Allaah, the Most Merciful, showers His boundless mercy and grace upon all of creation. His compassion and benevolence know no bounds. After Him, the most exceptional kindness upon humanity come from the Noble Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). In a time when the world was enveloped in darkness, marked by injustice, oppression, ignorance, cruelty, and disbelief, it was the Merciful God who chose Muhammad as the final and most esteemed prophet.

From the moment of his prophethood until his passing, the Prophet, (ﷺ), worked tirelessly for the guidance, success, peace, and liberation of humanity. He endured numerous hardships and sacrifices. He left his beloved homeland and migrated to Madina, and engaged in jihad. However, he did not lose hope or become disheartened, but instead, he persistently strived while turning to God with tears in his eyes.

Allaah, the Most High, through him, brought light to the darkness of this world. He provided guidance to a lost Earth. He educated humanity on the true essence of being human, fostering civilization, culture, understanding, moral and ethical purity, and the sanctity of faith and monotheism (belief in one God).

For this reason, love and affection for the Noble Prophet (ﷺ) are an essential part of faith. Without his love, faith remains incomplete. To experience the flavor of faith, one must hold Allaah and His Messenger as the dearest above all. Our dear Prophet (ﷺ) guided us saying:

ثَلَاثٌ مَنْ كُنّ فِيهِ وَجَدَ بِهِنّ حَلَاوَةَ الْإِيمَانِ: مَنْ كَانَ اللهُ وَرَسُولُهُ أَحَبّ إِلَيْهِ مِمّا سِوَاهُمَا.

"Among the three qualities that will make one taste the sweetness of faith, the first one is that Allaah and His Messenger will be most beloved to them." – [Sahih al-Muslim, Hadith No. 67]

The Prophet (ﷺ) also said:

لَا يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى أَكُونَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ وَالِدِهِ وَوَلَدِهِ وَالنَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ.

"None of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father, his children and all mankind." – [Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith No. 15]

The Prophet (ﷺ) further mentioned:

لَا، وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ، حَتَّى أَكُونَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيْكَ مِنْ نَفْسِكَ.

"I swear by Him in Whose hand my soul is, you will not attain true faith until I become dearer to you than your own self." – [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 6632]

The love and devotion of the Companions (Sahaba) to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) were indeed extraordinary. They loved him more than their own parents, children, and even themselves. Their entire lives were a reflection of their profound affection for the Prophet (ﷺ). Their devotion, transactions, interactions, and moral character were all illuminated by the light of their love for the Prophet (ﷺ). Through their devotion to the Prophet (ﷺ), they radiated a brilliant light. The example they have set in their love for the Prophet (ﷺ) has no parallel in human history, and even the disbelievers acknowledged it.

Once, the Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions were traveling towards Makkah to perform Umrah, a pilgrimage. This news alarmed the Quraysh, who then sent a group to stop the Muslims. At a place called Hudaybiyya, some representatives of the Quraysh came to the Prophet (ﷺ) to discuss and negotiate. Urwah ibn Mas'ud, who was not a Muslim at the time, was one of them. After observing the situation of the Prophet's companions while talking to the Prophet (ﷺ), Urwah went to the Quraysh and shared his feelings:

وَاللهِ لَقَدْ وَفَدْتُ عَلَى المُلُوكِ، وَوَفَدْتُ عَلَى قَيْصَرَ، وَكِسْرَى، وَالنّجَاشِيِّ، وَاللهِ إِنْ رَأَيْتُ مَلِكًا قَطّ يُعَظِّمُهُ أَصْحَابُهُ مَا يُعَظِّمُ أَصْحَابُ مُحَمّدٍ مُحَمّدًا، وَاللهِ إِنْ تَنَخّمَ نُخَامَةً إِلّا وَقَعَتْ فِي كَفِّ رَجُلٍ مِنْهُمْ، فَدَلَكَ بِهَا وَجْهَهُ وَجِلْدَهُ، وَإِذَا أَمَرَهُمْ ابْتَدَرُوا أَمْرَهُ، وَإِذَا تَوَضَأَ كَادُوا يَقْتَتِلُونَ عَلَى وَضُوئِهِ.

"I have been a representative to many kings and rulers, including Kaiser, Kisra, and Najjashi. I swear by Allaah that I have never seen anyone's companions hold their leader in such high regard as the companions of Muhammad (ﷺ) do. When he spits, they rush to take his spit, and when he commands something, they all hasten to obey him. Even when he performs ablution, they almost fight over the leftover water." – [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 2731]

The stories of the deep love and respect that the Companions had for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) can be found in various books, such as Hadith collections, biographies, historical accounts, and compilations of their deeds. Like the Companions, we can also become enlightened individuals through our deep love for the Prophet.

