living islam _ islamic tradition

Hadith Eighteen

The Prophet's Description of the Attributes
By Which the Believer Obtains the Sweetness of Faith

It is narrated from Anas that the Prophet
said: "There are three traits by which, if they are
found in a person, that person shall obtain the
sweetness of faith:

[1.] One to whom Allah and His Messenger
are dearer than anyone else besides them;

[2.] who loves someone for no other reason than Allah's sake;

[3.] and who loathes to return into unbelief after Allah
has saved him from it as much as he would loathe to be thrown into a furnace [:That person shall obtain
the sweetness of faith].

Another versions states: "There are three traits by which,
if they are found in a person, that person
shall obtain the sweetness and taste of faith:

[1.] One to whom Allah and His Messenger are dearer
than anyone else besides them;

[2.] who loves in the way of Allah and hates in the
way of Allah;

[3.] who would consider that the kindling of a great
furnace and his falling into it are lovelier to him
than to associate anything or anyone with Allah
.