Love in Islam – A Necessary Ingredient

Sister Theresa wrote: Over the past couple years of reading and listening to lectures about Islam and comparative religion, I have started to look at the three major monotheistic religions in a different light.

I started to realize that Christianity tends to appeal more to the emotions.

Christians will tell that God is love and that their faith is a rich, inner experience. This is true and a beautiful way to look at faith.

In Judaism, on the other hand, education remains one of the highest principles.

There is an emphasis on learning tenets and laws. To many Jews, religion is a life-long cerebral process. This is a noble and very beneficial practice as they claim.

But Islam surpasses the two..

God calls Himself Al-Wadud. God says in the Quran: Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured. (13:28)

Likewise, In Islam, education is vital. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Majah)

So there is a lifelong obligation to continue to acquire knowledge.

In fact, the first verses of Quran revealed to Prophet Muhammad had to do with gaining knowledge: Read! In the Name of your Lord Who has created (all that exists). He has created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous. Who has taught (the writing) by the pen. He has taught man that which he knew not. (96: 1-5)

We cannot leave out knowledge. If we do, we will be those who are lead astray.

We cannot leave out love either. If we do, we will be those who have earned God’s unacceptance. And we ask God to save us from these fates every time we pray.

In the meaning of the Ayah: Guide us to the straight path. The path of those upon whom You have bestowed favor, not of those who have evoked [Your] unacceptance or of those who are astray. (Quran 1:6-7)

Much has been written and commented on about gaining religious knowledge.

It is a major focus for new Muslims especially.

But it is so important to also emphasize growing in love for God, our religion, our Prophet, our families, our spouses ..etc

Love, and all that it entails- compassion, empathy, tenderness, etc.- is an essential part of an Islamic way of life that we sometimes overlook.

And there are many different ways we should be experiencing this love in Islam.

Love for God