The Most Beloved Unto a Muslim

Close to where we reside there was a buzrug, Moulana Muzaffar Husain Saheb (Rahmatullahi alaih). Among our Akaabir (Pious and Learned Seniors) he was unanimously acclaimed for his Taqwa. Once, he went to the town of Garhipukhta. There, an aristocrat posed the question: “It is stated in the Hadeeth:

‘None of you are Believers until Allah and His Rasool are more Beloved to him than his own self, his wealth, his children, and everything.’

“I find myself to have more love for my father,” the aristocrat sighed. Moulana responded appropriately for the occasion. He then desired to remove the aristocrat’s concern, practically, for further satisfaction.

This practical response was given by turning to talk on Rasoolullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) in the course of discussion.

Talk on Rasoolullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) is enjoyable to every Muslim. Everyone listened with interest. The aristocrat, too, enjoyed himself listening. When Moulana saw the aristocrat enthralled at the talk of Rasoolullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) he abruptly stopped and said: “Okay Khan Saheb! Let’s stop this talk and start speaking about the excellences and achievements of your honourable father! He, too, was a very good man.”

The aristocrat spoke: “Hazrat! Taubah, taubah! How can you equate talk on my father with talk on Rasoolullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam)? No, no! Carry on speaking about Rasoolullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam). My father’s excellences cannot be compared at all to Rasoolullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) for you to digress and start speaking about that. That is very heavy upon my heart.”

Smiling, Moulana said: “Why, Khan Saheb? You said that you find yourself having more love for your father. Why is mention of speaking of your father in the course of speaking on Rasoolullah (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) heavy on your heart?”

Khan Saheb caught up that Moulana was responding to his concern. “Moulana, Jazaakallah! My fear has been laid to rest. Alhamdulillah, I have such love for Nabi (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) which my love for my father cannot compare with,” the Khan Saheb said with satisfaction.

So, my friends! When there is a conflict then the truth is borne out that a Muslim has love for Allah and His Rasool (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) more than everything.

Source: A Treasure of Stories and Lessons – Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (rahmatullah alayh)