16.1.3 Their Love for the Prophet ﷺ

Love as the Mark of True Companionship

The Companions of the Prophet ﷺ were not simply his followers or students. They were men and women whose hearts were filled with a love that shaped their entire lives. Their sacrifices, their worship, their obedience, and even their smiles were colored by a deep affection and reverence for the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. To understand their love is to understand why they preserved his message with such care and why Islam spread with such sincerity.

Their love was not a poetic idea. It was a real force that made some of them leave their homes, families, wealth, and even risk their lives, just to be near him, to protect him, and to follow him. The Quran itself describes the believers as a people whose love for Allah is intense, and included in that love is love for His Messenger.

Allah says:

النَّبِيُّ أَوْلَىٰ بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ مِنْ أَنْفُسِهِمْ
“The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves.”
(Surah al Ahzab 33:6)

This verse shows that he ﷺ was not just an external leader. He was dearer and more deserving of them than their very souls, and the Companions lived this truth with complete sincerity.

Love as a Condition of Faith

Love of the Prophet ﷺ is directly connected to faith. The Prophet ﷺ made this principle very clear through explicit statements. Without this love, faith is incomplete.

He ﷺ said:

لَا يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى أَكُونَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ وَالِدِهِ، وَوَلَدِهِ، وَالنَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ
“None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his father, his child, and all the people.”
(Sahih al Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

The Companions heard such words directly from him. They did not treat them as slogans. They measured their hearts against them and then acted to fulfill them. Their love was not an emotion without obedience. It was a love that pushed them to sacrifice and to put his pleasure above their own desires.

The Quran praises the Companions who left Makkah for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, and those in Madinah who received them. Allah says about the Ansar:

وَالَّذِينَ تَبَوَّءُوا الدَّارَ وَالْإِيمَانَ مِنْ قَبْلِهِمْ يُحِبُّونَ مَنْ هَاجَرَ إِلَيْهِمْ
“And those who, before them, had homes and had adopted the faith, love those who have emigrated to them.”
(Surah al Hashr 59:9)

Their love for the Muhajirun came from their love for the message and its bearer, the Prophet ﷺ. This was love that united hearts and communities.

Love Shown in Obedience and Immediate Response

One of the clearest signs of the Companions’ love was the way they rushed to obey any command from the Prophet ﷺ. For them, his instruction was more important than their own opinions, habits, and comforts.

When Allah revealed:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَرْفَعُوا أَصْوَاتَكُمْ فَوْقَ صَوْتِ النَّبِيِّ
“O you who have believed, do not raise your voices above the voice of the Prophet.”
(Surah al Hujurat 49:2)

Some Companions were so affected that they lowered their voices permanently in his presence. It is narrated that Thabit ibn Qays رضي الله عنه became extremely worried that he had once spoken loudly and feared that his good deeds might be lost. Their love made them sensitive about even small matters concerning his respect.

Anas ibn Malik رضي الله عنه, who served the Prophet ﷺ, said:

مَا قَالَ لِي أُفٍّ قَطُّ وَلَا قَالَ لِشَيْءٍ فَعَلْتُهُ لِمَ فَعَلْتَهُ، وَلَا لِشَيْءٍ لَمْ أَفْعَلْهُ أَلَا فَعَلْتَ كَذَا
“He never once said ‘Uff’ to me, nor did he ever say about something I had done, ‘Why did you do that?’ nor about something I had not done, ‘Why did you not do that?’”
(Sahih Muslim)

Anas’ memory is filled with admiration and affection. Serving the Prophet ﷺ was for him an honor and a direct expression of love. Their obedience was gentle, willing, and full of respect because it came from hearts that adored their Messenger ﷺ.

Willingness to Sacrifice Their Lives

Perhaps nothing displays the Companions’ love more vividly than their readiness to stand between him and danger. In battles, their bodies became his shield. Their utmost wish was that no harm should reach him, even if that meant their own death.

