It is stated in the hadiths that those who suffer the pangs of love and protect their chastity by concealing it are “the superior ones of my ummah”. Does this love have to be concealed?

- Is that reward for those whose love are unknown by others?

Dear Brother / Sister,

The following is stated in the hadiths:

“A person who dies after hiding his love and preserving his chastity is regarded as a martyr.” (see Kanzul-Ummal, h. no: 6999-7000; Hakim, Khatib)

“Allah forgives the sins of the patient people who conceal their love and preserve their chastity and puts them in Paradise.” (Ibn Asakir)

So, it is very rewarding in our religion to preserve chastity and to avoid sinning because of falling in love. Since love generally blinds people, it is difficult to prevent oneself from sinning. The reward (thawab) for accomplishing difficult tasks is bigger. The following is stated in a hadith:

“The superior people of my ummah are those who preserve their chastity when they are subjected to the trouble of love.” (Daylami)

According to the hadith, love must be concealed in order to achieve the reward in question.

Questions on Islam