THE VOICE /w Khaleelah Ziyad & others

Love of the Prophet

“During the lifetime of the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) there was a man who used to make Allah's Apostle laugh. The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) lashed him because of drinking (alcohol). One day he was brought to the Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) on the same charge and was lashed. On that, a man among the people said, "O Allah, curse him! How frequently he has been brought (to you on such a charge)!" The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said, "Do not curse him, for by Allah, I know he loves Allah and His Apostle." [Sahih Bukhari]

We must not underestimate the importance of love of Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) and His Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam). This does not mean that a public sinner shall not be punished if he loves Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) and His Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam). But when a person has been punished, their account is cleared, and there is no need to hate them or curse them.

Only Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) knows the sincerity of a person’s repentance. No human can judge what is in another's heart. So we leave the case of the hearts and intentions to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala). A person is treated in this world according to what they do and say. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) will treat them according to what He knows about their reality.