Among the most important obligations upon the believer is that his love for Allah be greater than his love for anything else. This is not a matter of sentiment — it is a condition of faith. Allah says: "And those who believe are strongest in love for Allah." (Surah al-Baqarah: 165)
The verse makes clear that the defining characteristic of the true believer, compared to those who take rivals alongside Allah, is the strength and exclusivity of their love for Him. Loving Allah is not simply a feeling. It is an active, ongoing commitment that shapes every aspect of a Muslim's life.
Love for Allah Must Be Proven by Action
Allah says: "Say, if you love Allah then follow me — Allah will love you and forgive your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful." (Surah Ali Imran: 31)
This ayah is sometimes called the ayah of the test of love. It establishes that claiming to love Allah without following the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is a claim without substance. True love for Allah is demonstrated through adherence to the Sunnah — in prayer, in character, in dealings with others, and in every aspect of life. Love that does not produce obedience is not the love the Quran is describing.
This is the same principle explored in our piece on The Manner of Entering Paradise — that the words of faith mean little without the deeds and devotion that prove them.
The Fruit of Loving Allah
Allah says: "Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds — the Most Merciful will bestow love upon them." (Surah Maryam: 96)
When a believer loves Allah and demonstrates that love through righteous action, Allah places love for him in the hearts of the people of the earth. This is one of the most remarkable promises in the Quran — that the love of the creation is a consequence of the love of the Creator. The believer does not chase the approval of people. He chases the pleasure of Allah, and from that comes what he needs from the people.
How to Strengthen Love for Allah
Love for Allah is not static. It grows when it is nurtured and weakens when it is neglected. The scholars have identified several means by which a believer can increase his love for Allah:
Learn His names and attributes. You cannot love whom you do not know. Studying the names and attributes of Allah — His mercy, His generosity, His power, His wisdom — produces in the heart a natural love and awe that drives worship. This is why learning about Allah is the starting point of the Islamic sciences.
Reflect on His blessings. Every breath, every meal, every moment of health, every reunion with family — all of it is from Allah. The person who reflects on the blessings of Allah finds his heart turning toward Him in gratitude, and gratitude is one of the fruits of love.
Recite and reflect on the Quran. The Quran is the speech of Allah. Sitting with it, reciting it slowly, and reflecting on its meanings is one of the most direct means of increasing love for the One who spoke it. The heart that is regularly nourished by the Quran will find its love for Allah growing, while the heart that is distant from it will find that love weakening.
Increase voluntary acts of worship. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) reported that Allah said in a hadith qudsi: "My servant continues to draw near to Me with voluntary acts of worship until I love him." (Al-Bukhari) The nafl prayers, the voluntary fasts, the dhikr outside of the obligatory — these are the means by which the believer draws closer to Allah beyond what is required, and in that closeness love increases.
If you are looking for books to deepen your knowledge of Allah's names, attributes, and the way of loving Him through the Sunnah, we recommend The Key to Paradise by Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali | $8.00 and Who Is Allah? His Names and Attributes | $21.00 — both available at The Islamic Book Cafe.
Baarakallahu feekum — The Islamic Book Cafe | Portland, Oregon
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