Question

I heard an incident in a lecture regarding Sayyiduna Mu’adh ibn Jabal (radiyallahu ‘anhu) pulling someone close to him and telling him the virtue of loving for the sake of Allah.

Please narrate the full incident and provide the reference

 

Answer

You probably heard the following incident:

Abu Idris Al Khawlani (rahimahullah) says:

“I once entered the Masjid in Damascus. I happened to catch sight of a young man who had shining teeth [he was always seen smiling]. A number of people had gathered around him. When they differed over anything they would refer it to him [and act upon his advice]. I enquired as to who he was. I was told that he was Mu’adh ibn Jabal (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

The next day I hastened to the Masjid, but found that he had arrived before me and was busy performing Salah. I waited until he completed, and then went to him from the front, greeted him and said to him, ‘By Allah I love you for the sake of Allah.’ He [Sayyiduna Mu’adh] asked, ‘For the sake of Allah?’ I replied, ‘Yes, for the sake of Allah’. He again asked me, ‘Is it for Allah’s sake?’ I replied, ‘Yes, it is for Allah’s sake.’

Then he took hold of my cloak, drew me close to himself and said, ‘Rejoice, for I heard Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) saying, ‘Allah Ta’ala, said:

“My love is incumbent upon those who love one another for My sake, sit with one another for my sake, visit one another for My sake and spend on one another for My sake”.

(Muwatta Imam Malik, Hadith: 1718)

Imam Nawawi (rahimahullah) has declared the chain of narrators reliable,

(Refer: Riyadus Salihin, Hadith: 390)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar