How To Be Allah’s Favorite?

If man wishes to become Allah’s favorite, he must follow Ahl al-Bayt at the top of whom is Allah’s Messenger. This adherence will lead man gradually to spiritual purification to the extent of his capacity. Hence, he will become Allah’s favorite. To reach this station, it is only possible through Ahl al-Bayt, for they are the straight path and the best guides for the followers of spiritual path.

The criterion for being Allah’s favorite is Ahl al-Bayt who have asked us to compare ourselves with them to see whether we are liked or disliked by Allah:

فَإنَّكُمْ وَسِيلَتِي إلَى اللهِ، وَبِحُبِّكُمْ وَبِقُرْبِكُمْ أرْجُو نَجَاةً مِنَ اللهِ.

You, Ahl al-Bayt, are our means towards Allah. We set our hope on your station and love to be saved by Allah.[1]

Imam al-¯¡diq (a.s) says that the only thing which will bring us heaven is devotion in worshipping Allah and saying there is no god but Allah. Devotion is to act according to Allah’s commandments, to abstain from committing sin and to adhere to Ahl al-Bayt. When the Holy Prophet was asked what devotion is and how it is related to there is no god but Allah, he answered:

It is to act to what I have been sent for and to love my Ahl al-Bayt.

They asked him whether love for Ahl al-Bayt’s and acceptance of Imamate was part of the said formula, he said: yes.”[2]

The sane matter is expressed by Imam al-Ri¤¡ in a ¦ad¢th in Salsalat al-Dhahab (Golden Chain) in another way of reporting:

كَلِمَةُ لأ إلَهَ إلأ اللهُ حِصْنِي، فَمَنْ دَخَلَ حِصْنِي أمِنَ مِنْ عَذَابِي؛ بِشُرُوطِهَا وَأنَا مِنْ شُرُوطِهَا.

There is no god but Allah is my fortress. Whoever enters it will be immune from my punishment on one condition which is acceptance of my Imamate.[3]

Therefore, one who has no love for Ahl al-Bayt has not professed the unity of Allah either and he will be resurrected on the Judgment Day as an atheist.