We were with the Prophet (ﷺ) and he was holding the hand of `Umar bin Al-Khattab. `Umar said to Him, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! You are dearer to me than everything except my own self." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "No, by Him in Whose Hand my soul is, (you will not have complete faith) till I am dearer to you than your own self." Then `Umar said to him, "However, now, by Allah, you are dearer to me than my own self." The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Now, O `Umar, (now you are a believer).
Exposition of the Hadith on Perfect Faith
This noble narration from Sahih al-Bukhari (6632) reveals the profound station of love for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in the hierarchy of faith. The initial declaration by 'Umar (رضي الله عنه), while sincere, demonstrated a level of faith that had not yet reached its ultimate perfection.
The Condition of Complete Iman
The Prophet's response establishes that true, complete faith necessitates that love for him surpasses love for one's own self. This is because the Prophet (ﷺ) is the means to eternal salvation, while the self often inclines toward worldly desires and temporary pleasures.
The oath "by Him in Whose Hand my soul is" emphasizes the gravity and certainty of this spiritual requirement, indicating this is a fundamental pillar of belief that admits no compromise.
'Umar's Immediate Transformation
'Umar's swift correction demonstrates the quality of the Sahaba's faith - their immediate submission to divine truth. His subsequent declaration, fortified by an oath to Allah, shows the complete internalization of this principle.
The Prophet's final affirmation "Now, O 'Umar" indicates that 'Umar had attained the station of complete faith (al-iman al-kamil) where love for the Messenger transcends all worldly attachments, including love of one's own soul.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam al-Qurtubi explains that this love manifests through preferring the Prophet's guidance over personal opinion, his Sunnah over base desires, and his pleasure over the approval of creation.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes in Fath al-Bari that this hadith establishes the obligation of making the Prophet dearer than all creation, including oneself, one's wealth, and family, as this is the foundation of following his example completely.