While the Prophet (ﷺ) and I were coming out of the mosque, a man met us outside the gate. The man said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! When will be the Hour?" The Prophet (ﷺ) asked him, "What have you prepared for it?" The man became afraid and ashamed and then said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I haven't prepared for it much of fasts, prayers or charitable gifts but I love Allah and His Apostle." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "You will be with the one whom you love."
Hadith Commentary: The Company of the Beloved
This blessed narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (7153) contains profound wisdom regarding the Day of Judgment and the spiritual reality of divine love. The man's question about the Hour reflects human curiosity about eschatological matters, but the Prophet's response redirects him to what truly matters: spiritual preparation.
The Nature of the Question
Scholars note that questions about the timing of the Hour were common, yet the Prophet consistently emphasized practical spirituality over speculative knowledge. As Imam al-Nawawi comments, "The wise response redirects from theoretical knowledge to practical application."
The man's initial focus on the Hour's timing reflects human anxiety about the unknown, while the Prophet's counter-question addresses the essence of faith: preparation through righteous deeds.
The Spiritual State of the Questioner
The man's admission of having few formal acts of worship demonstrates humility and self-awareness. His subsequent declaration of love for Allah and His Messenger reveals the foundation of true faith.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani explains in Fath al-Bari: "His acknowledgment of lacking abundant deeds shows sincerity, while his love constitutes the essence of faith. Love for Allah and His Messenger is the root from which all good deeds grow."
The Prophetic Promise
"You will be with the one whom you love" contains multiple layers of meaning. Al-Qurtubi states: "This companionship occurs in three realms: in the grave, during the resurrection, and ultimately in Paradise."
This principle applies universally - one's spiritual affiliation determines their ultimate destination. As Imam al-Ghazali elaborates: "Love necessitates following the beloved in character and conduct. True love manifests in emulation of the Prophet's Sunnah."
Practical Implications
This hadith teaches that while righteous deeds are essential, they must be rooted in sincere love for Allah and His Messenger. The Companions understood this profoundly - as Anas ibn Malik reported, "We rejoiced more at this statement than at anything else."
Scholars emphasize that love for the Prophet must translate into following his guidance completely. As Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali states: "Love without following is mere claim, while following without love is mere imitation without spirit."