A man asked the Prophet (ﷺ) about the Hour (i.e. Day of Judgment) saying, "When will the Hour be?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "What have you prepared for it?" The man said, "Nothing, except that I love Allah and His Apostle." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "You will be with those whom you love." We had never been so glad as we were on hearing that saying of the Prophet (i.e., "You will be with those whom you love.") Therefore, I love the Prophet, Abu Bakr and `Umar, and I hope that I will be with them because of my love for them though my deeds are not similar to theirs.
The Excellence of Loving the Righteous
This blessed narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (3688) reveals profound wisdom regarding the Day of Judgment. When the questioner inquired about its timing, the Prophet (ﷺ) redirected him to what truly matters: spiritual preparation. This demonstrates that knowing the Hour's exact time is less beneficial than preparing for it through righteous deeds and sincere love for Allah and His Messenger.
The Power of Sincere Love
The man's confession of loving Allah and His Apostle, despite having no other notable preparations, highlights the tremendous value of genuine love in Islam. This love is not mere emotion but encompasses obedience, following the Sunnah, and prioritizing what Allah and His Messenger love.
The Prophet's response—"You will be with those whom you love"—establishes a fundamental principle: spiritual companionship in the Hereafter is determined by love rooted in faith. This love creates a spiritual connection that transcends one's individual deeds.
Companions' Understanding and Application
Anas ibn Malik's concluding remarks demonstrate how the Companions immediately applied this teaching. Their overwhelming joy upon hearing this hadith stemmed from recognizing the immense mercy it contained. They understood that loving the Prophet (ﷺ) and his righteous successors like Abu Bakr and Umar could elevate their station in the Hereafter.
This narration encourages Muslims to cultivate sincere love for the Prophet (ﷺ) and the righteous predecessors, while simultaneously striving to emulate their exemplary deeds. The love mentioned is not a substitute for action but rather the foundation that inspires righteous conduct.