Question

Is there a narration that loving a person for the sake of Allah results in tasting the sweetness of Iman?

Answer

Imam Ahmad, Imam Bazzar and Imam Hakim (rahimahumullah) have recorded this narration on the authority of Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu).

The full narration is as follows:

“Whoever wishes to attain the flavour/sweetness of Iman should love someone only for the sake of Allah ‘Azza Wa Jalla”

(Musnad Ahmad, vol. 2, pg. 298 and 520, Bazzar;Kashful Astar, Hadith: 63 and Mustadrak Hakim, vol. 1, pg. 3, and vol. 4, pg. 168)

‘Allamah Haythami (rahimahullah) has declared the narrators reliable.

(Majma’uz Zawaid, vol. 1, pg. 90)

This subject matter is further substantiated by the Hadith in Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, in which Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) mentioned that one who loves someone only for the sake of Allah shall indeed taste the flavour/sweetness of Iman.

(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 16 and Sahih Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 43)

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

Answered by: Mawlana Suhail Motala

Approved by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar