Whoever Loves Someone in This World Will Be With Them in the Hereafter

Author: Shaykh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Hamad (حفظہ اللہ)

"A Person Will Be With Whom They Love"​

Narration:
“A person will be with whom they love.”
(Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al-Adab: 6170)

Context of the Hadith:​

This Hadith originates from an incident where a man approached the Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم) and asked:
O Messenger of Allah! What do you say about a person who loves a group of people but cannot reach their level (in deeds)?
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) replied:
“A person will be with whom they love (on the Day of Judgment).”
(Sahih Bukhari, Kitab al-Adab: 6169)

The questioner seemed to inquire about the fate of someone who harbors love for a righteous individual or a group of pious people but falls short of matching their deeds and character. The Prophet’s (صلى الله عليه وسلم) response clarified that despite lagging behind in actions, such a person will be joined with those they love for the sake of Allah.

Further Elaboration:​

This is further explained in a narration by Abu Dharr (رضی اللہ عنہ):
He asked the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم):
O Messenger of Allah! A man loves the righteous servants of Allah but is unable to emulate their deeds. What will become of him?
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) replied:
“O Abu Dharr! You will be with whom you love.”
Abu Dharr (رضی اللہ عنہ) then said:
I love Allah and His Messenger.
The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) affirmed:
“You will be with them, and you will remain in their company.”
Abu Dharr (رضی اللہ عنہ) repeated his statement, and the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) reiterated the same response.
(Musnad Ahmad, Vol. 3, p. 128)

Lessons from the Hadith:​

1. Love for the Righteous:
   On the Day of Judgment, individuals will be united with those they genuinely loved for the sake of Allah, even if their deeds are not entirely equivalent.
2. Hope for Imperfect Worshippers:
   This Hadith gives hope to those who may lack the ability or resources to perform deeds on par with the righteous but maintain deep love and admiration for them.
3. Genuine Affection is Rewarded:
   The love for Allah, His Messenger, and the righteous is a significant virtue, and it will lead to companionship with them in the Hereafter.

Conclusion:​

On the Day of Resurrection, devoted followers will join their beloved masters and guides. This serves as a source of hope and encouragement for believers to foster genuine love for Allah, His Messenger, and the pious servants of Allah.