Strengthen the Love of the Prophet in a Child's Soul

As we reflect on the way the children of the Companions loved the Prophet (peace be upon him), we can note the following characteristics of these children.

They responded quickly and obediently to his call and orders. The more quickly one responds, the more lovable he will be. This is an obvious sign of love. 'Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah grant him peace) highlighted this point clearly.

He answered the Prophet when he was called to embrace Islam regardless of the people's opinions. It is a matter of belief and everyone is responsible for oneself only. At the age of eight, he showed bravery when his father saw him performing prayer secretly along with the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his wife, Khadijah.

We find that he was a wonderful example for being humble and immediate to respond to the Prophet's orders. He served the Prophet (peace be upon him) for ten years. During this period he abandoned the entertainment that other people of his age would have desired. He did so to respond to the Prophet's commands.  In this regard, Anas reported, "Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) came to me as I was playing with some playmates.  He greeted me and sent me on an errand ..."

They proved a higher status in this connection; as they met the Prophet's needs even before being asked to do so. This estimates to nothing except the permanent value of love. Al-Bukhari  reported  on the authority  of Ibn 'Abbas (may  Allah be pleased  with them  both)  "The  Prophet  (peace  be upon  him) once entered   the  bathroom, then  I  prepared   water   for ablution  for him. Thereupon he asked, "Who brought this (water)?"  As  he  was  informed  (who  had  done this),  he  prayed  for  me saying,  "O Allah!  Make him (i.e. Ibn 'Abbas) understand religion thoroughly. "