Islam is a religion that highly emphasizes love and compassion in every aspect of life. Love in Islam encompasses a deep relationship with Allah Ta’ala, Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, fellow human beings, and all other creatures. True love in Islam is based on faith and aims to achieve Allah’s pleasure. This article will explore the importance of love in Islam, how it should be manifested in daily life, and its role in relationships with Allah, Rasulullah, and fellow humans.
Love for Allah Ta’ala
Love for Allah Ta’ala is the foundation of a Muslim’s faith. Without love for Him, a Muslim cannot achieve true faith. Allah Ta’ala says in the Qur’an:
قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِى يُحْبِبْكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ
“Say: ‘If you (really) love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive your sins. Allah is Forgiving, Merciful” (QS. Ali Imran: 31).
This verse emphasizes that love for Allah must be expressed by following the teachings of Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. Love for Allah encourages Muslims to obey His commands and avoid His prohibitions, reflected not only in acts of worship but also in everyday actions and interactions.
Love for Rasulullah Shallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam
Loving Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam is an essential part of a Muslim’s faith. He is the best example of how to love Allah and express that love in real life. In his famous Hadith, Rasulullah said:
لاَ يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى أَكُونَ أَحَبَّ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ وَالِدِهِ وَوَلَدِهِ وَالنَّاسِ أَجْمَعِينَ
“None of you will have faith until I am more beloved to him than his father, his children, and all people.” (HR. Al-Bukhari).
To love Rasulullah means to follow his teachings, adhere to his Sunnah, and embody his noble character. This love should extend beyond religious rituals and into the social realm, promoting justice, mercy, and empathy for others.
Also read:Balance Between Worldly Life and Hereafter According to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Love for the Sake of Allah (Mahabbah Fillah)
In Islam, the most noble love is love for the sake of Allah, or mahabbah fillah. This is pure, selfless love based on faith and obedience to Allah Ta’ala. Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said:
مَنْ أَحَبَّ لِلَّهِ وَأَبْغَضَ لِلَّهِ وَأَعْطَى لِلَّهِ وَمَنَعَ لِلَّهِ فَقَدِ اسْتَكْمَلَ الإِيمَانَ
“Whoever loves for the sake of Allah, hates for the sake of Allah, gives for the sake of Allah, and withholds for the sake of Allah, has completed his faith.” (HR. Abu Dawud).
This love encourages Muslims to maintain unity and solidarity, free from worldly interests, but focused on seeking Allah’s pleasure.
Love in Family Life
Islam places great emphasis on love and compassion within family life. The relationship between husband and wife must be based on love, respect, and responsibility. Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said:
خَيْرُكُمْ خَيْرُكُمْ لأَهْلِهِ وَأَنَا خَيْرُكُمْ لأَهْلِي
“The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family.” (HR. At-Tirmidhi).
This Hadith underscores the importance of building a harmonious family life grounded in love. Husbands and wives must respect and support each other, and parents must show love and compassion to their children and elderly relatives.
Also read:Faith, Knowledge, and Deeds: The Three Foundations of Act in Islam
Love for Fellow Humans
In addition to love for Allah, Rasulullah, and family, Islam also teaches the importance of loving fellow humans. Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said:
لاَ يُؤْمِنُ أَحَدُكُمْ حَتَّى يُحِبَّ لأَخِيهِ مَا يُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِهِ
“None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (HR. Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
This Hadith illustrates that love for others is a sign of complete faith. It encourages empathy, care, and a desire to see good come to others as one desires for oneself.
Conclusion
Love in Islam is not merely an emotional feeling but a practical action to be manifested in daily life. Love for Allah Ta’ala, Rasulullah shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, family, and fellow humans is an integral part of a Muslim’s faith. True love in Islam is rooted in faith and obedience to Allah, and it aims to achieve His pleasure.
Also read:Can Faith (Iman) Really Increase and Decrease?
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