Beloved Prophet, kindly accept my apology Your love is but a belief and theology. It has always revived my soul But expression is beyond my control.
In an authentic hadith narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) instructed his companions saying,"None of you can have (real) faith until I become dearer to them than their own fathers and children and all humans. " In another version, he added "and even more than you would love your own selves". The Qur’an further warns us to dedicate our hearts to nothing more than Allah, His Prophet and striving in His cause,
(Say, "If your fathers and your sons and your brethren and your mates and your kinsfolk and the property you have acquired and the trade in which you fear a decline and the dwellings you like are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and than striving in His way, then wait till Allah brings about His command," and Allah does not guide the transgressing people.) (At-Tawbah 9:24)
Ways of Expressing Love
Throughout history Muslims have expressed their love for Prophet Muhammad, in various ways. Poets have always competed to praise Prophet Muhammad and voice their love for him in lyrical, chiming words. Singers have used their sonorous voices to sing eulogies and love for the Prophet. Great authors and writers compiled books highlighting his noble character, personality traits and marvelous achievements. Sheikhs and Imams have prepared powerful speeches about the Prophet, underscoring his fabulous contributions to humanity. Among all these people there were those who exceeded the limits in extolling the Prophet, while others tried to remain within the acceptable boundaries of permissible eulogy.
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(You have indeed in the Messenger of Allah a good example for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day, and who engages much in the praise of Allah.) (Al-Ahzab33:21)
Such type of love is so dynamic, so lively and inspirational. It actually proves your dedication and devotion, your sincerity and genuineness, your seriousness and enthusiasm, your affection and attachment to the Prophet and his mission. Conversely, a person who claims to love the Prophet while in reality he/she is too far from his Sunnah, does nothing but pay a lip service, for real love is tested by actions.
Therefore, a Muslim should spare no effort to learn about the Prophet, his lifestyle, his manners, teachings and directives in all walks of life. Such knowledge is called the seerah (biography). Etymologically, the word seerah comes from the root verb sara, which means to travel or go on a journey. A person's seerah is his/her journey through life; his birth, his life and his death, and his manners and characteristics, his accomplishments and contributions. So a true follower of the Prophet is expected to seek knowledge through the Prophet’s seerah; his early life, his mission and patience, his struggle and mission, his leadership and diplomacy, his spirituality and mentorship, his seriousness and sense of humor, his parenthood, his friendship, his education – simply his comprehensive way of life.
| We need to revive our love and veneration for Prophet Muhammad by studying and reflecting on his exemplary way of life, teaching his seerah to our children and youth. |
