Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Indeed when Allah Ta‘ala loves a servant (due to the servant continuously striving to please Allah Ta‘ala and earn His love), then Allah Ta‘ala calls Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) and says, ‘Indeed I love so-and-so, so you love him.’ Thus, Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) also loves this person. Thereafter, Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) announces in the sky, ‘Indeed Allah Ta‘ala loves so-and-so, so love him.’ Hence, the inhabitants of the sky love him, after which acceptance (and love) is placed for him in the hearts of the inhabitants of the earth.” (Saheeh Bukhaari #7485)
People, by nature, have the need to feel accepted, loved and wanted. It is this same need which drives certain people to post details of their lives on social media, as they hope to attract admiration and love. Hence, it is no wonder that for such people, it is all about acquiring as many ‘likes’ as you can, as a ‘like’ is taken as a sign of acceptance and love.
Similarly, many people fear losing love and acceptance, and so always strive to conform to the expectations of others – even if it be at the expense of their own happiness, and even worse… their Deen. One such example, which although often quoted, remains as relevant as ever, is that of attending mixed functions (where strange men and women intermingle or the laws of hijaab and niqaab are not upheld) in order to remain ‘good’ with everyone and avoid falling from favour.
In the hadeeth above, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has explained that if a person wants acceptance and love – he will have to acquire it from above. One will have to strive to earn the love and acceptance of Allah Ta‘ala by always obeying Him and making an effort to do that which is pleasing to Him. Through this effort, one will acquire the love of Allah Ta‘ala, after which Allah Ta‘ala will cause the creation to love him as well.
It is for this reason that we find people from all walks of life flocking to the pious servants of Allah Ta‘ala, as bees flock to honey, as the love for these pious servants has been instilled into their hearts from above. Conversely, if we displease Allah Ta‘ala, then He will cause the creation to dislike us and be displeased with us. (Saheeh Muslim #6705)
The message is simple – if we want our relationship with people (be they our spouse, children, in-laws, neighbours, friends, etc.) to be one of happiness, we will have to first fix our relationship with Allah Ta‘ala. Until and unless Allah Ta‘ala is not pleased with us, we will never acquire true happiness and acceptance.
May Allah Ta‘ala bless us all with His love and acceptance, aameen.