in the Love of Allah: Part 2

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In our previous article, we explored why loving Allah is central to our faith and how sincere love shapes our lives. But how do we nurture this love? How does it grow from something we express into something that guides our choices?

Love for Allah grows as we come to know Him, recognise His blessings and seek His pleasure. It is a lifelong journey, strengthened by sincere acts of devotion and by returning to Him whenever we fall short.

How to Nurture the Love of Allah

Drawing on the guidance of Ibn al-Qayyim (raḥimahullāh) in Madārij al-Sālikīn, alongside the teachings of the Qur’ān and Sunnah, the following practices help the heart grow in love for its Creator.

1. Soma Qur'an kwa Tafakari

Make time not only to recite the Qur’ān, but to reflect upon its meaning. Pause at its promises, warnings and descriptions of Allah’s mercy. Consider what its guidance asks of you and how you can bring it into your daily life.

2. Begin with Your Obligations

The foundation of drawing close to Allah is fulfilling what He has made obligatory. Voluntary worship then builds upon that foundation. Extra prayers, voluntary fasting and other sincere good deeds nurture a relationship rooted in obedience and love.

3. Remember Allah Throughout Your Day

Let remembrance involve your tongue, your heart and your actions. Thank Him when you receive a blessing, seek His help when you feel uncertain, and remain mindful of Him in the choices you make. Frequent remembrance keeps the heart attentive to its Lord.

4. Choose His Pleasure over Your Desires

Love becomes visible when obedience requires effort. When your desires pull you towards something displeasing to Allah, choosing His pleasure is an expression of devotion. Each sincere struggle is part of learning to place Him first.

5. Know His Names and Notice His Blessings

Reflect on Allah’s beautiful Names and Attributes. Consider His mercy, generosity, wisdom and forgiveness, and recognise the signs of His kindness in your own life. The more deeply we know Him and appreciate His gifts, the more reasons our hearts find to love Him.

6. Turn to Him with Humility

Stand before Allah with an honest awareness of your need for Him. Bring your weaknesses, regrets and hopes into your duʿā’. A humble heart does not pretend to be self-sufficient; it recognises that guidance, forgiveness and strength come from its Lord.

7. Seek Quiet Moments in the Night

The last third of the night offers a precious opportunity for private worship. Pray, recite His words, speak to Him in duʿā’ and seek His forgiveness. Away from daily distractions, give your heart time to turn towards Him.

8. Choose Good Company and Love for His Sake

Spend time with people whose words and conduct remind you of Allah. Build relationships around sincere care, generosity and a shared desire for goodness. Loving, visiting and supporting one another for Allah’s sake are themselves acts of devotion.

9. Protect Your Heart from Distractions

Recognise the habits and attachments that repeatedly draw you away from Allah. Practise zuhd: keeping worldly possessions and pleasures from becoming the heart’s greatest concern. Appreciate what you have without allowing it, or what others possess, to govern your life.

10. Let Faith Shape Your Character

Be humble and caring towards fellow believers, and remain steadfast in your faith when faced with pressure or criticism. Sūrah al-Mā’idah describes people whom Allah loves and who love Him as humble towards believers, firm in their commitment and courageous in His cause (Qur’ān 5:54).

The Fruits of Loving Allah

The Honour of Being Loved by Him

To love Allah is a blessing. To be loved by Him is an extraordinary honour. The ḥadīth qudsī recorded in Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī describes the divine care, guidance and protection granted to the servant who draws close through obligatory and voluntary worship.

As this love deepens, a person becomes more attentive to what they hear, see, say and do. Pleasing Allah increasingly shapes their conduct, and their worship grows in sincerity and awareness.

The Sweetness of Faith and Worship

The Prophet ﷺ taught that loving Allah and His Messenger above everything else, loving others for Allah’s sake, and firmly rejecting a return to disbelief are qualities through which a person experiences the sweetness of faith (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī).

As love grows, prayer, remembrance and obedience can become sources of deep joy. Yet this does not mean that worship will always feel easy.

Patience Through Life’s Difficulties

Love for Allah strengthens ṣabr — patience and steadfastness. It helps the believer trust Him through circumstances they cannot fully understand.

Pain and grief may still be present. Patience does not require a heart without sorrow; it means continuing to turn towards Allah through that sorrow, seeking His help and trusting His wisdom.

Hope in Meeting Allah

Love brings a longing for closeness. The believer treasures moments of private worship in this life and hopes for the joy of seeing Allah in Paradise. That hope gives purpose to the present, encouraging a life of devotion and preparation for the Hereafter.

A Duʿā’ for Allah’s Love

We ask Allah, al-Wadūd — the Most Loving — with this supplication taught by His Messenger ﷺ: