And whoever loves or hates before Allah and His Messenger command him to do so is, in some measure, putting himself before Allah and His Messenger.

Love and hatred in themselves are desire; what is forbidden, however, is to follow one’s love and hatred without guidance from Allah. For this reason, Allah said to His Prophet David:

“Do not follow desire, lest it lead you astray from the way of Allah. Indeed, those who stray from the way of Allah will have a severe punishment.” [Sūrat Sād, 21]

He thus explained that whoever follows his desires is thereby led astray from the way of Allah—the guidance with which He sent His Messenger, and the path leading to Him.

To clarify this: enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong is among the most obligatory, excellent and virtuous deeds. Allah Most High has said:

“That He may test you as to which of you is best in deeds.” [Sūrat al-Mulk, 2]

As al-Fudayl ibn ‘Iyād, may Allah have mercy on him, said, this means the most sincere and the most correct. For if a deed is sincere but is not