Allah Loves

1. Allah Loves Those Who Strive to Return to Him

Allah loves us just for trying.

Return to Allah. We are created with the capacity to sin, but also with the ability to repent and seek purification. Allah doesn't expect us to be sinless; He expects us to turn back to Him when we fall short. This continuous effort to repent and purify ourselves is deeply beloved to Him.

Repentance elevates. Every child of Adam sins, but the best are those who constantly return to Allah. Repentance isn't just about removing the sin's effect; it's about strengthening our relationship with Allah. Sincere repentance can even transform bad deeds into good ones and elevate our rank in Allah's sight, surpassing even sinless creatures like angels who lack free will.

Effort is key. The journey back to Allah is filled with obstacles, like thorny bushes. Piety (taqwā) is the consciousness that helps us navigate these thorns, pulling ourselves tighter to avoid them. Even when we are pricked, the effort to return, to purify ourselves, is what Allah loves. It shows we fear losing His love and are actively striving to maintain it.

2. Strive for Excellence in All Things

Iḥsān is honouring the sight of Allah upon us in a way that would encourage you to earn extra love from Allah.

Beyond obligation. Excellence (iḥsān) is the station beyond mere piety (taqwā). While taqwā is abandoning what displeases Allah, iḥsān is worshipping Him as if you see Him, or knowing He sees you, driving you to do more than required. It's about beautifying obligatory deeds and seeking voluntary ones, not for human approval, but solely for Allah's pleasure.

Excellence in interactions. Iḥsān extends to how we treat others. It means giving generously in ease and hardship, swallowing anger even when justified, and pardoning people even when we are in the right. These actions reflect our desire for Allah's pardon and mercy, holding ourselves to a higher standard because we seek a higher degree of His love.

Due diligence. This pursuit of excellence manifests as due diligence (itqān) in our work. Allah loves when we undertake a task and do it right, paying attention to details with a superior work ethic. This isn't just about secular work; it's especially crucial in service for Allah, demonstrating that our motivation is high because we are working for the ultimate Boss.

3. Deepen Your Connection Through Worship and Supplication

The ability to call upon Allah, knowing that He loves to hear me, despite how broken and sinful I am, in that there is a blessing.

Allah loves to be asked. Unlike human relationships where constant asking can strain love, Allah loves to hear our voice and be asked from His bounty. Supplication (duʿā’) is a direct connection, and Allah's nearness in response is the greatest gift. The ability to even make duʿā’ is a sign that Allah wants to give you something.

Prayer is paramount. The five daily prayers are the most beloved actions to Allah after faith. Praying them on time, especially at the beginning of their time, shows eagerness and longing for Allah. It's the coolness of the Prophet's eyes and the first thing we'll be asked about on Judgment Day.

Sanctity of the mosque. Mosques are the most beloved places to Allah, while marketplaces are the most hated. The mosque is the home of every believer, a place for remembrance (dhikr), tranquility, and mercy. It fosters unity and harmony, ideally carrying that spirit into all aspects of life, contrasting with the potential for deception and conflict in worldly pursuits.

4. Cultivate Inner Strength and Trust in Allah

Where there is mistrust, there can’t be true love.

Strength is beloved. The strong believer is better and more beloved to Allah than the weak one, though there is good in both. This strength encompasses faith, resilience, body, and spirit. We are encouraged to seek strength through ethical means, not for arrogance, but to be able to benefit others and amplify Allah's attributes.

Trust brings tranquility. Trusting in Allah (tawakkul) is essential, especially when things feel out of control. It removes distractions and allows us to focus on Allah, maintaining perspective through difficulties. The highest level of trust is like a dead person being washed, completely submitting to Allah's will, knowing He acts in our best interest.

Patience and deliberation. Patience (ṣabr) is deeply connected to trust; we can't be patient without trusting Allah's plan. Patience is needed in hardship, with our desires, and in maintaining worship. Forbearance (ḥilm) and deliberation (anāh) are also beloved qualities, showing self-control and carefulness, the opposite of haste which comes from the Devil.

5. Balance Character with Dignity and Gentleness

Allah is gentle and He loves gentleness in all things.

Gentleness is strength. Gentleness (rifq) is a core attribute of Allah and beloved by Him in all affairs. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified this, maintaining composure even when insulted. True strength is shown not through aggression, but through kindness and control, especially when in a position of power.

Humility and dignity. Allah loves those who are humble amongst believers but carry themselves with dignity amongst disbelievers. This means lowering our wing to fellow Muslims but not compromising our faith or principles in the presence of those who don't share them. It's about upholding our identity without being disrespectful or hiding our faith out of shame.

Healthy pride and honour. While arrogance (kibr) is detested, a form of healthy pride (khuyalā’) is loved by Allah in specific contexts, like showing strength before battle or competing in charity. Similarly, protective honour (ghīrah) is beloved when based on solid grounds, driving us to defend the dignity of others, especially fellow believers, without resorting to suspicion or harmful acts.

6. Be Most Beneficial to Others

The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to the people.

Amplify Allah's attributes. Being beneficial to others is a direct path to Allah's love. Those who bring joy to others, remove hardship, or provide sustenance are vehicles of Allah's comfort and provision. Small acts of kindness and service, like giving water to a thirsty animal or removing harm from a path, are highly rewarded.

Kindness returns. When we show kindness, mercy, or generosity to others, Allah promises to show us even greater kindness, mercy, and generosity. We can never outdo Allah in these attributes. Serving others is serving Allah, and it is a powerful way to earn His favor.

Honoring parents. Among the most beloved ways to be beneficial is showing excellence (iḥsān) to our parents, especially our mothers. Paradise lies at the mother's feet, and obedience to parents is mentioned alongside obedience to Allah. Showing kindness to a mother or maternal aunt can even be a means of seeking forgiveness for major sins.

7. Consistency in Good Deeds is Beloved to Allah

So, the most beloved of good deeds to Allah are the consistent ones even if they are small.

Small but steady. Allah loves consistent actions, even if they are small, more than large, sporadic ones. This consistency is a sign of sincerity, demonstrating that our good deeds are driven by a steady love for Allah, independent of external circumstances or fluctuating emotions.

Maintain momentum. The Prophet's family maintained their good deeds once started. While we may not sustain Ramadan's intensity year-round, the goal is to establish small, manageable habits that continue. This allows us to build momentum and easily increase our efforts during blessed times.

Avoid regression. Habitually delaying or neglecting small, consistent deeds can lead to a natural regression, eventually causing us to miss obligations altogether. Prioritizing consistency, even in minimal acts, helps guard against this and keeps us connected to Allah.

8. Love for Allah's Sake Earns His Love

When we love for Allah’s sake, then know that Allah loves us.

Unbreakable bond. Love for Allah's sake (al-ḥubb fī Allāh) is a special bond that transcends worldly differences like race, class, or preference. It's a love that brings people together and keeps them together purely for the sake of their shared love for Allah.

Mutual love, mutual reward. Those who love each other for Allah's sake are promised shade under His throne on the Day of Judgment. The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that when two people love each other for Allah's sake, the one with stronger love is more beloved to Allah. Telling someone you love them for Allah's sake is encouraged.

Divine acceptance. When Allah loves a person, He informs the angels, and they love that person. Then, acceptance and love for that person are placed in the hearts of people on earth. This means people are drawn to and love what is true and good about that person, which is precisely what made them beloved to Allah in the first place.

Last updated: May 21, 2025