TRUE LOVE FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH SWT

→ TRUE LOVE FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH SWT ←

Having love for someone can come in various different forms. Love between a husband and wife is one type of these forms, all friendship is another form. However, all forms of fondness that any one person can have for any other person will be referred to as love in the following writing.

We can agree that in reality pure love of another person only for the sake of Allah SWT can be difficult to attain. However if we were to understand and appreciate that this form of act, Allah SWT loves and rewards generously, Our beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam) explained, "Allah said: those who love one another for My glory will be upon Minbars of light [high positions], and the Prophets and martyrs will wish that they had the same."
[At-Tirmithi]

Nevertheless, many of us, in an attempt to reach this high level of faith, must try to make and build strong friendships that benefit the Ummah and us. In Islam true friendship is brotherhood or sisterhood; a bond that is strong and enduring. In this bond, men and women can find the sweetness of faith as our Prophet (Salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "There are three things that whoever attains them will find the sweetness of faith: If Allah and His Messenger are dearer to him than anyone or anything else; if he loves a person solely for the sake of Allah; and if he hates to return to disbelief after Allah has rescued him from it, as much as he would hate to be thrown into the Fire."
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

The rewards of loving another for the sake of Allah SWT are very consistent along with its importance. Its impact is not singular but has an affect on the entire society. For a society to exist in harmony and peace, its elements (people) must be at peace. If we could each want for our friends what we want for ourselves, the world would be a better place. This is what Islam ensures and teaches. If there is brotherhood and unity among the people, the society at large will be united.

Our beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam) instilled a deep-rooted love in the hearts of the companions (radi Allah anho) to create a model Islamic society that all Muslims thereafter can emulate. He (Salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam) tried to eliminate hatred, jealousy and rivalry by inducing brotherhood, a sincere love and friendship. The Islamic society is ideally built upon the foundation of brotherhood, He (Salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam) advised:
"Believers are like a structure, parts of which support one another. The believers, in their mutual friendship, mercy and affection, are like one body; if any part of it complains, the rest of the body will also stay awake in fever."
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

These teachings encourage us Muslims to improve ourselves, in order to impact the improvement of our society.

A final Narration from our beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alaihi wa sallam)
"Do not break off ties with one another, do not turn away from one another, do not hate one another, and do not envy one another. Be O slaves of Allah brothers."
[Al-Bukhari]

The Prophet's memory and words live in our hearts and minds. Heeding his advice, we should realize that we are supposed to be brothers or sisters in Islam because we share a common religion and belief. We are to be brothers and sisters in our hearts because we share a common goal-Allah SWT's pleasure.

May we love one another only for His sake? Aameen