When would be the Last Hour? He (the Holy Prophet) said: What preparation have you made for that? And he gave no details, but said: I love Allah and His Messenger. Thereupon he (the Holy Prophet) said: You would be along with one whom you love. Anas b. Malik reported through another chain of transmitters that a desert Arab came to Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon, him), the rest of the hadith is the same but with this variation that he said: I have not made much preparations which merit appreciation for myself.
The Book of Virtue, Enjoining Good Manners, and Joining of the Ties of Kinship - Sahih Muslim 2639 b, c
This narration from Sahih Muslim contains profound wisdom regarding the believer's relationship with Allah and His Messenger, and the spiritual reality of companionship in the Hereafter.
The Question of the Hour
The desert Arab's question about the timing of the Last Hour reflects a common human curiosity about eschatological matters. The Prophet's response redirects the focus from speculative knowledge to practical preparation, emphasizing that what truly matters is one's spiritual state and readiness for the meeting with Allah.
The Essence of Preparation
When the questioner admits his inadequate preparation, he demonstrates humility and self-awareness. The Prophet's teaching reveals that true preparation is not merely external acts of worship, but the cultivation of genuine love for Allah and His Messenger. This love becomes the ultimate criterion for spiritual companionship.
The Principle of Spiritual Companionship
The declaration "You would be along with one whom you love" establishes a fundamental spiritual principle: in the Hereafter, souls will be gathered with those they truly loved in this world. This love for Allah and His Messenger becomes the determining factor for one's ultimate abode and companionship, transcending mere ritual observance.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars explain that this hadith demonstrates the superiority of love over mere action, while noting that true love necessarily produces righteous deeds. The desert Arab's honesty about his spiritual state was more valuable than pretended piety. The Prophet's response shows that sincere love, even when accompanied by imperfect deeds, can lead to the highest stations of Paradise through divine mercy and the principle of spiritual affinity.