Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) Declares Love
A team of people perceives that adhering to religion and its provisions and love can`t be found in one person because they are contradictory; when one emerges, it blocks out the other and causes it to disappear. This perception represents a deviation from the right path and contradicts truth as well as reality.
If we take the life of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) into consideration, we find that it is replete with love for Allah and His creatures. Moreover, a quick look at the Prophetic Sunnah reveals that love was one of the most notable characteristics of human life and, as believers, we have to follow the Prophet (PBUH) for he is our role model.
He (PBUH) declared his love to his wives, children and grandchildren. One example of this is that Al-Bara' said, "I saw the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, when al-Hasan was on his shoulder. He was saying, 'O Allah, I love him, so love him." Also, 'Amr b. al-'As reported that Allah's Messenger (PBUH) sent him in command of the army dispatched to Dhat-as-Salasil. When 'Amr b. al-'As came back to the Prophet (PBUH) he said: Who amongst people are dearest to you? He said: A'isha. He then said: Who amongst men? He said: Her father." {Agreed upon}.
He (PBUH) also declared his love to his Companions. It was narrated that Mu'adhbin Jabal said: "The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) took my hand and said: 'I love you, O Mu'adh!' I said: 'And I love you, O Messenger of Allah (PBUH).' Then the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: 'Never forget to say in every prayer: Rabbi a'inni 'ala dhikrika wa shukrika wa husni 'ibadatik (My Lord, help me to remember You, give thanks to You and worship You well.)" He (PBUH) also declared his love to Usama Bin Zaid and his father.
In addition, he (PBUH) directed his Companions to show their love to each other. Anas ibn Malik narrated: A man was with the Prophet (PBUH) and a man passed by him and said: Messenger of Allah! I love this man. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) then asked: Have you informed him? He replied: No. He said: Inform him. He then went to him and said: I love you for Allah's sake. He replied: May He for Whose sake you love me love you!{Ahmad & Abu Dawoud}.
The Prophet (PBUH) also called for spreading love among people and tied that with the love of Allah. Al-Bara reported from the Messenger (may peace and blessing be upon him) that he remarked with regard to the Ansar: "None but the believer loves them, none but the hypocrite hates them. He who loves them loves Allah and he who hates them hates Allah." {Related by Bukhari}. Narrated Ya'la bin Murrah: that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: "Husain is from me, and I am from Husain. Allah loves whoever loves Husain. " {Related by Tirmith & Ahmad Bin Hanbal}.
The Prophet (PBUH) also pointed out a person will be summoned with the one whom he loves since Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "A person will be summoned with the one whom he loves".
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
Love wasn`t only declared towards human beings; rather it was declared to inanimate objects as well since they are among the creations of Allah and they celebrate praise of Him. Anas narrated: The Prophet (PBUH) said, "This is a mountain that loves us and is loved by us." {Related by Bukhari}.
In conclusion, these are a handful of passing references to love in the life of the Prophet (PBUH). Thus, it is incumbent upon us to live love and not be ashamed to declare to others including one`s wife, child and friend since the word "love" has a magical effect in people`s hearts.