In the vast collection of ḥadīth, moments where the Prophet ﷺ openly expresses personal love for a companion are rare and deeply moving. One such occasion was with the great companion, Muʿādh ibn Jabal (May Allah be pleased with him).
The Prophet ﷺ said to him:
يَا مُعَاذُ، وَاللَّهِ إِنِّي لَأُحِبُّكَ، فَلَا تَدَعْ أَنْ تَقُولَ فِي دُبُرِ كُلِّ صَلَاةٍ
O Muʿādh, by Allah, I love you. So do not forget to say after every prayer:
اللَّهُمَّ أَعِنِّي عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ، وَشُكْرِكَ، وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ
O Allah, help me to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You in the best way. (Abū Dāwūd)
Imagine being in Muʿādh’s place when hearing the Messenger of Allah ﷺ swear by Allah that he loves you. It was not only a declaration of affection but a bond of spiritual brotherhood. And in that same moment of love, the Prophet ﷺ gifted him a timeless duʿā, a key to deepening one’s connection with Allah in every prayer.
Muʿādh was known for his knowledge, wisdom, and sincerity. This personal expression of love was a unique honour, but it also carried a lesson for the Ummah: true love for the sake of Allah is tied to guiding one another towards remembrance, gratitude, and excellence in worship.