Hakeemul Ummah Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thaanwi Sahib رحمه الله has said that it is mentioned in the Hadīth; “A person has not believed as long as I am more beloved to him than his father, his child and all mankind.” In this Hadīth the Muhabbat (Love) which is stated as a condition for Īmān, is generally understood to be Muhabbate Tabiah (Emotional Love). However, this understanding is erroneous. The meaning here is Muhabbate Aqliah (Intellectual Love), the consequence of which is perfect obedience (i.e. to the Shariah).
(SOURCE: MALFOOZAAT OF HAZRAT MOULANA ASHRAF ALI THAANWI SAHIB رحمه الله, PART 6)