The Hearts of the Prophet: A Glimpse into His Deepest Affections

Assalamu Alaikum, everyone. I was reading a beautiful narration that really touched my heart and I wanted to share it. It's about the people most beloved to our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The story goes that after a mission, one of his companions asked him, 'O Messenger of Allah, who amongst the people is dearest to you?' The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, 'Aisha.' The companion then asked, 'And who amongst the men?' He said, 'Her father,' meaning Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him). The companion asked again, 'And who next?' The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him).' SubhanAllah, it gives you such a warm feeling to think about the pure love and respect he had for his family and his closest companions. It shows us the beauty of those bonds grounded in faith. May Allah be pleased with them all and grant us the ability to love what He and His Messenger loved.