Three Things Most Loved

The following hadith found in 'Preparing for the Day of Judgement' by Imam ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani (translated by S.M. Hasan Al-Banna) in the Chapter 'Counsel in Threes.' 

Prophet Muhammad (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) said:

"I was made to love three things from this world - perfume, women and prayer."

The Prophet smelt so good, that the Sahaba (Companions of the Prophet) used to gather his sweat to make perfume out of it.

The Companions were sitting with him and Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (رضي الله عنه) said:

"You have spoken the truth, O Messenger of Allah! I was made to love three things from this world – looking at the face of the Messenger of Allah, spending my wealth for the Messenger of Allah, and giving my daughter in marriage to the Messenger of Allah."

There was once a man hired by the Quraish by the name of Hasan bin Thabit to defame the Prophet's features. However, he could not! He later became a Muslim.

Umar ibn Al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه) said: 

"You have spoken truthfully, O Abu Bakr! I was made to love three things from this world – commanding good, forbidding evil, and worn garments."

Umar ibn Al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه) was the man who was on his way to murder the Prophet, and now he is buried next to him! His love for worn garments is proven by the way he entered Damascus after it was liberated by the Muslims at the time of his Khalifah. He and his servant were taking turns riding their horse. As they approached the city, it was the servant’s turn to ride the horse, but the servant refused to have the Khalifah, Umar, walk into the city when his servant was on the horse. Umar, however, refused, saying that it is unfair if he takes his servant’s turn and forced him to ride the horse. His servant also suggested that Umar change his clothes, which were covered in patches, and wear an elegant robe so that the people of the city see his authority. Umar contemplated it, but he remained in his worn clothing. As he entered the city, the inhabitants saw that the leader of the Muslims was walking in patched clothes as his servant was riding comfortably on the horse, and due to his humility, they accepted Umar as their Khalifah. Why? Because it had been prophesied to them that their true ruler would enter the city just as Umar had entered.

Uthman ibn Affan (رضي الله عنه) said:

"You have spoken truthfully, O Umar! And I was made to love three things from this world – feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and reading the Qur’an."

To love clothing the naked is a significant characteristic of Uthman (رضي الله عنه). He was the Companion with the most Haya'. He was a man of Haya' (shyness) that even the angels were shy of him. Once the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) was soaking his feet in water and his robe was just above his knees. Several Sahabah entered the room and the Prophet did not change his appearance. It was only when Uthman entered that he lowered his robe to cover the rest of his legs. The Sahabah asked him why and he said: "How could I not be shy of a man with so much Haya’ that even the angels are shy of him?"

Ali ibn Abi Talib (رضي الله عنه) said:

"You have spoken truthfully, O Uthman! I was made to love three things from this world – serving the guest, fasting in summer, and fighting with the sword."

We complain about fasting in the summer in the month of Ramadan but Ali (رضي الله عنه) loved it! Ali was also known for his courageous abilities on the battle field. He loved fighting for the sake of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى), to the point that he was going to name his first son Al-Harb (The War). He ran to the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) after the boy was born, telling the Prophet what he intended to name him and the Prophet (صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم) laughed and told him to name him Al-Hasan (The One of Goodness) instead. He then wanted to name his second son Al-Harb, but the Prophet told him to name him Al-Hussain (The One Who is Good).

As they were discoursing, Angel Gabriel (عليه السلام) came and said: "Allah the Exalted sent me when He heard your discussion and has ordered you to ask me what I would have loved if I were to be from the people of this world." The Messenger of Allah asked: "If you were to be from the people of this world what would you have loved?"

Jibreel (Gabriel) replied:

"Guiding those led astray, keeping the company of contented strangers, and helping families afflicted with hardship."

The idea that Jibreel (عليه السلام) takes joy in assisting those of us who have lost their way to the right path is amazing. When Jibreel (عليه السلام) says 'strangers', he means travelers.

Jibreel (عليه السلام) continued:

"The Lord of Honour loves three things from His servants – giving one’s utmost, crying when in regret, and being patient in times of poverty."

How beautiful! Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) wanted to reveal to us what He loved the most! Why? So that we can take advantage of what is now told to us to get closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى)! Here, it shows that Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) does not want perfection from us, but rather He desires for us to achieve the things we know we can do to better ourselves. He simply wants us to do our best. What a Merciful Lord. What a Gracious Lord. Then Jibreel (عليه السلام) tells us that Allah loves it when we cry in regret. We truly deserve nothing for we constantly ignore how much He has blessed us, and yet, all He wants is for us is to return to Him in the end. That’s why when we come a hand-span towards Him, He comes to us an arm’s length! Alhamdulillah :)