Glad tidings for the pious in the Holy Quran and the Hadith

We can understand the status of the saints with the fact that Almighty Allah has declared His love for them.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) has obviated their wide recognition.  The saints are given glad tidings about their recognition personally as well.  In dreams, they are given glad tidings of high stations.  The grace and benevolence on these saints has been described by ‘Allama Nasiruddin Baydhawi (May Allah shower His mercy on him) in these words:

Translation: These are the glad tidings which are given to the pious through the words of Almighty Allah and the blessed tongue of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Honors are rained upon them through pure dreams, divine inspirations and spiritual unveilings.  They are given glad tidings through angels before their demise.  The angels greet them in the hereafter.  They are given glad tidings of peace and solace and of being granted success and honors.  (Anwaar Ut Tanzeel Wa Asrar Ut Ta'aweel Lil Baydhawi, Surah Younus-64)

 

The fame of the saints in the earthly and spiritual worlds

The expeditiously received glad tidings are a sign of Allah’s pleasure and approval.  It is a sign of divine love as their turning to Allah is itself a sign of their divine acceptance.  Their hearts become radiant and this becomes apparent on their faces as well.  Their foreheads shine with a divine light.  The signs of asceticism and piety are expressed in their lives due to which the populace draws close to them.  They present themselves to them.  They mention their greatness.  They express their love and devotion for them.  They seek and draw blessings from them.  This devotion is not their personal act nor does anyone else bind them to do so, but they are divinely guided to do so.  There is a Hadith in Sahih Bukhari and other reliable books of Hadith:

Translation: Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (May Allah be well pleased with him) relates that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  When Almighty Allah loves a person, He tells Jibreel (May peace be upon him):  Allah loves so and so a person, you also love him (or her).  Then Jibreel (May peace be upon him) also starts loving that person.  Jibreel (May peace be upon him) announces in the heavens:  Verily, Allah loves so and so a person, so you also love him.  Then the dwellers of the heavens start loving that person.  Then that person’s renown is placed on the earth.  (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 3209; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 6873; Muwatta Imam Malik, Hadith No. 1747; Musnad Imam Ahmed bin Hambal, Hadith No. 7840)

Just think over this!  They are mentioned in the heavens.  Their greatness is described in the spiritual realms.  As they are the beloved of Almighty Allah, the angels love them and make them their beloved.  This love doesn’t stop there, but it is placed on the earth and love for them is cast into the hearts of people.