At the Battle of Uhud, when the Muslims were in great confusion and many were retreating, a few Companions remained around the Prophet ﷺ, protecting him with their bodies. One of them was Talhah ibn Ubaydillah رضي الله عنه. He placed himself between the Prophet ﷺ and the arrows. Talhah’s hand was struck and became paralyzed, and he suffered many wounds. The Prophet ﷺ said about him, as narrated in some reports, words that show his status in that moment of sacrifice.

Another Companion, Abu Talhah al Ansari رضي الله عنه, stood in front of the Prophet ﷺ during Uhud, using his own body as a barrier. He said, as reported:

يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ لَا تُشْرِفْ، لَا يُصِبْكَ سَهْمٌ، نَحْرِي دُونَ نَحْرِكَ
“O Messenger of Allah, do not expose yourself, so that an arrow does not strike you. My neck is before your neck.”

These words sum up the nature of their love. Their own safety meant nothing compared to the safety of Allah’s Messenger ﷺ. For them, to be a human shield for him was an honor.

During the Battle of Badr and other campaigns, the Companions would compete to be close to him in times of danger. Their love did not disappear when swords were drawn. In fact, it appeared most clearly when their lives were at risk. This is the kind of love that made them victorious and made their faith true.

Love Expressed Through Deep Respect and Reverence

Their love was not only visible in battle. It was also visible in everyday manners. They did not treat the Prophet ﷺ like an ordinary man in their behavior and speech, even though they knew he was human. In their hearts he was the chosen Messenger of Allah, and that shaped every interaction.

The Quran describes how they sat and listened in his gatherings:

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَغُضُّونَ أَصْوَاتَهُمْ عِنْدَ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُولَٰئِكَ الَّذِينَ امْتَحَنَ اللَّهُ قُلُوبَهُمْ لِلتَّقْوَى
“Indeed, those who lower their voices in the presence of the Messenger of Allah, they are the ones whose hearts Allah has tested for piety.”
(Surah al Hujurat 49:3)

Their lowered voices were a sign of hearts full of awe and love. They did not push themselves forward. They did not argue with him. They listened with full attention, careful not to disturb his dignity.

It is narrated that when the Prophet ﷺ spoke, the Companions would sit so still that it was as if birds could land on their heads. This description shows how focused and respectful they were. Even their bodies reflected love, because love made them careful about his comfort.

Part of their reverence was their attitude toward his blessed body. They would not allow even his blessed saliva, water of his ablution, or hair to go to waste. After the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the Prophet ﷺ made ablution in front of Quraysh’s representative. When he spat or washed, the Companions rushed to catch the water and wipe it on their faces and bodies, seeking blessing. This was seen by the Quraysh envoy, who later said to his people that he had never seen a king whose followers honored him the way the Companions honored Muhammad ﷺ.

Love in Everyday Relations and Service

For many Companions, love was expressed in simple, daily acts of service. Some carried his sandals, others prepared water for his ablution, and others watched his door at night. They valued any small task connected to him as something precious.

Anas ibn Malik رضي الله عنه served the Prophet ﷺ for ten years. He joined him as a boy and grew into a young man in his company. He recalls:

خَدَمْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَشْرَ سِنِينَ
“I served the Messenger of Allah ﷺ for ten years.”
(Sahih Muslim)

This service was not forced. It was a source of pride and love for Anas. Being near him, learning from him, and helping him in little things was more valuable than any worldly gain.

Another Companion, Rabiah ibn Ka‘b al Aslami رضي الله عنه, used to bring water for the Prophet’s ablution and perform small services for him. The Prophet ﷺ once said to him: “Ask me (for something).” Rabiah replied that what he wanted was the Prophet’s companionship in Paradise. This wish shows clearly where his heart was. Serving him in this life made him long to be with him in the next life too.

Their love also appeared at the personal level. The Prophet ﷺ would visit people, speak to them kindly, smile at them, and remember their needs. In response, they loved him more than they loved themselves. Every kindness from him increased their attachment to him.

