Episode 3 - Expressing Love

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah

The Importance of Expressing Love

Dear brothers, we have said that for people to be ready to listen to our advice and be affected by it, we need to make them love us through kindness, smiles, sincere praise, and acknowledging their virtues. Another matter is expressing love. This was not common in our societies; rather, men saw it as a burden on their manhood until this good tradition spread.

The Word "I Love You" and Its Effect

"I love you," this word that opens hearts, sweetens thoughts, echoes in the mind, makes you think well of the one who confides it in you, and makes you bear much from them.

I love you, if you cannot say it to your father or your brother from your father and mother, know that you have a flaw. You will not need to say it sincerely to more than to purify your heart from malice and arrogance, and to sense the good aspects in people to love them rightfully.

The Prophetic Tradition in Expressing Love

It is narrated from our Prophet, peace be upon him, that he said: "If a man loves his brother, let him inform him of his love." And the Messenger of Allah took Mu'adh ibn Jabal by the hand one day and said: "O Mu'adh, by Allah, I love you." Mu'adh said to him: "By my father and mother, O Messenger of Allah, and by Allah, I love you."

After expressing his love, he said to him: "I advise you, O Mu'adh, not to neglect after every prayer to say: O Allah, help me to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You in the best manner." As if he is saying to him: You love me and want us to be together in Paradise, so do not neglect this matter.

Loving the Sinner

You may say: But how do I deal with a sinner? Should I love a sinner in Allah? Yes, why not love him for the good that is in him, and at the same time, hate his disobedience? The sinner may be unjust to others or a corrupter, so hate him for that. But if he is a Muslim and has the minimum love for Allah and His Messenger, and has not committed a disbelief that nullifies this love, then you can sincerely say to him: "I think you love Allah and His Messenger, and I love that in you." Thus, you open his heart to your advice.

For a person can have within him the reasons for both love and hate together. If we want our hate for their mistakes to affect people, let us show them our love for their good deeds, highlight the good in them, and make them feel that they are worthy of rising higher.

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah.