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English_Biography_Shefa_of_Prophet_Muhammad, page : 138
Prophet Abraham was called the close friend of Allah "khalilu'llah" on account of the ultimate intensity of his devotion to Allah. The friendship of Allah to Abraham was that He made him victorious and a role model. On the other hand, there are those who define the root of "khalil", which is "khulla" meaning "in need" as being "a poor person in need". Abraham was known by this title because his need was only in his Lord and he was devotedly dependant upon Him for his needs and did not depend upon others.
Abu Bakr Furack's son defined the word "khulla" with the meaning of "pure love" that necessitates a person being singled out for the purpose of being infused by secrets."
It has also been said that the root of the word "khulla" is love, and incorporates kindness, help, raising and intercession. This is founded in the verse that reads, "The Jews and Christians say, 'We are the children of Allah and His loved ones.' Say (Prophet Muhammad), 'Why then does He punish you for your sins?' (5:18). It is inconceivable that if a person is beloved that, he should be punished for his sins! (Shaykh Darwish commented: The Prophethood has perspectives between people and the prophet, whereas the friendship has a perspective between Allah and Prophet Muhammad which makes it very special.)
It has been said that 'khulla' is stronger than offspring because Allah said, "Some of your wives and children are enemies, so beware of them" (64:14), whereas enmity cannot be linked to khulla.
Because of their devotion to Allah, both Prophets Abraham and Muhammad, peace be upon them, were titled "close friends." They looked to Him for all their needs and severed themselves from needing anyone else. And, it was either because of the greatness of the concealed kindness of Allah to them, and the disclosed knowledge of the Divine secrets they received, as well as the matters of the Unseen worlds and faith with which they were infused in their inner self that they forsook other means and causes. Or, because their hearts had been purified from anything other than Him, so that love for anything else was prevented from reaching them. For this reason a scholar said, "A person who is 'khalil' is one whose heart has no room for anyone other than Allah."
Accordingly, the same scholar is of the opinion that this is what the Prophet referred to when he said, "If I were to have taken a close friend other than my Lord, I would have taken Abu Bakr, however, in Islam there is brotherhood."
Opinions vary among the knowledgeable of the matters relating to the heart as to which is the higher degree and the question arises is the degree of close friendship, or the degree of love the higher? On the other hand there are those who consider both degrees as being equal to one another saying that the beloved is a close friend
Abu Bakr Furack's son defined the word "khulla" with the meaning of "pure love" that necessitates a person being singled out for the purpose of being infused by secrets."
It has also been said that the root of the word "khulla" is love, and incorporates kindness, help, raising and intercession. This is founded in the verse that reads, "The Jews and Christians say, 'We are the children of Allah and His loved ones.' Say (Prophet Muhammad), 'Why then does He punish you for your sins?' (5:18). It is inconceivable that if a person is beloved that, he should be punished for his sins! (Shaykh Darwish commented: The Prophethood has perspectives between people and the prophet, whereas the friendship has a perspective between Allah and Prophet Muhammad which makes it very special.)
It has been said that 'khulla' is stronger than offspring because Allah said, "Some of your wives and children are enemies, so beware of them" (64:14), whereas enmity cannot be linked to khulla.
Because of their devotion to Allah, both Prophets Abraham and Muhammad, peace be upon them, were titled "close friends." They looked to Him for all their needs and severed themselves from needing anyone else. And, it was either because of the greatness of the concealed kindness of Allah to them, and the disclosed knowledge of the Divine secrets they received, as well as the matters of the Unseen worlds and faith with which they were infused in their inner self that they forsook other means and causes. Or, because their hearts had been purified from anything other than Him, so that love for anything else was prevented from reaching them. For this reason a scholar said, "A person who is 'khalil' is one whose heart has no room for anyone other than Allah."
Accordingly, the same scholar is of the opinion that this is what the Prophet referred to when he said, "If I were to have taken a close friend other than my Lord, I would have taken Abu Bakr, however, in Islam there is brotherhood."
Opinions vary among the knowledgeable of the matters relating to the heart as to which is the higher degree and the question arises is the degree of close friendship, or the degree of love the higher? On the other hand there are those who consider both degrees as being equal to one another saying that the beloved is a close friend