Christians loved ꜤĪsā عَلَیْہِ السَّلَام [to the extent of] elevating him to a position which was not his.”

After narrating this Hadith, Sayyidunā Ali رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ stated, “O people, listen! In relation to me, two types of people will be ruined: [1] those that go to extremes in their love for me; they will attribute to me qualities which are not in me. [2] Those that harbour hatred for me. Their hatred will lead them to slander me.” ^[1]

Mufti Aḥmad Yār Khān NaꜤīmī رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه states regarding this Hadith:

Love for Sayyidunā Ali b. Abī Ṭālib رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ is a principle of faith, but impermissible exaggeration in love is a bad thing. However, hatred of Sayyidunā Ali b. Abī Ṭālib رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ is absolutely forbidden, in fact, it is sometimes kufr.^[2]

Dear Islamic brothers, we come to know that love of Sayyidunā Ali رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ which causes a person to exceed the limits of shariah does not bring about salvation, nor is it a sign of faith. Rather, this love leads a person towards destruction. True love for Sayyidunā Ali رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ is when a person remains within the boundaries of shariah. This is the love which brings about one’s salvation, and it is this love which has been declared a sign of faith.

Here, a question may come to mind: “What is true love for Sayyidunā Ali رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ, and how do we recognise this?” In relation to this, the honourable scholars have written a number of requirements and signs. Two of these are as follows: