Reciprocate the Love [2:165]

In our journey toward fostering well-being, we must recognize and nourish our innate need for connection with the Divine. Over the next three days, we will explore three key aspects of developing a meaningful connection and relationship with Allah:

1. Love of Allah
2. Awe of Allah
3. Submission to Allah

Today, we begin with Love of Allah—the foundation upon which a sincere and fulfilling relationship with Him is built.

Beginning with Love

 Love is a powerful force—it attracts us, draws us closer, and deepens our connections. When we love someone, we naturally want to know more about them, to spend time with them, and to seek their pleasure. Our journey toward Allah begins with love because it is the strongest motivator for devotion, worship, and obedience. Love transforms our connection with Him from a set of obligations into a personal, reciprocal and soul fulfilling relationship.

Allah’s Love for Us

One of the most beautiful reassurances in the Quran is that Allah loves His creation. In Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:54), He describes His special love for the believers:

 "Allah will bring forth a people whom He loves and who love Him..."

 This verse reminds us that He loves us first. His love is not distant or conditional; it is constant, encompassing, and deeply personal. Recognizing this love inspires us to draw closer to Him and strengthen our connection with Him.

 The Strongest Love

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:165), Allah describes two types of people:

"And there are some among mankind who take others as equals to Allah, they love them as they should love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah."

 This verse highlights a crucial distinction. Some people attach their deepest love to worldly figures or objects, equating them with Allah in devotion and attachment. Their world centres around something or someone which is other than Allah and that is their master.

 The Arabic word 'Andad' أندادًا  used in this verse refers to equals or rivals—things or people that are loved, obeyed, or depended on as one should rely on Allah. This can include leaders, material possessions, ambitions, or even personal desires that take precedence in one's heart. The verse reminds us that true faith strengthens and prioritizes love for Allah above all else.

But those who truly believe have a love for Allah that surpasses all else. Their love is not superficial or symbolic; it is real, powerful, and life-shaping. It is at the centre of their existence and their world is structured based on this love.

 What Increases the Love of Allah?

Loving Allah is not merely an abstract concept; it is an emotion deeply rooted in belief and cultivated through conscious effort. The more we recognize His presence in our lives, the deeper our love for Him grows. Here are some ways to strengthen this love:

1. Knowing Allah’s Qualities– Reflecting on His names and attributes, His mercy, justice, wisdom, and compassion nurtures a profound admiration and love.
2. Appreciating His Blessings– Everything we have—our health, relationships, sustenance, guidance, even the ability to be appreciate His blessings —is from Him. Acknowledging these gifts fosters gratitude and love.
3. Understanding His Love for Us– Allah’s love is greater than that of any parent for their child. He calls us back to Him with mercy and compassion, always forgiving and guiding.
4. Engaging with and reflecting on His Word – the Quran is Allah’s love letter to us, His manual for living life. By reading, understanding and reflecting on His word, our knowledge of Him and love for Him naturally grows.
5. Dhikr and Reflection– Regular remembrance of Allah through prayer, supplication, and reflection strengthens our connection with Him and deepens our love.

The Du’a of Those Who Love Allah

In Sahifa Sajjadiyyah, Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.) beautifully articulates the yearning of a heart in love with its Creator: 

"I ask from You love for You, and love for those who love You, love for every work which will join me to Your nearness. And that You make Yourself more beloved to me than anything other than You. And make my love for You lead to Your pleasure, and my yearning for You protect against disobeying You." (Munajat al-Muhibbin – The Whispered Prayer of Those Who Love Allah)

This prayer encapsulates the essence of divine love—not only loving Allah but seeking to make Him the most beloved presence in our hearts. It also reminds us that true love leads to obedience, aligning our actions with His pleasure.

 Reflection for Today

 As we continue on this journey of strengthening our relationship with Allah, let us ask ourselves:

• What competes with my love for Allah in my heart?
• How can I actively increase my love for Him?
• How does my relationship with Allah shape my daily decisions and priorities?

May Allah grant us hearts that love Him above all else, and may this love bring us closer to His infinite mercy and guidance. Ameen.

The podcast episode is uploaded here

And have you subscribed to the YouTube channel and Podcast? It will ensure you will not miss a single episode and you can catch up on past episodes as well!
Wishing you a day full of spiritual fulfillment, positivity, purpose and peace.