Longing to Be With Him in This Life and the Next

Love is not only about protection and respect. It is also about longing. The Companions did not feel at ease when they were away from the Prophet ﷺ. They found true peace in his presence.

One Companion came to him and expressed a real fear. He said that when he was with the Prophet ﷺ he felt strong faith, but when he would think about the Hereafter, he became worried. He said that in Paradise the Prophet ﷺ would be in a very high position, and he feared that even if he were allowed to enter Paradise, he would not be able to see him. The Prophet ﷺ comforted him and informed him, through similar narrations, that a person will be with those whom he loves.

This meaning appears in the famous hadith. A man asked the Prophet ﷺ about the Hour. He responded by asking what he had prepared for it. The man said that he did not have much of voluntary prayers or fasting, but he loved Allah and His Messenger. The Prophet ﷺ said:

أَنْتَ مَعَ مَنْ أَحْبَبْتَ
“You will be with those whom you love.”
(Sahih al Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Anas ibn Malik رضي الله عنه commented:

فَمَا فَرِحْنَا بِشَيْءٍ فَرَحَنَا بِقَوْلِ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: أَنْتَ مَعَ مَنْ أَحْبَبْتَ
“We were never as happy about anything as we were about the statement of the Prophet ﷺ: ‘You will be with those whom you love.’”
(Sahih al Bukhari)

Anas then said that he loved the Prophet ﷺ, Abu Bakr, and Umar, and he hoped to be with them because of his love, even if his deeds were not like theirs. This is a clear and direct testimony of his deep attachment. His greatest joy was the hope of joining the Prophet ﷺ eternally.

Love Proven by Migration and Endurance

The Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah was in many ways an act of love. Those who migrated left their city, their homes, and their closest family ties, but they did so in obedience to Allah and His Messenger. To live under the Prophet’s leadership and near him mattered more than remaining in familiar surroundings.

Some Companions were stopped by their families and forced to stay behind. Others were stripped of their wealth and property. Yet they still chose migration when they could, simply because being with the Prophet ﷺ was worth any price.

The story of Suhayb ar Rumi رضي الله عنه is an example. When he tried to leave Makkah, the Quraysh stopped him and demanded his wealth if he wanted to go. Suhayb accepted, leaving behind his entire fortune just to join the Prophet ﷺ in Madinah. When he reached Madinah, the Prophet ﷺ greeted him with joy and said that he had made a profitable trade. This sacrifice, giving up everything to be with the Prophet ﷺ, is a clear sign of love stronger than money and comfort.

The Ansar also showed their love by welcoming the Prophet ﷺ into their city and hearts. They did not see him as a burden. They saw him as the greatest blessing. They offered him their homes and their wealth. Some even offered to divide their property equally with the Muhajirun, who had left Makkah for his sake. This level of generosity was only possible because of their affection and faith.

Love That Continues After His Passing

The love of the Companions did not end with the passing of the Prophet ﷺ. In some ways, it became even more visible after his death, when they had to live without seeing him while still holding tightly to his teachings.

When the Prophet ﷺ passed away, Umar ibn al Khattab رضي الله عنه at first refused to believe that he had died, so intense was his attachment. He said that whoever claimed that Muhammad ﷺ had died, he would punish him. Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه then entered, uncovered the Prophet’s face, kissed his forehead, and said words that show the highest respect and love:

طِبْتَ حَيًّا وَمَيِّتًا يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ
“You were good in life and in death, O Messenger of Allah.”

Then he addressed the people and recited:

وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ إِلَّا رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِنْ قَبْلِهِ الرُّسُلُ
“Muhammad is but a messenger. Messengers have passed on before him.”
(Surah Al Imran 3:144)

Their immediate reaction to his death was pain and shock, which shows their intense attachment. But their love did not drive them to disobedience or rejection of reality. True love made them accept Allah’s decree and continue his mission.

Later, their careful preservation of his words and actions was also an expression of love. They memorized his hadith, recorded his practices, and tried to imitate him in worship and daily life. When a question arose, they would ask: “What did the Messenger of Allah ﷺ do in such a situation?” They loved his sunnah as they loved him.

