In Bukhari, under the chapter “To love the Messenger, Muhammad
is a part of faith” Ml Hussain Ahmed Madani رحمة الله عليه commented there are four causes of love in this world:
(1) Beauty:
People are naturally attracted to beauty. For example, the moth is captivated by the beauty of the flame and the nightingale is enamored with the beauty of the rose.
Prophet
possessed both outward and inward beauty.
Kab bin Malik (rad) said, “Whenever the Prophet
was happy, his face used to glitter, as if it was a piece of the moon.”
(Bukhari 3556)
(2) Perfection:
People also become beloved because of their virtues and noble traits.
Khadija attested to the Prophet
’s character. She (rad) said, “By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you, for by Allah, you keep good relations with your Kith and kin, speak the truth, help the poor and the needy, entertain your guests generously and assist those who are stricken with calamities”.
(Bukhari 4953)
(3) Kindness:
It’s well known that when it comes to kindness, a human being is a servant of kindness.
The kindness of the Prophet
upon humanity is guidance that will protect an individual from the fire of hell. Compared to these blessings, the favors of any other person are insignificant.
(4) Closeness:
Prophet
said, “I am like a father to you.”
(Dawud 8)
The Prophet
is connected to us through spiritual parenthood, whereas our parents are connected to us through physical parenthood. And this is when the spiritual realm is higher than the physical realm.
Allah says:
“The Prophet is closer to the believers than their own selves…”
(33:6)
In worldly relationships, even if only one of the four causes of love is present, love develops. Therefore, where all four causes: beauty, perfection, kindness and closeness are found together, love should exist at the highest possible degree.
