I love you for the sake of Allah (SWT) …

Once Hazrat Ali was sitting in his house with his two young children, Hazrat Abbas, his son, and Bibi Zainab, his daughter.

Hazrat Ali (as) said to Hazrat Abbas, “Say Wahid (one)”. Hazrat Ali (as) then asked him to “say Isnain (Two)”. Hazrat Abbas replied, “I feel ashamed to utter ‘two’ from the same tongue which just said ‘one’”.

Hazrat Ali (as) hugged his son, pleased at such a charming expression. The reply from Hazrat Abbas indicated how deeply devoted he was in his belief in Tawheed, that is, Oneness of Allah (SWT). A true believer never likes to even imagine any association with Allah (SWT).

Bibi Zainab then asked, “Dear, father, do you love me?” Hazrat Ali (as) said, “Yes, of course, my children are like a part of my heart”. On hearing this, she said, “You also love Allah (SWT). How can two loves be in one heart of a true believer, the love of Allah (SWT) and that of children?

Hazrat Ali (as) smiled and replied, “Love Allah (SWT) and for the sake of His love, you love His creatures; children and fellow beings too. I love you for the sake of Allah (SWT).”