That the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was asked: "Which of the people of your house are most beloved to you?" He said: "Al-Hasan and Al-Husain." And he used to say to Fatimah: "Call my two sons for me so that I may smell them." And he would hug them.
Commentary on Hadith from Chapters on Virtues - Jami' at-Tirmidhi
This noble hadith (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 3772) demonstrates the profound love and affection the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) had for his grandsons Al-Hasan and Al-Husain, may Allah be pleased with them. The scholars explain that this special love was not merely familial affection but carried deep spiritual significance regarding their status and the future role of the Ahl al-Bayt (People of the Household).
Spiritual Significance of the Prophet's Affection
The Prophet's explicit declaration that Al-Hasan and Al-Husain were the most beloved of his household establishes their distinguished rank among the companions. Scholars note that this public affirmation served to educate the ummah about honoring and respecting the Prophet's progeny.
The physical expressions of love - smelling and hugging them - demonstrate the sunnah of showing affection to children, which nurtures their emotional and spiritual development. Classical commentators emphasize that such actions from the Prophet also conferred blessings (barakah) upon his grandsons.
Legal and Theological Implications
This hadith establishes the excellence (fadl) of Al-Hasan and Al-Husain and by extension, the virtue of loving the Ahl al-Bayt. Scholars derive from this that loving the Prophet's family is an expression of love for the Prophet himself and is part of complete faith.
The specification of these two grandsons highlights their unique position as leaders of the youth of Paradise, as established in other authentic narrations. Their mention alongside their mother Fatimah underscores the special status of the Prophet's immediate family.