Verily. Allah would say on the Day of Resurrection: Where are those who have mutual love for My Glory's sake? Today I shall shelter them in My shadow when there is no other shadow but the shadow of Mine.
The Book of Virtue, Enjoining Good Manners, and Joining of the Ties of Kinship
Sahih Muslim 2566
Hadith Commentary
This noble tradition reveals the supreme status of those who love one another purely for Allah's sake, without worldly motives or personal interests. Such love is founded upon obedience to Allah and seeking His pleasure.
Allah's question "Where are those..." demonstrates His special care and recognition of these righteous servants. It is a call of honor, not inquiry, similar to how a king might honor his most loyal subjects.
The "shadow" mentioned refers to Allah's protection and mercy on the Day of Judgment when no creation can provide shade or refuge. This divine shelter encompasses safety from the terror of the Resurrection, the heat of the sun, and the hardships of the Gathering.
True brotherhood in faith manifests through mutual assistance in piety, enjoining good, forbidding evil, and sincere counsel. This hadith encourages Muslims to purify their intentions in relationships and prioritize spiritual bonds over worldly connections.
Scholarly Insights
Imam An-Nawawi comments that this hadith emphasizes the tremendous reward for those whose love is solely for Allah's pleasure. Such love persists even if the beloved wrongs you, for the connection transcends personal feelings.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali explains that mutual love for Allah's sake requires sharing religious knowledge, assisting in worship, and covering each other's faults while sincerely advising.
This divine protection is exclusively for those whose love remains steadfast through trials and whose relationship is based entirely upon obedience to Allah and His Messenger.