“Where are those who loved each other for the sake of My glory?” Abû Hurayrah relates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Allah will ask on the Day of Judgment: ‘Where are those who loved each other for the sake of My glory? Today, - on a day when there is no shade but mine – I shall shade them with My shade.” [Sahîh Muslim (2566)] Love is among the most exalted of human feelings. When this love is focused on Allah and forms the basis for our interpersonal relationships, many problems are transcended, and great fruits are harvested for society as a whole. The Qur’ân and Sunnah often speak about the noble status of those whom Allah graces to possess such love. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Among Allah’s servants are people who are neither Prophets nor martyrs, but whom the Prophets and martyrs will deem fortunate because of their high status with Allah.” They asked: “O Messenger of Allah! Inform us of who they are.” He said: “They are people who loved each other for Allah’s sake, without being related to one another or being tied to one another by the exchange of wealth. By Allah, theur faces will be luminous and they will be upon light. They will feel no fear when the people will be feeling fear and they will feel no grief when the people will be grieving.” Then he read the verse: “Behold, on the friends of Allah there shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” [Sunan Abî Dâwûd (3527)] Then we have the famous hadîth that enumerates the seven people who will enjoy Allah’s shade on a day when there is no shade but His. One of those mentioned are: “two men who love each other for the sake of Allah alone, meeting for that reason and parting for that reason.” [Sahîh al-Bukhârî (660) and Sahîh Muslim (1031)] Love for Allah’s sake transcends the limits of our worldly existence, enduring into the life to come. Alah says: “Close friends on that Day will be foes to one another – except for the righteous.” [Sûrah al- Zukhruf : 67] Loving one another for the sake of Allah and brotherhood in faith are among the most excellent acts of worship. This worship comes with conditions upon those who would love for the sake of Allah. This love has its duties that must be fulfilled so that the relationship will be pure and free of base undercurrents. Upholding these duties brings a servant nearer to Allah and to His pleasure and, over time, it can bring about a greater nobility of person.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Jun 2013 09:33:56 +0000