April’s theme: Love

Say, If you should love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.

Sura Aale Imran, no.3, verse 31

Love is one of the most sublime concepts of religion. It plays a fundamental role in the life of a believer and is said to be the foundation of faith. Faith is all about love for Allah, for His chosen ones, and for people – family, friends and society. The root of the love for others lies in love for Allah. He alone is the source of all love. Even in Heaven, the choicest reward is the love and closeness to Allah.

The need to be loved is exceptionally strong in all human beings. From childhood to old age, humans want to be loved by those around them. It makes life richer and more appealing. It brings happiness and excitement. Without love life can be cold and hard.

A family’s outstanding characteristic is that members love one another and this emotion binds them together. A home without love, however large and well kept, has not fulfilled its true purpose. A family is not just a micro-organization where the needs of members are met. This could be done by a state run facility. It is love that makes a house a home and gives peace and belonging to the family.

Love must be expressed in appropriate ways. The Prophet (s) taught Muslims that they should kiss their children often and show them a lot of love. He himself expressed his love for his family very strongly, in a culture that was not accustomed to it. He showed them that love is a natural emotion and is one of the gifts of Allah. To love others is to reflect the quality of Allah, who is all-Loving to His creatures.