Does Yearning to See the Prophet Mean Neglecting Family?
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
If my wife wishes to see the Prophet (peace be upon him) even at the cost of family, does this include separation or death, and would it mean she no longer loves me or would not feel pain from my absence?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I hope you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
No, your wife’s wish doesn’t signify a desire for death or separation from you. It certainly doesn’t mean she doesn’t love you. It reveals a spiritual yearning that beautifully coexists with, and even enriches, her human love and should coexist in every believer.
She would likely still feel pain in your absence because Islam cherishes human bonds and encourages us to honor them as part of our journey toward Allah, rather than asking us to let go of them for the sake of spiritual love.
Yearning to See the Prophet (Allah Bless Him and Give Him Peace)
A hadith is mentioned in the Chapter “One Who Would Love To Have Seen The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace), Even If That Was At The Expense Of His Family And His Wealth, ” reported by Abu Hurayra.
Abu Hurayra (Allah be pleased with him) reported the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,
“Among the strongest in love for me in my nation are some people who will come after me. One of them would wish to see me, even in place of his family and his wealth.” [Muslim]
A person may wish to give up his family and wealth to protect me (the Prophet) if he were to see me or reach me. Even though that may not be possible, wishing for it doesn’t require it to be realistic.
It could also mean, and Allah knows best, that he wishes to see the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) through spiritual vision while awake, as happens to some of Allah’s spiritually advanced friends (awliya’), or in a dream, as happens to many believers.
There are people who long deeply for such a vision, and feel that if they could gain it by giving up their family, wealth, or even their soul and everything they own, they would gladly do it — because they see that as true happiness in this life and the next. [Abdul-Haq al-Dehlawi, Lama‘at al-Tanqih]
I would like you to read through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.
Related: Love for the Prophet
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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received a traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
