This Is What I Call Love (Part 2)

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Before you continue, I'd suggest you read Part 1 if you haven't already for it sets the tone to what you are about to read now.

Love like that of how our Prophet (SAWS) expressed, does not fade with time nor does it rest in the pages of history. It keeps its echo, it's impact in the lives and hearts of those who loved him dearly, his blessed companions and even people outside Arabia.

His companions, who loved him more than they loved their own selves.

They were the ones who were ready to give up their own life for the sake of Allah and His messenger.

Such was the power of love they received from our Prophet (SAWS), one that touched their hearts, transformed them, strengthened their bond in brotherhood to later on carry the Sunnah of our beloved after he (SAWS) left this world.

And so, Part 2 begins with the same unwavering devotion, reflected through the lives of the ones who walked beside him, prayed behind him, protected him, and lived every breath hoping to please Allah (SWT).

And that Love is...

...when Abu Bakr (RA) stood at the mouth of the cave, trembling not for himself, but for the life of Messenger (SAWS), whispering, "If they look down, they will see us" and the Prophet (SAWS) calmed him saying, "Do not fear, Allah is with us."

Love is when Ali (RA) slept in the Prophet's (SAWS) bed the night of the Hijrah, knowing the murderers were ready, waiting outside to kill, yet he lay there calmly trusting in Allah, because protecting the Messenger was more comforting than saving his own life.

Love is when, after the miracle of Isra' and Mi'raj, the Quraysh mocked the Prophet (SAWS), calling his words beyond reason but Abu Bakr (RA), immediately after hearing the news, without a moment of hesitation, without needing proof or detail, said with unwavering conviction: "If he (SAWS) said it, then it is true."

Love is when, during the Expedition of Tabuk, the companions gave until nothing remained, all for the sake of Allah and His messenger. Where we hoard money like it's the most precious thing in the world they sacrificed all their belongings, their gold, their silver for the cause of Islam.

When Uthman (RA) stood before the Prophet (SAWS) and donated caravan after caravan, hundreds of camels, until the army that had no means suddenly had everything it needed. And the Prophet (SAWS), seeing his generosity, declared with a smile: "Nothing will harm Uthman after today."

When Umar (RA) brought half of everything he owned, thinking maybe, just this once, he would surpass Abu Bakr (RA) in his love and devotion to the Prophet (SAWS). But yet again, Abu Bakr (RA) arrived with empty hands and a full heart, saying he left nothing at home except "Allah and His Messenger."

A love so complete, so consuming, that giving everything felt like giving nothing at all.

Where we tend to measure and give hastily, their hearts gave openly, like a spring from which water gushes continuously.

How then can we expect to develop such a love so pure and sincere with the people around us?

Love is when the Ansar (People of Medina) welcomed the Muhajiroon, so warmly, not as guests, but as brothers. They divided their food, shared their wealth, and some even offered half of their livelihoods simply because the Prophet (SAWS) said they were one ummah now. It was a love that asked for nothing in return, a love born from common faith.

Love is when Talha ibn Ubayd Allah (RA) stood in front of the Prophet (SAWS) during Uhud, shielding him with his own body. He protected Muhammad's (SAWS) face from an arrow by taking the shot in his own hand, as a result of which his index and middle fingers were cut.

He only thought of the one he loved more than life itself. And even as blood dripped from his hand, he held fast, because to protect the Prophet (SAWS) was worth every ounce of pain.

Can you for a moment imagine his pain, the agony he was in, yet he stood devoted for the love he had for Prophet (SAWS)?

Love is when Kab ibn Malik (RA) wept intensely the day the Prophet (SAWS) forgave him for not being present at the Battle of Tabuk, not because the punishment was lifted, but because he feared losing the Messenger's love more than losing the world itself.

And when Sa'd ibn Mu'azz (RA) stood before the Prophet (SAWS) and declared, "O Messenger of Allah, if you command us to dive into the sea, we will dive with you."These were the words of a man whose loyalty flowed from certainty, a love that trusted the Messenger more than himself.

Both moments whisper the same truth, real love is not measured by words, but by the state of the heart when obedience is tested.

Who finds such a daring love in today's time?

Have we really forgotten what 'real love' was meant to be?

Or have we been brainwashed to believe that there is no such as thing as so called 'love'?

If that is the case, I leave you with a question to answer yourself:

How is this life moving on then, when Allah (Al-Wadud), the Most Loving, is its Creator?

Even as we pause to reflect on this, I find my heart reaching for more stories. If I'm being honest, I could continue to write and write, they'll never end for there are so many untold. Stories of loyalty that broke barriers, of devotion that defied fear, of hearts so full that love became action, and that action becoming legacy.

And still, there is more to witness.

For the Prophet (SAWS) did not only show love through battles, journeys, and sacrifices. He lived it quietly in his home, in his household, in the hearts of those he called 'family'.

Do you want me to continue this journey, dedicated entirely to the love the Prophet (SAWS) shared with his family?

If so yes, then let me know in the comments below and I'd be honored to curate Part 3 for you all! ❤