and firm resolutions. For whether love is a form of will or something distinct that necessarily entails will, it must be accompanied by intention and resolve. It therefore cannot be said, “This is among the inner thoughts that are pardoned.” Rather, as stated in the hadith narrated by al-Tirmidhī:

“The firmest bonds of faith are love for Allah’s sake and hatred for Allah’s sake.”

In the two Sahih collections, Anas reports that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“By Him in whose hand is my soul, none of you believes until I am dearer to him than his child, his father, and all people.”

In Sahih al-Bukhārī, ‘Abd Allāh ibn Hishām reported:

“We were with the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, while he was holding ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb’s hand. ‘Umar said, ‘O Messenger of Allah, you are dearer to me than everything except myself.’

“The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, ‘No, by Him in whose hand is my soul—not until I am dearer to you than your own self.’

“‘Umar said, ‘Then you are now dearer to me than my own self.’ The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, ‘Now, O ‘Umar.’”

Indeed, Allah Most High has said:

“Say, ‘If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your spouses, your clan, wealth you have acquired, trade whose decline you fear, and homes you delight in are dearer to you than Allah, His Messenger, and striving in His cause, then wait until Allah brings about His command. And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.’”

Consider this stern warning with which Allah has threatened those whose families and wealth are dearer to them than Allah, His Messenger, and striving in His cause. It is therefore clear that it is obligatory