How can one actualize (their) love for the Messenger (peace be upon him)? A – Love of the Messenger (peace be upon him) and love of Allah is actualized by following the Messenger (peace be upon him), and everyone who follows the Messenger (peace be upon him) is more eligible for the love of Allah and the love of His Messenger. Allah says: Say: “If you (really) love Allah then follow me (Muhammad), Allah will love you.” (Qur'an, 3:31) The sign of this love is that a person inquires about his Sunnah, follows it and does not add or take anything away from it. Those who innovate in (the religion) with regard to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and justify it by saying this is due to their love and honoring of the Prophet, then in reality they neither love him nor honor him. Because true love and honor is in following his instructions, and not adding or leaving anything from the Shariah. Whoever desires to innovate in the Shariah of Allah what is not from it, then his love of Allah and His Messenger is limited without doubt. Perfection of manners and honor means one should not put himself before Allah and His Messenger. Allah said: O you who believe! Do not put (yourselves) forward before Allah and His Messenger, and fear Allah. Verily! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. O you who believe! Raise not your voices above the voice of the Prophet, nor speak aloud to him in talk as you speak aloud to one another, lest your deeds may be rendered fruitless while you perceive not. (Qur'an, 49:1-2) – Sheikh Bin Uthaymeen; Fatawa Noor Alad
