❤️ Exploring LOVE in the Qurʾān: An In-Depth Study of Affection, Fondness, and Divine Adoration
Definition and Etymology
Love, in its many forms, occupies a central place in Islamic teachings and spirituality. The Qurʾān employs various terms to capture the multiple facets of love, each presenting unique nuances and depths. The primary words used in the Qurʾān for love and its synonyms are:
- Wudd (ود): A warm and affectionate type of love.
- Ḥubb (حب): A deeper, more passionate love.
- Maḥabbah (محبه): Affectionate love, often with divine implications.
- Mawaddah (مودة): Fondness that includes friendship and mutual support.
The Qurʾān on Love
The Qurʾān encapsulates the broad spectrum of love from divine love to earthly affection through various verses:
- Wudd (ود): Sūrah xix. 96, “Verily those who believe and act aright, to them the Merciful One will give love.”
- Ḥubb (حب): Sūrah v. 59, “God will bring a people whom He will love, and who will love Him.”
- Maḥabbah (محبه): Sūrah xx. 39, “For on thee (Moses) have I (God) cast My love.”
- Mawaddah (مودة): Sūrah xxix. 24, “He has caused between you affection and pity.”
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Human emotions cross cultural and religious boundaries, and the concepts found in the Qurʾān resonate with universal feelings of love. Similar to other religious traditions, love in Islam represents an essential bond between human beings, and between humans and the Divine. While there are distinct linguistic and thematic nuances, the essence of love remains universal.
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms: Affection, fondness, adoration, amity, affection.
- Antonyms: Hatred, enmity, animosity, aversion, indifference.
Related Terms and Definitions
- ʿIshq (عشق): Deep, passionate love often linked to divine love and Ṣūfī mysticism.
- Sayyidī (سيدي): Beloved master or respected leader.
- Mahabbatullah (محبة الله): Love of Allah, denoting devotion and spiritual affection.
- Habibullah (حبيب الله): Beloved of Allah, often referring to Prophet Muhammad.
Exciting Facts
- Mystic Dimensions: Ṣūfī mysticism elaborates on love as a journey towards Divine Unity, with the lover (ʿāshiq) seeking union with the Beloved (God).
- Lectures and Treatises: Famous works like “Tajuʾl-ʿArūs” and “Maqṣad-i-Aqṣā” explore the philosophical and spiritual depths of love.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Jalaluddin Rumi: “Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”
- Jāmī: “Look whence I will, still nothing I discern but Thee in all the universe.”
References and Suggested Literature
- The Qurʾān: Translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali for profound insights into love.
- Rumi’s “Masnavi”: Exploring spiritual love.
- Ibn Sīnāʾ (Avicenna): Read works like “al-ʿIshq” for an understanding of love in all existing things.
- “The Conference of the Birds” by Farid ud-Din Attar.
- “The Forty Rules of Love” by Elif Shafak.
Quizzes
Farewell readers! Remember, love’s transcendent power bridges hearts, unites strangers, and elevates souls towards the Divine. “Where there is love, there is the face of God.” - Jalaluddin Rumi
Happy reading and reflection!
- “Layla Al-Nur”
