Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Whoever possesses the (following) three qualities will have the sweetness of faith (1): The one to whom Allah and His Apostle becomes dearer than anything else; (2) Who loves a person and he loves him only for Allah's Sake; (3) who hates to revert to atheism (disbelief) as he hates to be thrown into the Fire."
The Three Qualities of Sweet Faith
This noble hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari outlines three fundamental characteristics that indicate the presence of genuine faith (iman) in a believer's heart, described by the Prophet (ﷺ) as the "sweetness of faith."
First Quality: Supreme Love for Allah and His Messenger
The primary quality is that Allah and His Messenger become dearer to the believer than anything else in existence. This means one's love for the Creator and His Prophet transcends all worldly attachments - including wealth, family, and even one's own self.
Scholars explain that this love manifests through obedience to Allah's commands, following the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ), prioritizing what they love over personal desires, and finding joy in remembrance of them.
Second Quality: Love for Allah's Sake
The second quality involves loving other believers purely for the sake of Allah, without worldly motives of kinship, benefit, or personal interest. This brotherhood in faith strengthens the Muslim community and purifies intentions.
Classical commentators note that this type of love includes supporting fellow Muslims, advising them sincerely, and maintaining relations for Allah's pleasure alone - a love that continues into the Hereafter.
Third Quality: Abhorrence of Disbelief
The final quality is hating to revert to disbelief (kufr) as intensely as one would hate being thrown into the Fire. This demonstrates the firm establishment of faith in the heart and complete satisfaction with Islam.
Scholars emphasize that this hatred isn't merely theoretical but involves actively avoiding paths leading to disbelief, safeguarding one's faith, and recognizing the severity of abandoning Islam after having embraced it.
The Sweetness of Faith
The "sweetness" mentioned refers to the profound spiritual pleasure, contentment, and tranquility experienced when faith becomes firmly rooted in the heart. It's the joy of worship, peace in submission, and delight in divine remembrance that outweighs all worldly pleasures.
As Imam An-Nawawi commented, these three qualities represent the essence of sincere faith - love for Allah and His Messenger, love for His servants, and protection of one's faith from corruption.