Some Companions, like Abdullah ibn Umar رضي الله عنهما, would avoid walking on the exact spots where the Prophet ﷺ had walked or would pray in the places where he had prayed, remembering him with deep affection. This shows how even places associated with him had a special place in their hearts.

Balance Between Love, Obedience, and Avoiding Exaggeration

The Companions loved the Prophet ﷺ intensely, but their love was guided by his own instructions. He ﷺ protected them from exaggeration that could lead to wrong beliefs. He said:

لَا تُطْرُونِي كَمَا أَطْرَتِ النَّصَارَى ابْنَ مَرْيَمَ، فَإِنَّمَا أَنَا عَبْدُهُ، فَقُولُوا: عَبْدُ اللَّهِ وَرَسُولُهُ
“Do not exaggerate in praising me as the Christians exaggerated in praising the son of Mary. I am only His servant, so say: the servant of Allah and His Messenger.”
(Sahih al Bukhari)

Their love therefore was pure and balanced. They did not worship him. They worshipped Allah, according to the guidance of His Messenger. This balance is what makes their love a model for later generations. It was at once full of emotion and full of obedience, full of admiration and full of correct belief.

They did not let love become a reason to change his religion or invent new acts. Instead, love made them more careful to follow his exact teachings. The more they loved him, the more they tried to copy him in truthfulness, mercy, humility, and worship.

The Prophet’s Love for His Companions and Community

Another dimension of their love is that it was answered by the Prophet’s love for them. This mutual love strengthened the bond and multiplied their devotion. He ﷺ cared for them deeply, was patient with their mistakes, and made dua for them.

Allah describes his character:

لَقَدْ جَاءَكُمْ رَسُولٌ مِنْ أَنْفُسِكُمْ عَزِيزٌ عَلَيْهِ مَا عَنِتُّمْ، حَرِيصٌ عَلَيْكُمْ، بِالْمُؤْمِنِينَ رَءُوفٌ رَحِيمٌ
“There has certainly come to you a Messenger from among yourselves. Grievous to him is what you suffer. [He is] concerned over you and to the believers is kind and merciful.”
(Surah at Tawbah 9:128)

When they saw his concern and mercy, their love increased. He ﷺ also expressed affection for those who would come after, who had not even seen him. In one narration he said:

وَدِدْتُ أَنَّا قَدْ رَأَيْنَا إِخْوَانَنَا
“I wish that we could see our brothers.”
The Companions said: “Are we not your brothers?” He said:
“You are my Companions. Our brothers are those who have not yet come.”

This statement not only shows his affection for later believers, but also highlights the special level of the Companions as “Sahaba”. Their love was fueled by the knowledge that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ cared for them in this world and would intercede for the believers in the next.

Lessons from Their Love

The love of the Companions for the Prophet ﷺ is not just a historical fact. It is a standard by which Muslims measure their own attachment to him in every age. Their behavior teaches that true love is proven in several ways: preferring his guidance to personal desire, being ready to sacrifice worldly interests for his sunnah, showing deep respect and good manners when his name, words, or traditions are mentioned, and longing to be with him in Paradise through following him in this life.

Their stories show that love is not only a feeling in the heart. It has visible fruits. It changes loyalty, behavior, speech, and even the way a person faces hardship. The Companions’ love made them calm in the face of loss, brave in the face of enemies, and steadfast when tested.

In every difficulty they asked themselves: what would please Allah and His Messenger? Because, for them, success meant being near him on the Day of Judgment and seeing his pleased face. Their love gave rise to a living example of faith, one that preserved the message of Islam and delivered it to the world.

For anyone who studies Seerah, understanding the Companions’ love for the Prophet ﷺ is essential. It explains the energy behind the spread of Islam and the sincerity with which his teachings were carried. Their lives show that when a human heart truly loves the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, it becomes capable of remarkable devotion, sacrifice, and goodness, by the permission of Allah.