'Ishq-e-Rasul (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam)

The 'Ishq or love for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) is not something to be said verbally. It is something to be lived. That is, we must follow the Sunnah of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) in all aspects of life. An Aashiq-e-Rasul (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) cannot, at any time, neglect practicing the Sunnah of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) because Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) said:

"The one, who loved my Sunnah, has loved me..."

Therefore, how is it possible that an Aashiq does not practice the principle of the one whom he loves? 

That is why, a real Aashiq-e-Rasul (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) cannot refrain from keeping a beard. Likewise, a real Aashiq-e-Rasul (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) cannot wear a trouser or an Izaar that covers his ankles. Similarly, an Aashiq-e-Rasul (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) cannot follow the fashion of others and at the same time, pretend to love Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam).

The Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) had a lot of 'Muhabbat' (love) for Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam). They followed Nabi (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) meticulously / in the minutest thing possible. They did not have the notion of showing this Muhabbat only for a few days. That is why we must also love Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) in the same way as the Sahaabah-e-Kiraam (Radiyallahu Anhum) loved him. We must show our love for Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alaihi Wasallam) everyday by living according to his Sunnah.

[English version of "Ishq-e-Rasoul" – Al Jamiat – Vol.4 No.12]