This love manifested itself in the lives of the Companions. They were utterly devoted to the Prophet. When he performed wudu’ (ablution) the Companions usually collected the used water and sprinkled it on their faces. The Prophet once asked them why they were doing so and they replied because of their love for him. (Mishkat) The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) once remarked:

“Those who love my Sunnah (really) love me and those who love me will be in Jannah with me.” (At-Tirmidhi)

Once a father and his son traveled from their village and visited the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and this was probably the only time they met him. They noticed that the top button of his shirt was undone. Thereafter, they always left their top buttons unfastened.

When Abu Makhdhurah embraced Islam the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) touched his forehead and blessed him; from then on out of love for the Prophet he never clipped the hairs from his forehead. There are numerous such instances to be found in the lives of the Companions. Love of the Prophet is indeed part of one’s iman.

Manifestation of one’s love is not just an emotional outpouring but should also be reflected in strict obedience and following of the Prophet’s path. As he emphasised in thehadith quoted above about following his Sunnah to those who used the water from his ablution:

”Those who are pleased to love Allah and His Messenger should always speak the truth and if anything is entrusted to them they should keep it safe and return it to their owners.”

“They should also treat their neighbours well.” (Mishkat)

Today the hearts of the Muslim Ummah, al-Hamdulillah, are filled with love and respect for the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). People are ready to sacrifice their lives for the sake of safeguarding his honour. Yet not much fervour is shown in obeying his commands and following his path. There are some people who are very particular about some of the Prophet’s minor Sunnah as regards dress and appearance, yet they neglect his first and foremost Sunnah which is Da`wah. Allah addressing the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

{O Prophet! Truly We have sent you as a Witness, a Bearer of Glad Tidings, and a Warner and as one who invites to Allah’s grace by His leave and as a Lamp Spreading Light} (al-Ahzab 33: 45-46).

His greatest Sunnah, which he carried out from the day of his messengership until his death, was to invite people to Islam. His parting message on his last Hajj was: “Those who are here should convey this message to those who are not here.” He asked the assembled gathering on the plains of `Arafat three times: ”Have I conveyed the message?” and the Companions replied “Yes you have”. He raised his hand pointing towards the heavens and said: “May Allah be witness to this.”

This is the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) which we have to follow if we truly love him.

May Allah strengthen our bonds of love, affection and respect of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and guide us to follow his Sunnah to the best of our ability; Amin.

References

Taken with slight modifications from the Book: Lift Up Your Hearts