Published on 20th January, 2003

The Qur'anic Concept of Love

By Steven Malik Shelton

It  is very apparent from the ayahs I have studied in the Qur'an (and there are dozens in which love is mentioned) that the term love is utilized in its purest, most beneficial context whenever it is used in direct, affirmative connection with Allah. And although it is often used in relation to many other people, places, and circumstances; these kinds of love are always used to convey something which is, or may be, a distraction, a shortcoming, or a detriment to real Love. (i.e. the Love of Allah).

Whenever Allah (swt) speaks of love in the positive most beneficial sense. He reveals that this love is something that He put into place, or that He is directly responsible for. And it is this Love which is the most worthy and sublime.

For example in Surah "The Byzantines", (30:21) Allah speaks about the relationship between husband and wife:

"He (Allah) has put Love and Mercy between your hearts."
(30:21)

And in Surah "Ta Ha," (20:39) Allah reveals:

''I cast the garment of Love over thee from Me."
(20:39)

When we turn our attention to some of the ayahs where love is mentioned, as a negative force we can discern a striking difference in the qualifying aspects.

In Surah "Yusuf", Sura 12 ayah 30 we find a description and a condemnation of carnal affection or ''violent'' love thus:

''Truly hath he (Yusuf) inspired thee with violent love; 
we see she is evidently going astray."
(12:30)

In this sensual type of love, Allah (swt) reveals very clearly that this emotion is irrational, dangerous, violent, and that it leads astray, and subsequently, is pointing to the excruciating torment and death of Hell Fire.

In Surah ''The Spider'' (29:17) Allah sheds more Light on the false love of idols:

"For you have taken for worship idols besides Allah, out of mutual love and regard between yourselves and this life.''
(29:17) 

Not only is this love false, but even in its mendacity it is limited and futile. A mere shadow of the fleeting life of this earthly existence.

In the "Table Spread'' (5:54) Allah (swt) speaks to us about the true aspect of love and again, He connects it to the Love of Himself:

"Soon will Allah produce a people whom He will love as they love Him."
(5:54)

Foolish indeed is a love that is mesmerized by the creation, yet has severed its ties to the Creator and Fashioner (Allah). Surely we must be on guard against the snares of Satan, who does all he can to distract us, and seduce us with illusions, false concepts and sugar-coated lies.

Allah speaks and warns for our spiritual health and edification in 2:165 "The Cow":

''Yet there are men who take (for worship) others besides Allah, as equal (with Allah): 
They love them as they should love Allah.''
(5:54)

Human history is ripe with societies and civilizations that were destroyed because of the  neglect of true Love and/or the obedience to Allah (swt). The delusional fixation with the love of something or someone other than Allah (swt) or along with Allah (swt), is a most despicable and in some instances an unpardonable sin. Sad to say, in most  present day societies these same fixations and deviant practices are very evident and pervasive. And of course with these practices come the cancers of moral decadence, heathenism, spiritual sickness, and debauchery.

From the ayahs and Surahs in the Qur'an, it appears that it is not so much the intensity of love or the emotional content that is important. The true test of love is whether love is first and foremost recognized as a gift from Allah, and whether it is directed willingly and consciously back to Allah (swt). This is not only the highest form of love or love at its best, it is in reality, the only kind of Love which is acceptable to Allah; for without its expression all other forms are null and void.

Let us  reflect over the revelation of Allah Most High in 3:103, of The Holy Qur'an:

"And hold fast, altogether, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves; 
and remember with gratitude Allah's Favour on you;
 for you were enemies and He joined your hearts in Love, 
so that by His Grace, you became brothers; 
And you were on the brink of the Pit of Fire, and He saved you from it. 
Thus does Allah make His Signs clear to you; that you may be guided.''
(3:103)