Whom Allah Loves

Written by: Fadheelat Ash-Sheikh Abdul Salam bin Muhammad (may Allah preserve him)

Hadith:​

On the authority of Saad bin Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him), who narrated that he heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say:

"Indeed, Allah loves the pious, self-sufficient, and hidden servant." [Sahih Muslim, Book of Zuhd: 11]

Explanation and Benefits:​

Saad bin Abi Waqqas (may Allah be pleased with him) was one of the ten promised Paradise (Ashra Mubashra), a companion who participated in the Battle of Badr, and the commander who led the Muslims to victory in the Battle of Qadisiyyah and the conquest of Persia. When internal conflicts arose among Muslims, he chose to remain aloof. In Sahih Muslim, it is mentioned that during those times, his son, Umar bin Saad, came to him. Upon seeing him, Saad said, "I seek refuge in Allah from the evil of this rider." His son dismounted and asked, "You have chosen to live among your camels and sheep, while people are fighting for leadership. Why don’t you join them?" Saad (may Allah be pleased with him) hit him on the chest and said, "Be quiet! I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: 'Indeed, Allah loves the pious, self-sufficient, and hidden servant.'” [Sahih Muslim, Book of Zuhd: 11]

➋ This hadith teaches us that love is one of Allah's attributes. Some people interpret this attribute, saying that Allah's love means He wills good for the servant, guides them, and shows mercy. In contrast, they claim that Allah neither loves nor hates in the literal sense, which is incorrect. The Quran repeatedly describes Allah's love and enmity:

  • "Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good." [Surah Al-Baqarah: 195]
  • "Follow me; Allah will love you." [Surah Aal-Imran: 31]
  • "Indeed, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers." [Surah Al-Baqarah: 98]
Love cannot be reduced to merely willing good or guidance, as these are separate attributes. People misunderstood Allah's love, comparing it to human love, which sometimes reflects human weakness. This misunderstanding led them to distort other attributes as well, such as claiming that Allah does not hear or see in a literal sense. They believe "Hearing" and "Seeing" simply mean knowledge. However, we know that knowledge and hearing/seeing are distinct attributes. Allah's attributes are unique and incomparable to creation. As Allah says:

"There is nothing like unto Him, and He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing." [Surah Ash-Shura: 11]

This means that Allah’s hearing, seeing, love, and enmity are unlike those of His creation. He hears and sees in a manner befitting His majesty, and He loves and shows enmity in a way that is unique to Him. Denying these attributes or interpreting them metaphorically is unnecessary and incorrect.

Al-Taqi (Pious): Refers to the one who adheres to the commands of Allah and His Messenger and avoids what they have prohibited.

Al-Ghani (Self-Sufficient): Refers to the one who is content, independent, and free from needing others. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"Wealth is not in having many possessions, but true wealth is the richness of the soul (being self-sufficient)." [Sahih Bukhari: 6446]

Being self-sufficient includes being content and not dependent on others for one’s needs. It also implies earning one’s livelihood through permissible means, as Saad (may Allah be pleased with him) did by raising camels and sheep during that time.

Al-Khafi (Hidden): Refers to the one who stays away from fame and recognition, focusing on worshipping Allah in seclusion. Fame often brings with it trials, such as showing off, involvement in worldly conflicts, and a lack of time for worship. On the other hand, anonymity allows one to dedicate time to worship, remain connected to the remembrance of Allah, and stay free from the corruption of the heart. Such a person’s actions are purely for Allah alone, free from the desire for praise or recognition.
 
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