Let's share a few examples from the life of Sahaba (RA) that highlight their deep affection for the Prophet (ﷺ):

(1)

Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA), the first Caliph after the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was on his deathbed. During that time, his beloved daughter and the wife of the Prophet, Aisha (RA), was with him.

He asked his daughter, "Aisha, on which day did the Prophet (peace be upon him) pass away?"

Aisha replied, "He passed away on a Monday."

Then he asked, "What day is it today?"

Aisha answered, "Today is also Monday."

Upon hearing this, Abu Bakr (RA) said,

أَرْجُو فِيمَا بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ اللّيْلِ.

"I hope that I will pass away on this Monday night." – [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1387]

This shows the deep love and attachment that Abu Bakr (RA) had for the Prophet (ﷺ). He wished to depart from this world on the same day as the Prophet's passing.

                                                                  (2)

As described by Aisha (RA), a person came to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and said:

يَا رَسُولَ اللهِ! وَاللهِ إِنَّكَ لَأَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ نَفْسِي، وَإِنَّكَ لَأَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ أَهْلِي، وَأَحَبُّ إِلَيَّ مِنْ وَلَدِي، وَإِنِّي لَأَكُونُ فِي الْبَيْتِ فَأَذْكُرُكَ فَمَا أَصْبِرُ حَتَّى آتِيَكَ فَأَنْظُرَ إِلَيْكَ، وَإِذَا ذَكَرْتُ مَوْتِي وَمَوْتَكَ عَرَفْتُ أَنَّكَ إِذَا دَخَلْتَ الْجَنَّةَ رُفِعت مَعَ النَّبِيِّينَ، وَإِنِّي إِذَا دَخَلْتُ الْجَنَّةَ خَشِيتُ أَنْ لَا أَرَاكَ.

"O Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ), by Allaah, you are more beloved to me than myself, my family, and even more beloved to me than my own children. When I am at home, I remember you, and I cannot have patience until I come to you and look at you. But when I remember my death and your death, I know that when you enter Paradise, you will be raised with the Prophets. And when I enter Paradise, I am afraid that I may not see you." – [Al Mu'jam al-Awsat, At-Tabarani, Hadith No. 480]

What profound love the companion had for the Prophet (ﷺ)! When he remembered the Prophet (ﷺ), he couldn't find peace until he saw him. He even had concerns about whether he would be able to see the Prophet (ﷺ) in Paradise after their deaths.

(3)

At the beginning of the Battle of Uhud, things were going well for the Muslims, and they were on the path to victory. However, a moment of distraction and disorganization led to a sudden change in the situation. It was during this critical moment that the disbelievers saw an opportunity to attack the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). In this terrible situation, some of the companions displayed immense courage and selflessness to protect the Prophet (ﷺ) by forming a human shield, much like a strong fortress, to defend him. In the process, some of these brave companions suffered injuries or even lost their lives.

One of these valiant companions was Abu Talha (RA), an expert archer. As the disbelievers targeted the Prophet with arrows, Abu Talha (RA) courageously stood in front of the Prophet (ﷺ), using his own body as a shield. When Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) wanted to see the condition of the disbelievers, he said:

يَا نَبِيَّ اللهِ، بِأَبِي أَنْتَ وَأُمِّي، لاَ تُشْرِفْ يُصِيبُكَ سَهْمٌ مِنْ سِهَامِ القَوْمِ، نَحْرِي دُونَ نَحْرِكَ.

"O Messenger of Allaah, may my father and mother be sacrificed for you! Do not expose yourself lest an arrow should strike you. I offer my chest (as a shield) to you." – [Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 3811]

This is truly an expression of love. The Sahabi was willing to get hurt or even get killed, but he wanted to keep the beloved Prophet (ﷺ) safe. While the Prophet (ﷺ) was being targeted with arrows, the Sahabi stood in front of him, even got wounded. Yet, he didn't let any harm come to the dear Prophet (ﷺ).

(4)

Rasoolullaah (ﷺ) sent Abu 'Amr (RA) to the Battle of Awtas. In the battle, an arrow wounded his leg, and later he attained martyrdom.

Before his death, he said to his nephew Abu Musa Ash'ari (RA):

يَا ابْنَ أَخِي! انْطَلِقْ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ، فَأَقْرِئْهُ مِنِّي السَّلَامَ، وَقُلْ لَهُ: يَقُولُ لَكَ أَبُو عَامِرٍ: اسْتَغْفِرْ لِي.

