96 — Abd al-Ala ibn Hammād narrated to us, saying: Hammād ibn Salama narrated to us, from Thābit, from Abū Rāfi, from Abū Hurayra, who said: The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“A man went to visit a brother of his in a village, so Allah, Mighty and Majestic, stationed an angel along his path. The angel asked, ‘Where are you headed?’ He replied, ‘I intend to visit a brother of mine in this village.’ The angel asked him, ‘Has he done you some favor that you wish to repay?’ He replied, ‘No. I simply love him for the sake of Allah, Mighty and Majestic.’ The angel said, ‘I have been sent to you by Allah to tell you that Allah loves you just as you have loved him.’”