection) and do righteous good deeds, forgiveness and a mighty reward (i.e. Jannah).'' (48:29)

    "And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madeenah) and had adopted the Faith, - love those who emigrate to them...'' (59:9)

    375. Anas bin Malik radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, "There are three qualities whoever has them, will taste the sweetness of Eemaan: To love Allaah and His Messenger Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam more than anyone else; to love a slave (of Allaah) only for (the sake of) Allaah; and to abhor returning to infidelity after Allaah has saved him from it as he would abhor to be thrown into the fire (of Hell)". [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].

    Commentary:
    1. In this Hadeeth, the love of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala signifies the sweetness of Eemaan (Faith).

    2. The love of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala and His Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam is the cornerstone of the Faith. When it is said that this love should exceed one's love for everything else in the universe, it means that what is enjoined by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala and His Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam must be given preference over everything else, whether it is love for the wife, children, worldly interests, desires or whims. When there is a clash between the two, the former should be given preference over the latter.

    376. Aboo Hurayrah radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, "Seven are (the persons) whom Allaah will give Shade of His Thrown on the Day when there would be no shade other than His Throne's Shade: A just ruler; a youth who grew up worshipping Allaah; a man whose heart is attached to mosques; two persons who love and meet each other and depart from each other for the sake of Allaah; a man whom an extremely beautiful woman seduces (for illicit relation), but he (rejects this offer by saying): `I fear Allaah'; a man who gives in charity and conceals it (to such an extent) that the left hand does not know what the right has given; and a person who remembers Allaah in solitude and his eyes well up". [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].

    Commentary:  This Hadeeth mentions seven types of people whom Almighty Allaah provides special protection or His Throne's Shade. In some Ahadeeth this blessing has also been promised for some noble actions over and above those which have been mentioned here. Some `Ulama' including As-Sakhkhawi and Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar have given a list of seventy such actions. Imaam As-Suyooti said: "The (present) Hadeeth mentions only seven qualities to bring into prominence their importance and also the importance of acting upon them'.

    377. Aboo Hurayrah radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, "On the Day of Resurrection, Allaah, the Exalted, will say: `Where are those who have mutual love for the sake of My Glory? Today I shall shelter them in My Shade when there will be no shade except Mine". [Muslim].

    Commentary: It should be borne in mind that the shade referred to in the Hadeeth is the Shade of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala's Throne. Referring to this shade in the Arabic text as the Shade of Allaah Almighty, is similar to the "she-camel of Allaah," the "Land of Allaah," "the House of Allaah" that are mentioned in the Qur`aan. (Editor's Note)

    378. Aboo Hurayrah radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, "By Him in Whose Hand my soul is! You will not enter Jannah (Paradise) until you believe, and you shall not believe until you love one another. May I inform you of something, if you do, you love each other. Promote greeting amongst you (by saying As-salaamu`alaykum to one another)". [Muslim].

    Commentary:  In this Hadeeth, Islam has been regarded as the medium of mutual love. This is the reason Muslims have been enjoined to greet each other regardless of acquaintance. It does not, however, mean that a Muslim will be a true believer or entitled to Jannah, by mere greeting. What it really means is that his Faith will become meaningful only when it is supported by actions. Greeting is an Islamic custom and a practical form and demonstration of it. The combination of Faith and its practice will take a Muslim to Jannah.

    379. Aboo Hurayrah radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, "A man set out to visit a brother (in Faith) in another town and Allaah sent an angel on his way. When the man met the angel, the latter asked him, "Where do you intend to go?'' He said, "I intend to visit my brother in this town". The angel said, "Have you done any favour to him?'' He said, "No, I have no desire except to visit him because I love him for the sake of Allaah, the Exalted, and Glorious.'' Thereupon the angel said, "I am a messenger to you from Allaah (to inform you) that Allaah loves you as you love him (for His sake)". [Muslim].

    380. Al-Bara' bin`Azib radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said about the Ansar: "Only a believer loves them, and only a hypocrite hates them. Allaah loves him who loves them and Allaah hates him who hates them". [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim].

    Commentary:  The way the Ansar or Helpers, faithfully served Islam, Muslims and the Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam, constitutes not only one of the brightest chapters of Islamic history but also makes them a model of excellent conduct and character. Allaah Almighty rewarded them for their devotion to Islam with immense love for Faith - the love which became a symbol of their Faith and love for Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. Not only that, because of this devotion of the Ansar, everyone who entertained jealousy and hatred against them was declared a hypocrite by Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala. There were two famous tribes, namely Al-Aus and Al-Khazraj in Al-Madeenah. In the pre-Islamic days they were enemies to each other. When they embraced Islam, they became close brothers. They welcomed the Muhajirun (the Emigrants) with open arms and rendered every possible assistance to them. For this reason they were named Ansar. May Allaah Almighty be pleased with them and they be pleased with Him.

