Is it permissible to seek nearness to Allah through love for the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him)?

The questioner : Now, if he says, “O Allah, I ask You by my love for the Messenger of Allah.”

The Shaykh : Seeking nearness to Allah through his love for the Messenger of Allah, what do you say, my brother? Correct? Good. Well done. If he says, “O Allah, I ask You by my love for the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) that You love me,” is that permissible, brothers? Is it permissible? Yes, it is permissible. Because loving the Messenger (may Allah praise and bless him) is obedience and worship, and it is among the best of acts of worship. So it is a means for the acceptance of supplication.