until I am dearer to him than his children, his father, and all other people.”

It is also authentically reported that ʿUmar ibn al-Khattāb said to him, “O Messenger of Allah, by Allah, you are dearer to me than everything except myself.” He replied, “No, ʿUmar—not until I am dearer to you than your own self.” ʿUmar said, “Then, by Allah, you are dearer to me than my own self.” He replied, “Now, ʿUmar.”

True love is only complete through loyalty to the beloved: sharing his love for what he loves and his hatred for what he hates. Allah loves faith and piety, and hates disbelief, wickedness, and disobedience.

It is well known that love moves the heart’s will. The stronger love becomes in the heart, the more the heart seeks to do what is loved. When love is complete, it necessarily produces a firm resolve to bring about what is loved. If the servant is able to do so, he accomplishes it. If he is unable but does whatever lies within his capacity, he receives a reward like that of the one who actually accomplishes it. As the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Whoever calls to guidance will have a reward like the rewards of those who follow him, without that diminishing their rewards in the least. Whoever calls to misguidance will bear a burden of sin like the burdens of those who follow him, without that diminishing their burdens in the least.”

He also said:

“There are men in Medina who have been with you on every journey you have made and in every valley you have crossed.”

They asked, “Even though they are in Medina?”

He replied, “Even though they are in Medina. They were held back by a valid excuse.”

Jihad means exerting one’s utmost effort—that is, all that lies within one’s capacity—to bring about what the True One loves