Expressing and Deepening Love for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Expressing and deepening one’s love and reverence for Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is not only a fundamental aspect of the Islamic faith but also holds great importance according to the teachings found in Hadith literature. Hadiths, the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم), provide invaluable guidance for Muslims seeking to emulate his example and follow his teachings. The love for him binds all with his obedience, as ALLAH explains in his verse the importance of his beloved Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم):
Surah Al-Ahzab (33:70-71):
“O you who have believed, fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice. He will [then] amend for you your deeds and forgive you your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has certainly attained a great attainment.”
Then, in another verse, he terrifies the disobedient non-believers,
Surah Al-Ahzab (33:66-67):
“On the Day their faces will be turned about in the Fire, they will say, ‘How we wish we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger.’ And they will say, ‘Our Lord, indeed we obeyed our masters and our dignitaries, and they led us astray from the [right] way.’
Here are several Hadiths that highlight the significance of expressing and deepening one’s love and reverence for the Prophet Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم):
Sahih al-Bukhari, Book 30, Hadith 8:
Narrated by Anas bin Malik, Allah’s Messenger (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) said, “None of you will have absolute faith till he loves me more than his father, his children, and all mankind.”
Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 37, Hadith 4238:
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) said, “Whoever obeys me, obeys Allah, and whoever disobeys me, disobeys Allah. Whoever obeys the ruler, obeys me, and whoever disobeys the ruler, disobeys me.”
Hadith of Abdullah ibn Hisham, Sahih Al-Bukhari: Abdullah ibn Hisham reported: We were with the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم), and he was holding the hand of ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab. ‘Umar said to Him, “O Messenger of Allah, you are dearer to me than everything except myself.” The Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) said, “No, by Him in Whose Hand my soul is, (you will not have complete faith) till I am dearer to you than your self.” Then ‘Umar said to him, “By Allah, now you are dearer to me than my self.” The Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) said, “Now, O ‘Umar, (now you are a believer).” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Hadith of Abu Huraira: Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet ((صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) said, “You will be with those whom you love.” (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
These Hadiths emphasize the paramount importance of loving Prophet Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم more than anything else, including one’s self, family, and possessions. Additionally, it has been highlighted that sending blessings upon the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) and obeying his teachings are means of obeying Allah.
By adhering to these teachings found in Hadith literature, Muslims deepen their love and reverence for Prophet Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم), embodying the spirit of devotion, humility, and obedience that characterizes the believers’ relationship with the Seal of the Prophets.