Ya'qoob Ibn Ibrahim transmitted from Ibn 'Ulayya, from Abd Ul-Azeez Ibn Suhayb, from Anas, that the Prophet ﷺ said: “None of you will believe until I am more beloved to him than his father, his children, and all people.”
Imam Ibn Hajar رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ's Explanation
Narration Variations
Hadrat Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه also narrated this hadith. Alternative wordings include “more beloved to him than his family and his wealth” rather than specifically mentioning father and children. Some versions begin with “A man does not believe...” The mention of father and children highlights those typically most beloved to a rational person.
Regarding the Mother
The statement may generally refer to parents (including the mother), or it suffices by mentioning one without the other.
On “All People”
This phrasing uses a common Arabic rhetorical method: citing the general after the specific. The father is mentioned before the son due to age and honour precedence; the son comes before others as parents show greater compassion to their children.
Inclusion of Oneself
The stronger scholarly view holds that oneself is included in “all people.” This is supported by the narration of Hadrat Abdullah Ibn Hisham رضي الله عنه where loving the Holy Prophet ﷺ more than oneself is explicitly mentioned.
Nature of Love
Imam Al-Khattabi clarified this refers to chosen love, not natural affection. Imam Al-Nawawi distinguished between the nafs that inclines toward evil versus that reaching conviction. Those achieving conviction attain proper love of the Prophet ﷺ.
The Hadrat Umar Incident
Hadrat Umar رضي الله عنه initially told the Holy Prophet ﷺ: “You are more beloved to me than everything except myself.” The Holy Prophet ﷺ responded: “No, by the one in whose hand is my soul, until I become more beloved to you than even yourself.” Hadrat Umar رضي الله عنه then affirmed the supremacy of the Holy Prophet ﷺ in his affection.
Measuring This Love
One measure involves hypothetically choosing between possessions and seeing the Holy Prophet ﷺ. If one would sacrifice wealth for that opportunity, they have attained the sought love. This extends beyond physical sight to supporting the Sunnah and defending Islamic legislation against opposition.
Role of Contemplation
Pondering the benefits of loving the Holy Prophet ﷺ leads to this affection. The Holy Prophet ﷺ brought believers from disbelief's darkness into faith's light, showing the path to eternal paradise, benefits greater than any other love. Companions possessed the greatest and most complete expression of this love through personal knowledge.
Variation in Believers
Imam Al-Qurtubi noted that true believers cannot be void of this love, though it varies in degree. Some who become immersed in desires experience heedlessness that dims this love, yet remembering the Holy Prophet ﷺ rekindles longing. They would choose seeing him over family, children, parents, and wealth, willing to face danger without hesitation.