Al-Ḥāfiẓ Ibn Rajab narrates from Al-Ḥasan [al-Baṣrī] who said: “Some of the companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘By the One in whose Hand my soul lies, if you so will I shall surely swear by Allāh for you: Truly among Allāh’s most beloved servants are the ones who instil the love of Allāh within [the hearts] of His servants, and in turn they make the servants of Allāh beloved to Allāh. They go forth in this world spreading naṣīḥah [sincerely desiring that which is good for one another].

Farqad al-Sabakhī said: I’ve read in a few writings: ‘Beloved to Allāh is the leader who commands the leaders under him [with naṣīḥah]. His party will be from among the first on the Day of Judgement, and his station will be from among the closest on that day for the love [of Allāh] that has dispersed as a result of him. For love [of Allāh] is the true end goal of all acts of worship and strife. For the ones who love Allāh the Exalted in Might will never despair or regret from the strife they put forth in His cause. They love Him and His remembrance, and they try their utmost to make Him beloved to His creation. They proceed in this world spreading naṣīḥah. They fear for [His creation] on the day when their despicable actions are brought forth. Those are the close allies of Allāh, His beloved, and the choicest of His creation. Those are the ones who derive no true comfort except from finally meeting Him.’”

Source: Jāmiʿ al-Ulūm wa-al-Ḥikam: 235
Translated by: Riyāḍ al-Kanadī