I love my Prophet (PBUH). All Muslims love Prophet Muhammad. Inherently and divinely, love reaches its zenith between parents and offspring. I, and all my Muslim brethren, love our Prophet beyond and more than our parents. This feeling of loving the Prophet beyond the love for parents is instilled in us by our parents themselves—SubhanAllah.
My parents, and indeed all parents, inculcate this emotion of love for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the narration of various incidents and anecdotes from his life. Our Prophet was born an orphan—within this itself lies a great message from Allah Subhanahu Ta‘ala: that even one who is an orphan can, with divine pleasure and blessing, be placed on the highest pedestal of reverence.
After his birth, he (PBUH) was deeply attached to his mother (Bibi Amina) and his grandfather (Hazrat Abdul Muttalib). Both loved him (PBUH) dearly. Just before he turned seven, he lost both to the cold hands of death. Again, within this is a powerful message: those whom Allah SWT loves the most are never left without love. Immediately thereafter, his beloved uncle, Hazrat Abu Talib (may Allah SWT be pleased with him), stepped in as his protector. The Prophet was raised under his care. Upon Hazrat Abu Talib’s death, he was then surrounded by the love of his family, particularly the love, care, respect and affection of his younger cousin, Hazrat Ali (RA).
Once he announced Islam and his prophethood, the number of people who loved him grew exponentially. Alhamdulillah, today at least one and a half billion people love Prophet Muhammad fervently—and this number continues to grow. Alhamdulillah. The love for the Prophet has never waned, nor shall it ever. For it is stated as an ordinance, in clear terms, in the Holy Book (the Qur’an). In a pivotal verse, Allah commands the Prophet to declare:
“Say, ‘If you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.’” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:31)
Hence, it stands testified that true love for Allah is proven by following the guiding life of the Prophet. Once this is achieved, we are assured of Allah’s infinite mercy and forgiveness.
Thus, anyone who shows obedience to our Prophet shows obedience to Allah Subhanahu Ta‘ala. The Holy Qur’an states: “Whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah. But whoever turns away—We have not sent you as a keeper over them.” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:80)
Many remark, not with ill intention but with noble conviction, that the Prophet was just like any one of us. This remark must be contextualized very carefully. It should only be understood to mean that he (PBUH) was human in form. Otherwise, his stately presence was beyond human comprehension.
Our Prophet Muhammad is the only one upon whom Allah and His angels send salutations: “Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who believe, send blessings upon him and ask for peace for him.” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:56)
No other human or creation of Allah has been bestowed with this honor. Our Prophet is the sole exception. Why would anyone not love Prophet Muhammad when Allah declares:
“Indeed, Allah conferred a great favour upon the believers when He sent among them a Messenger from themselves, reciting to them His revelations, purifying them and teaching them the Book and wisdom, although they had been before in clear error.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran, 3:164) He (PBUH) is a benefit to the entire universe and all creation: “And We have not sent you, O Muhammad, except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:107)
Here lies recognition that both the Messenger and the message are universal. His mission transcends all divides. He carries a dual responsibility: conveying mercy and serving as a warner. Love, as an emotion, demands expression. Mere verbal affirmation is inadequate and insufficient. Love demands commitment—to whom and to what? True love carries zeal, enthusiasm and passion. It must translate into trust, respect, support and the establishment of an irreversible bond of emotions and sentiments—manifested through acts of devotion and service. This pledge must be seen in action.
Our love for the Prophet (PBUH) must strictly follow the exhortation of this holy verse: “O you who believe, respond to Allah and His Messenger when he calls you to that which gives you life. And know that Allah intervenes between a person and his heart, and that to Him you will be gathered.” (Surah Al-Anfal, 8:24) We cannot claim to love someone if we fail the basic test of allegiance. In adhering to the teachings of Allah conveyed through His Messenger, we are guided by:
“He will amend your deeds and forgive your sins. And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has achieved a great success.” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:71) We must bow before this mercy of Allah, as He Himself proclaims the many benefits granted to those who love and follow the Prophet. I, like all my Muslim brothers and sisters (the Ummah), love our Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). May Allah accept our salutations—peace be upon him—immeasurable and countless.
—The author is a senior banker and a regular contributor
