Understanding the Significance of Love for Allāh in Islam
VIRTUES OF LOVE FOR THE SAKE OF ALLĀH.
ALLĀH says:
"Close friends will be enemies to one another on that Day, except the righteous, ˹who will be told,˺ “O MY servants! There is no fear for you Today, nor will you grieve— ˹those˺ who believed in Our signs and were Muslims." {Az-Zukhruf || Verse 67-69}Abu Huraira (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of ALLĀH (ﷺ) said, “Verily, ALLĀH will say on the Day of Resurrection: Where are those who love each other for the sake of MY majesty? Today, I will shelter them in MY shade on a day when there is no shade but MINE.” {Muslim #2566}Anas ibn Malik reported: A man was with the Prophet (ﷺ) when another man passed by and he said, “O Messenger of ALLĀH, I love this man.” The Prophet asked, “Have you told him?” He said no. The Prophet said, “Tell him.” So he went to the man and he said, “I love you for the sake of ALLĀH.” The other man said, “May ALLĀH, for whose sake you love me, also love you.” {Sunan Abi Dawud #5125}Ibn ‘Abbās (may ALLĀH be pleased with them) said: “Love for ALLĀH and hate for ALLĀH, make your enmity because of ALLĀH and your allegiance because of ALLĀH; for indeed, the love and support of ALLĀH is not achieved except through this. A man will never taste true faith – though he may pray and fast much – except when he is in such a state. Today, brotherhood is based upon worldly life, but this will not do anything for them on the day of resurrection.” {Jāmi’ al-Ulum wal Hikam || Page 30}
These highlight the importance of genuine love for the sake ALLĀH, and the consequences of superficial relationships based on worldly benefits. True friendship is rooted in belief and devotion to ALLĀH, and those who prioritize these bonds will be rewarded with divine protection and companionship on the Day of Judgment. Conversely, relationships built on worldly interests will crumble under the weight of adversity, leaving individuals isolated and vulnerable.