Allah’s love is the ultimate goal for every Muslim. It transforms our lives, draws us closer to Him, and elevates our spiritual state. It is both a source of immense comfort and a guiding principle for Muslims. Understanding and embodying these traits enhances our spirituality, and brings us closer to Allah in meaningful ways. Today we will explore actionable steps to help us internalize these traits in our daily lives, in order to become Allah’s beloved.
Why Seeking Allah’s Love is Central to One’s Faith
The Qur’an repeatedly emphasizes Allah’s love for those who uphold virtuous qualities:
“Indeed, Allah loves the doers of good.” (Qur’an 2:195)
When Allah loves someone, He not only blesses their life but also grants them inner peace and contentment. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“When Allah loves a servant, He calls out to Jibreel and says: ‘I love so-and-so; so, love him.’ Then Jibreel loves him, and calls out to the inhabitants of the heavens: ‘Allah loves so-and-so, so love him.’ Then they love him, and acceptance is placed for him on Earth.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Benefits of Earning Allah’s Love
When we embody ourselves with qualities that Allah loves, we align ourselves with Allah’s guidance. And when Allah loves someone, it brings:
- Inner Peace: The assurance of being under Allah’s care fills the heart with tranquility.
- Divine Assistance: Allah helps those He loves, making their path easier in this world and the Hereafter.
- Proximity to Paradise: The ultimate reward is eternal bliss in the company of Allah.
Qualities Loved by Allah
Below are some qualities and actions derived from the Qur’an and Hadith that Allah loves, along with actionable steps to integrate them into your life:
1. Allah Loves the Repentant (At-Tawwabin)
Repentance is a sign of humility and acknowledgment of our dependence on Allah. Allah says in the Quran:
“Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant.” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 222)
How to achieve this quality?
- Daily Reflection: Set aside a few minutes each day for introspection. Identify areas where you fell short and sincerely ask for forgiveness.
- Renew Your Intentions: After repentance, commit to avoiding the sin again. Use this moment to renew your intentions for better behavior.
- Istighfar Routine: Perform daily (morning and evening) adhkars. Recite “Astaghfirullah” (I seek Allah’s forgiveness) at least 100 times a day, as also recommended in the Sunnah.
2. Allah Loves Those Who Strive for Excellence (Al-Muhsinin)
Ihsan, or excellence, is about doing everything with sincerity and perfection, whether in worship or dealings with others. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Ihsan is to worship Allah as though you see Him, and even if you cannot see Him, know that He sees you.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
How to achieve this quality?
- Elevate Your Worship: Focus on the quality of your salah (prayer). Start with khushu (concentration) by understanding the meanings of what you recite.
- Excellence in Relationships: Treat people with kindness and patience, even when it’s challenging.
- Go Beyond Obligations: Add voluntary acts like sunnah prayers, extra charity, or helping someone in need.
3. Allah Loves the Grateful (Ash-Shakirin)
Gratitude transforms the heart and aligns us with Allah’s blessings. Allah says, “If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor].” (Surah Ibrahim: 7)
How to achieve this quality?
- Gratitude Journaling: Write down three things you are grateful for every day. This practice reinforces positive thinking.
- Grateful Dua: Regularly thank Allah in your duas for both major and minor blessings.
- Express Gratitude to Others: Show appreciation to family and friends. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “He who does not thank people has not thanked Allah.” (Tirmidhi).
4. Allah Loves Those Who Trust Him (At-Tawakkul)
Tawakkul is placing complete reliance on Allah while taking practical steps. Allah promises His love for those who depend on Him:
“Indeed, Allah loves those who rely upon Him.” (Surah Aal-e-Imran: 159)
How to achieve this quality?
- Pray Istikhara: When faced with decisions, seek guidance through the Sunnah prayer of Istikhara.
- Take Action: Tawakkul doesn’t mean ‘inaction’ and expecting Allah to do the work for you. Do your part in the best possible way and then leave the results to Allah.
- Surrender Outcomes: Practice contentment by believing that whatever Allah wills is best for you.
5. Allah Loves Those Who Are Just (Al-Muqsitin)
Justice reflects fairness in dealings with others. Allah commands us to stand firm in justice, even against ourselves or loved ones (Surah An-Nisa: 135).
How to achieve this quality?
- Self-Accountability: Evaluate your actions to ensure you are fair and unbiased in decisions.
- Be Just in Disputes: Avoid favoritism in conflicts, especially within families or workplaces.
- Seek Knowledge: Learn about Islamic rulings to ensure justice in your interactions.
6. Allah Loves Gentleness (Ar-Rifq)
Gentleness is strength under control. The Prophet (PBUH) said, “Allah is Gentle and loves gentleness in all things.” (Muslim)
How to achieve this quality?
- Practice Patience: Respond with calmness in moments of anger or provocation.
- Speak Kindly: Use gentle words, even when correcting others.
- Teach with Compassion: Encourage positive behaviors in children or peers with understanding rather than harshness.
7. Cleanliness and Purity
“Indeed, Allah loves those who purify themselves.” (Qur’an 2:222)
How to achieve this quality?
- Personal Hygiene: Maintain cleanliness by performing wudu frequently.
- Declutter Spaces: Keep your surroundings clean and organized.
- Spiritual Purity: Regularly purify your heart from envy, pride, and hatred.
Final Reflections
Striving to earn Allah’s love is a lifelong journey. It requires consistent effort and a sincere heart. Begin with small, actionable steps and remind yourself that Allah’s love is vast and encompassing. By incorporating these practices, we can transform our lives into a reflection of the traits Allah loves. Let’s make this a personal mission, seeking closeness to Him in every aspect of our lives.
