The greatest things to attain closeness–and beholding–of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) is:
- deep love and yearning for him,
- sending constant blessings upon him, with respect, love, and yearning,
- having deep respect for everything ascribed to him (peace and blessings be upon him) and for his noble ways (sunna), and
- sincerity in striving to follow that noble way, consistently, with excellence, outward and inward.
Rabi`a ibn Ka`b al-Aslami (Allah be pleased with him) relates that he would spend the night by the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and then bring him his water for ablution and serve him in any needs. One night, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said to him: “Ask!” Rabi`a said, “I ask you for your close company in Paradise.” The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) replied, “Is there anything else?” He said, “No, this is all.” The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) replied, “So assist me against yourself with much prostration.” [Muslim and others]
Abu Hurayra relates that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “By the One in whose grasp is my soul, none of you believes until I am more beloved to him than their parents and children. [Bukhari] And Anas relates that the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “No one truly believes until I am more beloved to them than their family, wealth, and all people.” [Muslim]
And Allah alone gives success.
