Loving the Messenger, ﷺ, is more than a mere statement—it is a comprehensive way of life that finds its roots in following his example, cherishing his memory, and aligning one’s actions with the Qur'anic guidance.
In this post, we explore six clear signs that indicate a person truly loves the Prophet Muhammad, ﷺ. Each sign is rooted in Islamic teachings and illustrated through Qur'anic verses, hadiths, and the words of esteemed companions.
1. Following the Sunnah and Holding to His Guidance
A person who loves the Prophet, ﷺ, demonstrates this love by following his Sunnah and remaining committed to his guidance. This love manifests in daily actions and choices that mirror the Prophet’s example.
Allah reminds the believers in the Qur'an:
قُلْ إِن كُنْتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِ يُحْبُبُكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ
“Say, if you love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins.” (Qur’an 3:31)
This verse places clear emphasis on the connection between love for Allah and the Messenger. It teaches that loving Allah requires obedience to His Messenger. The commitment to following the Sunnah is not a casual engagement; it is an essential marker of one’s love for the Prophet ﷺ.
2. Excessive Remembrance and the Desire to See Him ﷺ
Another sign of genuine love for the Prophet, ﷺ, is the frequent mention of his name and a heartfelt yearning to see him. This love goes beyond mere verbal expression—it reaches a level where an individual is ready to sacrifice material and worldly attachments just for the opportunity to behold his presence.
Imam Muslim recorded a hadith in his Sahih where the Prophet ﷺ said:
مِنْ أَشَدِّ أُمَّتِي لِي حُبًّا، نَاسٌ يَكُونُونَ بَعْدِي، يَوَدُّ أَحَدُهُمْ لَوْ رَآنِي بِأَهْلِهِ وَمَالِهِ
“The people who love me the most will be those who, after my departure, will wish to sacrifice their wealth and their family just for the opportunity to see me.” (Sahīh Muslim: 2832)
This statement shows that the depth of love for the Prophet, ﷺ, is measured not by idle words, but by a willingness to forego worldly gains. The constant remembrance and longing to see him serve as evidence of this sincere love.
3. Learning and Implementing the Qur'an
A third indicator of loving the Messenger, ﷺ, is a commitment to learning the Qur'an, implementing its teachings, and adopting its etiquettes. The act of studying the Qur'an is intertwined with the love of Allah and His Messenger. As stated by the noble companion, Abdullah ibn Mas'ud, a person should not ask themselves if they love the Prophet, ﷺ, but instead, look at their actions. He expressed the idea as follows:
فَإِن كَانَ يُحِبُّ الْقُرْآنَ فَيُحِبُّ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ فَهُوَ يُحِبُّ اللَّهُ وَرَسُولُهُ"
If he loves the Quran, then he loves Allah and His Messenger." (Al-Muʿjam al-Kabīr: 8657)
This means if a person loves the Qur'an and adheres to its teachings, it naturally follows that they love Allah and His Messenger. The process of learning and implementation involves not only understanding the words of the Qur'an but also integrating its manners and etiquettes into one’s daily life. This dedication is a clear sign of one’s love for the Prophet, ﷺ, as it reflects adherence to the comprehensive guidance that he brought.
4. Loving Those Whom the Prophet Loves and Rejecting What He Dislikes
A distinct marker of loving the Messenger, ﷺ, lies in the company one keeps and the hearts one harbors. The Prophet ﷺ taught that true faith is reflected in one’s affection for the righteous. He stated in a hadith recorded in Sahih Muslim:
آية الإيمان: حُبُّ الأنصارآية النفاق: بغض الأنصار
“An indication of true faith is to love the Ansar, and a sign of hypocrisy is to hate them.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari: 17)
This teaching encourages believers to align their affections with those whom the Prophet, ﷺ, loved and to distance themselves from those he disliked. It is a practical demonstration of love for the Prophet, ﷺ, because it shows an alignment of one’s inner sentiments with his teachings and preferences. The connection with the companions of the Prophet is a living testament to one’s commitment to his path.
5. Avoiding Exaggeration in Elevating the Prophet
A further sign of love for the Messenger, ﷺ, is maintaining a balanced view of his status. The Prophet, ﷺ, emphasized that his station should neither be diminished nor exaggerated. He stated:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ لَا تَرْفَعُونِي فَوْقَ قَدْرِي
“O People, do not take me beyond my station.” (Mustadrak al-Hakim: 4825)
He further clarified his position by reminding the believers:
إِنَّمَا أَنَا عَبْده
“I am only His slave.”
