Love is a topic that touches every human heart, and Islam has a profound and comprehensive answer to the question of what true love means. Far from being silent on the matter, the Islamic tradition places love at the very foundation of faith — beginning with the love of Allah and His Messenger.
Love of Allah: The Foundation of Faith
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “None of you truly believes until Allah and His Messenger are more beloved to him than anyone or anything else in this world.” This hadith establishes that the highest and most fulfilling love a person can experience is the love of the Creator. Every other form of love — between spouses, parents and children, friends — flows from and is enriched by this primary bond with Allah.
“One is not a true believer unless one loves Allah and His Messenger more than anyone or anything in this world. The basis of our belief is love — love of God.”
Love Between People in Islam
Islam also honors the love between a husband and wife, describing spouses as garments for one another (Quran 2:187). The love between parents and children is sacred, and the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood in faith are among the strongest ties a Muslim can have. All of these relationships are blessed when they are built upon a shared love of Allah.
- Love of Allah and His Messenger is the highest form of love in Islam
- Marital love is honored and protected through the institution of nikah
- The love of God should be greater than the love of the material world
- True love leads a person to obedience, gratitude, and closeness to the Creator
“The love of God should be greater than the love of the material world and the things of this material world.”
