Oleh Aurallya Finandya Putri|Mahasiswa Semester IV Prodi komunikasi Dan Penyiaran Islam, STAI Al-Fatah
What Is the True Meaning of Love?
Love is an emotion of strong affection and personal attraction. It can be defined as a feeling that exists within a person. Love may also be a form of care or affection someone feels toward something they cherish. There are two types of love: pure love and misguided love. Pure love is a kind of love that leads to positive things. On the other hand, misguided love leads to negative consequences.
In reality, every human being has most likely felt what it means to fall in love. Just like many teenagers today they develop feelings for a male or female friend and then express those feelings directly, hoping for their love to be returned and to enter a relationship that is not approved by religion. But who would’ve thought? That may actually be a form of misguided love because it leads to sin, stirs lust, and invites various transgressions.
Then What Is Good Love If Even Expressing It Is Considered a Mistake?
Good love is the love that is directed to Allah and the Rasul. Loving through worship, obedience, and following the commands of His syari’ah. Isn’t it better for us to love Allah and the Rasul with all our hearts? That way, we won’t have to feel deep heartbreak, endless emotional distress, or stop eating out of sorrow until we wither away.
Allah does not forbid human beings from loving one another, but not in ways that involve expressing it improperly. Pure love is love that does not arouse one’s lust or desires. If you truly love someone, mention their name in your prayers during the last third of the night. Ask Allah to protect them. Pray to seek answers. And when you are capable and ready, marry the person you love. That way, your love becomes pure.
Does Allah Forbid Love?
The answer is no. The Qur’an contains many verses about love and compassion. In fact, Allah created men and women so that they can become partners for one another. For example, in Q.S. Ar-Rum: 21:"Di antara tanda-tanda kebesaran-Nya ialah Dia menciptakan pasangan-pasangan untukmu dari jenismu sendiri, agar kamu cenderung dan merasa tentram kepadanya. Dan Dia menjadikan di antaramu rasa kasih dan sayang..."
However, many people misinterpret this verse. They assume that it’s permissible to be in a relationship even without marriage thinking that since Allah created partners for everyone, it’s allowed. This way of thinking must be corrected, especially among the youth today. Allah clearly forbids sinful acts especially those involving the opposite gender in inappropriate ways.
So What Is the Difference Between Love and Affection? Love and affection are two different things, even though both are connected to the heart. Love tends to be more intense emotionally, often pointing toward deeper and more serious relationships. Affection, on the other hand, feels softer and more subtle.
There is a saying:“Love always comes with affection, but affection does not always mean love.” Affection feels gentle. Those who feel affection often want to protect what they care about with emotional warmth. Love, in contrast, can sometimes express itself in more forceful or passionate actions.
How Does a Muslim Show Love and Affection to Allah?
The form of love and affection a Muslim has toward Allah is by affirming His oneness by making Allah the one and only Rabb of the entire universe. By not associating Him with anything, obeying His rules, and avoiding His prohibitions. The same applies to love for the Rasul acknowledging that the Rasul is the messenger of Allah.
The Two Kinds of Love: Sincere and False
Love is divided into two types: sincere love and false love. Sincere love is a love that is genuine, coming from the heart without trying to control or manipulate the other person.
False love, on the other hand, is just a declaration that hides a selfish goal like someone who repeatedly claims to love another, but only does so to take advantage of their wealth.
Even love for Allah and the Rasul can be sincere or false. Sincere love for Allah includes obeying His commands and respecting His rules. But false love is when someone still dares to disobey all of Allah’s rules and yet claims to love Him. Even if that person still worships outwardly, if they continue to violate the rules, how can they claim to love Allah? Aren’t those rules and commands meant to guide life toward goodness? Then why are they taken for granted?
That is the nature of human beings easily tempted by the temporary pleasures of this world. As long as something brings pleasure and fulfills desire, it is pursued without thinking of the consequences in the afterlife.
This way of thinking is clearly flawed. It leads to harm and only brings damage to oneself. Prove That You Are Not a Muslim Who Loves Allah and the Rasul in a False and Misguided Way. []