"O nephew, go to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), convey my greetings, and tell him, Abu 'Amr is requesting you to ask for forgiveness for him." After saying this, he passed away. – [Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2498]

How profoundly the companion loved the Prophet (ﷺ)! Even in the battlefield, with an arrow piercing through him, he remembered the Prophet (ﷺ) and sent people to ask for his prayers.

(5)

In the Battle of Uhud, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), sent a companion to find Sa'd ibn Rabi (RA) and instructed him to greet Sa'd (RA) on his behalf and ask how he was doing.

Among the companions who had been martyred, he found Sa'd ibn Rabi (RA) in such a condition that only his last breath remained, and his body was severely wounded.

He said, “Tell the Prophet (ﷺ) that I have found the fragrance of Paradise. And tell my community (who are still alive),

لَا عُذْرَ لَكُمْ عِنْدَ اللهِ أَنْ يَخْلُصَ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَفِيكُمْ شُفْرٌ يَطْرِفُ.

If something were to happen to the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ), while any of you is still alive, then you will have no excuse to escape your obligation in the sight of Allah."

After saying this, he passed away. – [Mustadrak al-Hakim, 3/201]

How deep was the love for the Prophet! Even in the battlefield, when severely injured and standing at the doors of death, he expressed his concern for the safety of Prophet (ﷺ).

(6)

Amirul Mu'mineen Umar, (RA), allotted stipend to the respected companions during his caliphate. He provided three thousand five hundred dirhams for Usama ibn Zaid (RA) and three thousand dirhams for his own son, Abdullah. At that time, Abdullah asked, 'Why did you give him more than me when he was not as advanced as me in the battle?' Umar (RA) responded,

لأَنَّ زَيْدًا كَانَ أَحَبَّ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ مِنْ أَبِيكَ، وَكَانَ أُسَامَةُ أَحَبَّ إِلَى رَسُولِ اللهِ مِنْكَ، فَآثَرْتُ حُبَّ رَسُولِ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَلَى حُبِّي.

“His father was more beloved to the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ), than your father, and Usama was more beloved to the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) than you. So I gave priority to the love of the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) over my own love.” – [Jami' at-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 3813, Original incident is mentioned in Sahih Ibn Hibban - 7043]

This reflects Umar's profound love for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Here, the context is that, Umar (RA) had a greater affection for one person, while the Prophet (ﷺ) had a greater affection for another. So, who should have priority? The very humble Amirul Mu'minin Umar (RA) believed that Prophet (ﷺ) loved Zaid (RA) and Usama (RA) more than he loved Umar (RA) and his son, Abdullah. As a result, Umar (RA) gave an additional five hundred dirhams to Usama (RA), prioritizing Prophet’s (ﷺ) love for him.

(7)

Before his death, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) sent Mu'adh ibn Jabal (RA) to the region of Yemen and, during his farewell, Prophet (ﷺ) walked along a little ahead. At that time, Mu'adh (RA) was mounted on horseback, while the Prophet (ﷺ) was walking on foot. As they walked, the Prophet (ﷺ) gave some advice to his beloved companion. Finally, he said,

يَا مُعَاذُ! إِنَّكَ عَسَى أَنْ لَا تَلْقَانِي بَعْدَ عَامِي هَذَا، وَلَعَلَّكَ أنَ تَمُرَّ بِمَسْجِدِي هَذَا، وَقَبْرِي.

“O Mu'adh, you may not meet me again after this year, and perhaps you will pass by my mosque and my grave.” Upon hearing this, Mu'adh (RA) began to cry. – [Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 22052]

This shows the depth of true love. The pain of separation in a loving relationship is indeed sorrowful.

(8)

Narrated by Muhammad Ibn Jayed (RA), he said:

مَا سَمِعْتُ ابْنَ عُمَرَ ذَاكِرًا رَسُولَ اللهِ صَلَّى الله عَلَيه وسَلَّم إِلاَّ ابْتَدَرَتْ عَيْنَاهُ تَبْكِيَانِ.

"I have never heard Abdullah Ibn Umar (RA) mentioning the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) without his eyes overflowing with tears." – [Tabaqat ibn Sa'ad 4/403]

From this, it is clear that the Sahaba (RA) had a profound and deep love for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). As a result, even after his passing, when they remembered him, their eyes welled up with tears.

Translation: Fayez Ahmad