    381. Mu`adh (bin Jabal) radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, "Allaah, the Exalted, has said: `For those who love one another for the sake of My Glory, there will be seats of light (on the Day of Resurrection), and they will be envied by the Prophets and martyrs". [At-Tirmidhi].

    Commentary: This Hadeeth tells us that Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala will grant an exalted position to such people who love one another for His sake. "They will be envied by the Prophets and martyrs'' does not mean that they will be granted a place higher than even the Prophets`alayhissmusalaam because the highest position will be granted to the Prophets, as these are the best of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala's Creation. These words simply draw our attention to the superiority and the exalted position those who love one another for Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala's sake will have on the Day of Resurrection.

    382. Aboo Idris Al-Khaulani radhiallaahu`anhu reported: I once entered the masjid in Damascus. I happened to catch sight of a young man who had bright teeth (i.e., he was always seen smiling). A number of people had gathered around him. When they differed over anything they would refer it to him and act upon his advice. I asked who he was and I was told that he was Mu`adh bin Jabal. The next day I hastened to the masjid, but found that he had arrived before me and was busy in performing Salaat. I waited until he finished, and then went to him from the front, greeted him with Salaam and said to him, "By Allaah I love you.'' He asked, "For the sake of Allaah?'' I replied, "Yes, for the sake of Allaah". He again asked me, "Is it for Allaah's sake?'' I replied, "Yes, it is for Allaah's sake.'' Then he took hold of my cloak, drew me to himself and said, "Rejoice! I heard the Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam saying, "Allaah, the Exalted, says: My Love is due to those who love one another for My Sake, meet one another for My Sake, visit one another for My Sake and spend in charity for My Sake". [Malik].

    Commentary: Besides the merit of mutual affection, contact and co-operation for the pleasure of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, this Hadeeth tells us that one should disclose one's affection to him whom one loves. It also tells us that when a person is engaged in worship or daily round of recitation, his visitor should not sit before him so that his concentration is not affected. He should sit behind him and wait till he has finished his prayer. The Hadeeth also teaches us to approach someone from the front so as not to scare him.

    383. Aboo Karimah Al-Miqdad bin Ma`dikarib radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam said, "When a man loves his brother (for Allaah sake) let him tell him that he loves him". [At-Tirmidhi and Aboo Dawood].

    Commentary:  The wisdom behind informing someone that one loves him for the sake of Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala, is to make him aware of the regard shown to him so that this will turn into mutual affection and will, therefore, promote cooperation with each other.

    384. Mu`adh (bin Jabal) radhiallaahu`anhu reported: The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam held my hand and said, "O Mu`adh, By Allaah, I love you and advise you not to miss supplicating after every Salaat (prayer) saying: `Allaahumma a`inni `ala dhikrika wa shukrika, wa husni `ibadatika,' (O Allaah, help me remember You, expressing gratitude to You and worship You in the best manner)". [Aboo Dawood and An-Nasa'i].

    Commentary:  We learn from this Hadeeth the following:

    1. It is commendable to inform those whom one loves for Allaah's sake, of this love.

    2. The superiority of Mu`adh.

    3. It is commendable to say this Du`aa after each obligatory Salaat.

    4. It is commendable to seek Allaah Subhaanahu wa Ta`aala 's Help in order to

     discharge one's duties towards Allaah Most High in the best possible manner.

    385. Anas bin Malik radhiallaahu`anhu reported: A man was with the Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam when another man passed by and the former said: "O Messenger of Allaah! I love this man (for Allaah's sake)". The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam asked, "Have you informed him?'' He said, "No". Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam then said, "Tell him (that you love him)". So he went up to the man and said to him, "I love you for the sake of Allaah;'' and the other replied, "May Allaah, for Whose sake you love me, love you.'' [Aboo Dawood].

    385. Anas bin Malik radhiallaahu`anhu reported: A man was with the Prophet Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam when another man passed by and the former said: "O Messenger of Allaah! I love this man (for Allaah's sake)". The Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam asked, "Have you informed him?'' He said, "No". Messenger of Allaah Sall Allaahu`alayhi wa sallam then said, "Tell him (that you love him)". So he went up to the man and said to him, "I love you for the sake of Allaah;'' and the other replied, "May Allaah, for Whose sake you love me, love you.'' [Aboo Dawood].