Impress By Love

Muadh bin Jabal (radi Allahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) took his hand and said: “O Muadh, by Allah I love you, by Allah I love you.” Then he said: “I advise you, O Muadh, do not forget to say after every prayer, ‘O Allah, help me to remember You, thank You and worship You properly.’” [Abu Dawud]

The wise educator, the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam), would offer advice so skillfully that the people would have no choice but to accept the advice. Once he (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) wanted to teach Muadh bin Jabal (radi Allahu anhu) some words that he wanted him to recite after each prayer. So he turned to Muadh and said, “By Allah, I love you!” and concluded with teaching him these words of Dhikr (remembrance), “Allahumma a’inni ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni ibadatik.”

What is the connection between the first part of the Prophet’s speech, “By Allah, I love you!...” and the second part of his speech, “Do not forget to say…”?

He said “I love you” to mentally prepare Muadh (radi Allahu anhu) to positively take the advice that followed, by showing him true emotional concern. Since the Prophet’s words were a sincere reflection of his emotions and conduct, they carried weight. When Muadh’s soul felt content after hearing the words “I love you,” the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) then gave him the advice he had planned to give.

This Hadith informs us of one of the ways in which the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) advised the people he loved.

This Hadith also stresses the fact that one should seek Allah’s help to remember Him, thank Him and worship Him, because one cannot do anything without His help and support.

This Hadith also shows the superiority of Muadh (radi Allahu anhu) and the Prophet’s love for him.