((أَحَبَّكَ الَّذِي أَحْبَبْتَنِي لَهُ)).
(Ahabbakal-lathee ahbabtanee lah.)
(May He, for whom you have loved me, love you.)
Source & authenticity
Source: Hisn al-Muslim · Reference: Hisn al-Muslim 89
Translation: Hisn al-Muslim (Fortress of the Muslim), Sa'id al-Qahtani — see site-wide attribution
IslamicInfo presents the source information available in its current verified database and does not issue religious rulings.
Context & meaning
The sentence turns the statement it answers back onto the one who made it. Someone has said they love for the sake of Allah; the reply asks that the One for whose sake that love was given should Himself love them. Allah is not addressed but described, and described only by His relation to the love just declared. The whole reply is a single clause, and it requests nothing for the speaker.
When & how to recite
Abu Dawud records this from Anas ibn Malik, said in reply to that declaration.
Reflection
The reply does not return the declaration in kind. It asks for something larger than what was offered and directs it away from the speaker entirely.
About these notesThe notes above explain the wording of the supplication as it is translated on this page. They add no commentary, history or ruling beyond it.
Common questions
What does this supplication actually say?
In English it reads: “May He, for whom you have loved me, love you.” The sentence turns the statement it answers back onto the one who made it.
Can I read it without Arabic script?
The romanisation used on this page is: “Ahabbakal-lathee ahbabtanee lah.”
What is the source for this?
Referenced as Sunan Abi Dawud 5127.
When should you say it?
Abu Dawud records this from Anas ibn Malik, said in reply to that declaration. The reply does not return the declaration in kind.