We are often told, especially during the special month of Rabi' al-Awwal during which Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) was born, that we should work on increasing our love for him. But many of us just do not know how! It can be very difficult to love someone you have never met, someone you have never seen a picture of, someone you have never talked to, someone who has lived in a world and place that were completely different from yours. We might understand the importance of carrying this love in our heart, and we sincerely want to, but we don't know where to even begin.

We are here to help! We have listed below 7 very practical ways to increase your love for the Prophet (SAWS) starting immediately!

10 Ways To Increase Your Love For The Prophet (SAWS)

1. Send salawaat upon the Prophet (SAWS)

One thing that is often overlooked is Allah's SWT command, in the Quran, for us to send prayers and blessings upon the Prophet (SAWS):
إِنَّ اللَّهَ وَمَلَائِكَتَهُ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى النَّبِيِّ ۚ يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا صَلُّوا عَلَيْهِ وَسَلِّمُوا تَسْلِيمًا
"Indeed, Allah confers blessing upon the Prophet, and His angels [ask Him to do so]. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to confer] blessing upon him and ask [Allah to grant him] peace." (Surah Al-Ahzaab, 33:56)

The Fortress of the Muslim (Hisn ul-Muslim) has many different salawaat listed which you can memorize. Try your best to make this a daily habit just like your dhikr.

2. Learn about the Prophet (SAWS)

For most people, it is difficult to truly love someone if you don't know them. Therefore one of the best ways to truly love the Prophet (SAWS) is by learning more about him. There are so many books, lectures, videos, study circles, and other resources out there about the Seerah, the life of the Prophet (SAWS): his actions, his appearance, his family and companions, his manners, his character, etc. The more you will learn about him, the more you will love him (SAWS) insha'Allah.

3. Learn about the Sunnah

The Sunnah refers to the traditions and practices of the Prophet (SAWS), his sayings and teachings. The Sunnah is an integral part of Islam we should try our best to learn about the Sunnah so that we can do our best to apply as much of it in our daily lives as possible.

Since reading ahadeeth (narrations) can be tricky to navigate, we recommend studying the Sunnah either through your local mosque if they offer such programs, or through an online class.

4. Revive a Sunnah

Once you know more about the Sunnah, make sure to start implementing it as well. Knowledge is purposeless if it is not applied. Do not overwhelm yourself by trying to take on too many new habits at once as it will likely become too difficult and you might end up giving up. Think small but consistent, which is the Sunnah anyway! Also be realistic as to what you can achieve.

Some ideas: fast on Mondays and/or Thursdays, learn a new dua, start with the right side when getting dressed, etc.

Keep reading below!

5. Build and nurture your relationship with the Quran

The Quran and the Sunnah go hand in hand, so make sure to also dedicate some of your time and efforts to study the Quran. From learning how to recite it properly by applying tajweed rules like the Prophet (SAWS) did it, to reciting it and looking up a translation and tafseer, to memorizing it and reflecting upon it based on your learning around its meaning, make the Quran your life companion, just as it was the Prophet's (SAWS) life companion.

6. Strive to be the best version of yourself

The Prophet (SAWS) was the best person to ever walk the face of this earth. He was a human being, and by definition, he was not perfect, as only Allah SWT is Perfection, but he (SAWS) is the best and greatest role model we can possibly have. Throughout his life, he (SAWS) always tried to be the best version of himself and therefore we should work towards that as well insha'Allah.

Make sure to download our FREE eBook Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ): The Greatest Person, to learn more about the Prophet's (SAWS) character!

7. If you can, go visit Makkah and Madinah

This might not be possible for many of us, especially as long as we are still living in the midst of a global pandemic and travel restrictions are enforced in most countries. However, we can all make the intention and yearn to visit the cities of our beloved Prophet (SAWS), whether for Hajj, Umrah or as a visitor outside of these occasions. While the cities look very different now from what they looked like at the time of the Prophet (SAWS), Muslims who are able to go there usually report feeling an increased love for Allah SWT and His Messenger (SAWS), because these places are historically, emotionally and spiritually charged for us believers.

May Allah SWT increase our love for Him and His Messenger (SAWS), make us of those who apply the knowledge they acquire, and reunite us with the Prophet (SAWS) in Paradise, ameen!