Fourthly, Following, obeying and adhering firmly to the guidance of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him:

The basic principle regarding the actions and words of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, are to be followed and imitated. In this regard, Allah, The Almighty, Says (what means): {There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.} [Quran 33: 21]

Ibn Katheer, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: "This Ayah (verse) is an important principle, to follow the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, in all his words, and deeds, etc. Hence Allah commanded the people to take the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, as an example on the day of Al-Ahzaab (i.e. The Confederates), with regard to patience, guarding, striving and waiting for Allah, The Almighty, to provide the way out."

Moreover, Allah, The Almighty, stated in many verses the obligation of obeying the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, such as saying (what means): {He who obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah; but those who turn away - We have not sent you over them as a guardian.} [Quran 4: 80]

Allah, The Almighty, also commands His slaves to refer all disputes to Him and His Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, saying (what means): {O you who have believed, obey Allah and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result.} [Quran 4: 59]

Also, there are many Prophetic narrations reported regarding encouraging following, obeying and adhering firmly to the guidance and the way of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, honoring his command and prohibitions. Amongst this is the statement of the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him:

•   "Perform the prayer in much the same way you see me praying"

•   "Take from me your Hajj rites."

•   “Adhere to my Sunnah and to the Sunnah of the rightly guided Caliphs. Bite on to it with your molar teeth, and beware of newly invented matters, for verily every Bid‘ah (innovation) is a going astray.”

Imam Al-Khattaabi, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: "He, peace and blessings be upon him, means with this the seriousness of adhering firmly to his Sunnah as if one who holds something with his molar teeth and very keen on not letting anyone to take it from him. This is the best example for holding something seriously and strongly. That is because if one holds it with his front teeth it will be easy to be taken."

Obeying the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, is the best and truthful proof of loving the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him. That is because the more increase of love, the more obedience will be. Therefore, Allah, The Almighty, Says (what means): {Say, [O Muhammad], "If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful."} [Quran 3: 31]

Obedience is the fruit of love. In this regard, a poet said:

You disobey God; you pretend, nevertheless, to love Him, which is incredible;

For if you truly loved Him, you would obey Him; for he who loves, obeys

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