Why must we love, obey, follow, and respect our Messenger Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, to the utmost degree, or more than anyone else?

Allah Almighty has made obedience to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, obligatory, and has considered it obedience to Him. He has warned against disobeying him. So, whoever turns away from him should beware of tribulation and painful punishment. A Muslim's faith is not complete until the Prophet is more beloved to him than his own self, his father, his child, and all people; because the greatest good in this world and the Hereafter is achieved only by following him. It is he who saves from Allah's punishment and leads to His mercy. Also, the Prophet has more right over the believers than their own selves due to his complete advice and compassion towards them. Therefore, the wrath of Allah and the Fire are the greatest dread from which there is no salvation except through the Messenger, and the pleasure of Allah and Paradise are the greatest desired goals which cannot be attained except through the Messenger.