Understanding Love and Hate for the Sake of Allah
When we talk about 'love for the sake of Allah' and 'hate for the sake of Allah', we are referring to a profound and deeply spiritual concept rooted in Islamic theology. These terms encapsulate the idea that our desires, emotions, and actions should align with what would please God, rather than our fleeting personal preferences or immediate reactions.
Interpreting Love and Hate for the Sake of Allah
Let's dive into a practical example to illustrate this concept. Consider someone who loves smoking, but has learned that smoking is considered a forbidden act (haram) in Islam due to its harmful effects. To please God, they choose to train themselves to hate smoking. This mental adjustment is not always easy, requiring significant effort, patience, and constant supplication (dua) to God for support.
Similarly, 'love for the sake of Allah' can manifest in situations where our initial reactions may differ from what is pleasing to God. For instance, a mother who habitually repeats stories can be a source of frustration. However, by recognizing the divine commandment to respect and obey those entrusted to our care, one can choose to love the stories or the mother, displaying patience and attention.
The Evolution of Faith: Imaan
Faith or Iemaan in Islam is not merely about belief in the divine, but an increasing level of understanding and realization of the divine decree of Allah. When faith reaches a profound level, the believer's love and worship are not just external actions but spring from a deep inner conviction and understanding.
Love for Allah and His Messengers
When a believer's faith advances to such a level, they not only obey but also love Allah and His Messenger enthusiastically. This love extends to following divine teachings and finding beauty in the guidance provided in the Quran and Sunnah. The fitrah (natural disposition) of the believer returns to its original state of harmony with Allah's will.
Ultimately, this state of faith results in a believer loving the Deen of Allah more than their own self. The heart is filled and overwhelmed by the love of Allah and His Messenger, with ultimate allegiance lying with them. It is a stage where positive and negative emotions are aligned with the divine prescription, leading to a wholehearted love for that which is loved by Allah and His Messenger and a hatred for that which is forbidden.
Legitimacy and Importance of Love and Hate for the Sake of Allah
It is crucial to note that this deep level of love and hate is a necessary part of true Iemaan. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the importance of this concept, for instance:
“And the believers, men and women, are protectors of one another; they enjoin what is just, and forbid what is wrong…” [Quran, 9:71]
And from the Hadith:
“Those who love each other for the sake of My Majesty shall be upon podiums of light and they will be admired by the Prophets and the martyrs.” [At-Tirmidhi, 2390]
These and other Quranic verses and Hadith passages underscore the importance of aligning our emotions with God's will, highlighting the divine command to love that which is loved by Allah and hate that which is forbidden.
Conclusion
Living a life where our actions and emotions are guided by the love and hatred that align with the divine pleasure is a challenging yet noble path. It requires continuous effort, patience, and spiritual discipline. As we strive to attain this higher state of faith, let us remember the wisdom and guidance provided in the Quran and Hadith, ensuring that our actions and emotions truly reflect our love and dedication to Allah.