فَقُولُوا عَبْدُ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولُهُ
“So say: ‘the slave of Allah and His Messenger.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari: 3445)
These reminders serve to anchor the love for the Prophet, ﷺ, in proper understanding. Elevating him beyond the station he set for himself—by attributing divine qualities or overlooking his humility—does not reflect true love. Similarly, belittling his status also does not demonstrate proper reverence. The balanced approach, free from exaggeration or devaluation, is the proper expression of love for him.
6. Staying Away from Innovations and Whims
The sixth sign of loving the Messenger, ﷺ, involves a commitment to avoiding innovations (بدع) and the pursuit of personal whims that stray from his established teachings. The emphasis is on following what has been prescribed rather than introducing new practices that may distort the message.
As ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd advised on this matter:
اتَّبِعُوا وَلَا تَبْتَجَعُوا فَقَدْ كُفِيتُمْ
“Follow and do not innovate; you have been sufficiently guided.” (Al-Muʿjam al-Kabīr: 8770)
This teaching is reinforced by the words of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, who declared:
إِنَّمَا أَنَا مُتَّبِعْ
“I am merely a follower.”
وَلَسْتُ بِمُبْتَدِعٍ
“I am not an innovator.”
فَإِنِ اسْتَقَمْتُ فَتَابِعُونِ... وَإِنْ زِغْتُ فَقَوِّمُونِ
“If I remain steadfast, then follow me. And if I deviate, then correct me.” (Tārīkh Dimashq: 30/301)
This approach calls for humility and a willingness to adhere to the guidance without adding to or subtracting from the authentic practices. The avoidance of innovations ensures that the love for the Prophet, ﷺ, is expressed through an unadulterated adherence to his way of life.
Bringing It All Together
The six indicators discussed here collectively outline what it means to truly love the Prophet, ﷺ:
- Following the Sunnah and Holding to His Guidance: A clear sign of love is adherence to the Prophet’s example, which in turn is the manifestation of loving Allah.
- Excessive Remembrance and the Desire to See Him: This involves a heartfelt and active remembrance of the Prophet, coupled with a willingness to sacrifice worldly attachments just to see him.
- Learning and Implementing the Qur'an: Love for the Messenger is inseparable from the love of the Qur'an, as shown by consistent effort in studying, implementing, and living according to its teachings.
- Loving Those Whom the Prophet Loves and Rejecting What He Dislikes: Aligning one’s affections with the Prophet’s choices in companions reinforces a deep connection to his teachings and priorities.
- Avoiding Exaggeration in Elevating the Prophet ﷺ: Maintaining a balanced view of his status—recognizing him as a servant of Allah while respecting his role as the Messenger—is crucial.
- Staying Away from Innovations and Whims: A commitment to following the established practices and avoiding personal innovations or desires is another sign of sincere love.
Together, these six signs not only serve as a checklist for self-assessment but also provide a pathway for those who wish to deepen their love and connection with the Prophet, ﷺ. They remind believers that true love for him is reflected in actions, choices, and the consistent alignment of one’s life with the guidance brought by Allah through His Messenger.
It is important to note that every detail mentioned here is a direct indication of love for the Prophet, ﷺ, and serves as evidence of the commitment one has towards his teachings. This comprehensive approach ensures that nothing of value is left out—from following his Sunnah to avoiding innovations, each sign contributes to a balanced, sincere, and informed expression of love.
In conclusion, if you recognize these signs within yourself—if you find that you consistently follow the Prophet’s guidance, remember him often, strive to implement the Qur'an in your life, align your affections with his preferences, maintain a balanced view of his station, and avoid innovations—then you have a strong foundation for the claim that you love the Messenger, ﷺ.
Do you feel you’re missing these vital signs of love for the Prophet ﷺ? Perhaps you’re not following his Sunnah as closely as you’d like. The good news is, you can cultivate these traits! At AMAU Academy, our comprehensive course guides you step-by-step on how to develop and nurture a deeper connection with the Prophet ﷺ.
If you’re eager to explore his life further, check out the enlightening FREE Seerah series taught by Ustadh Abdulrahman Hassan. Start your journey today!