He heard Anas say: "The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'None of you has believed until I am dearer to him than his son, his father and all the people.'"
The Book Of Faith and its Signs - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5013
He heard Anas say: "The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'None of you has believed until I am dearer to him than his son, his father and all the people.'"
Commentary on the Hadith
This profound hadith establishes the fundamental condition of complete faith (iman) requiring the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to be more beloved to a believer than all worldly attachments. The scholars explain that this love is not merely emotional but manifests through obedience, following his Sunnah, and prioritizing his teachings over personal desires.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali comments that this hierarchy of love demonstrates the perfection of faith. When love for the Prophet transcends natural familial bonds, it signifies the heart's complete submission to Allah's message. This love necessitates following his example in worship, transactions, and character.
Al-Qadi 'Iyad elucidates that this precedence in affection is measured by one's actions: hastening to obey the Prophet's commands, accepting his judgments without reservation, and giving his Sunnah priority over all other opinions. The true believer's heart naturally inclines toward what the Prophet loved and approved.
Practical Manifestations
This love manifests through studying his Seerah, frequently sending blessings upon him, reviving his Sunnah in daily life, and feeling joy in following his guidance. The scholars emphasize that this elevated love doesn't negate natural familial love but properly orders it according to divine priority.
When faced with choices between prophetic tradition and cultural practices, the true believer consistently chooses the Sunnah. This hadith serves as a mirror for believers to assess the completeness of their faith and strive toward this noble standard of love.