Every believer wonders: How can I know if Allah loves me? Islam teaches that Allah’s love is not random or mysterious—it is closely tied to how much we strive to fulfill His commandments and seek His pleasure. The more we dedicate ourselves to acts of worship and obedience, the greater our share in Allah’s love. This article explores this profound connection, using clear evidence from the Holy Quran and authentic Hadith, with simple explanations for all readers.
Understanding the Concept: Allah’s Love in Islam
What Does It Mean for Allah to Love His Servant?
In Islam, Allah’s love is the highest honor a person can achieve. It brings blessings in this world and the next. Unlike human love, Allah’s love is pure, unconditional, and always for our benefit, not His own.
“The love of Allah is the purest and greatest of all loves. It gives life to the heart, it is sustenance for the soul, and is the roadway to eternal success.”
Why Is Obedience the Key?
Obedience to Allah is the main path to His love. The more we strive to fulfill His commandments—prayer, charity, kindness, honesty—the more we show our sincerity and earn His love.
Quranic Formula: “If You Love Allah, Follow Me”
The Quran gives a clear formula for earning Allah’s love:
قُلۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِی یُحۡبِبۡكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَیَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ ذُنُوبَكُمۡۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورࣱ رَّحِیمࣱ
Say (O Muhammad SAW to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Quran and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
[3:31]
This verse teaches that following the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in all aspects of life is the true test and proof of loving Allah. When we do this, Allah promises to love us in return and forgive our mistakes[5][6].
The Signs: How to Measure Allah’s Love for You
1. Are You Busy With Allah’s Commandments?
- Do you prioritize prayer, honesty, charity, and kindness?
- Do you make time for Quran, remembrance (dhikr), and good deeds?
- Are you striving to avoid what Allah has forbidden?
The more you fill your day with acts pleasing to Allah, the stronger your connection to Him.
2. Consistency and Sincerity
Allah values not just the amount, but the sincerity and regularity of your actions.
“Allah does not grant His love to the penitents but they become the elite of people before Him.” (Ibn Al-Qayyim, Madarij As-Salikin)
3. Love for the Quran and Sunnah
If you love reading and acting upon the Quran, and you try to follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), this is a strong sign of Allah’s love.
4. Ease in Worship and Repentance
When Allah loves someone, He makes acts of worship easy and sweet for them, and guides them quickly to repentance after mistakes.
5. Love for the Righteous
If you find yourself loving the righteous, the Prophets, and those beloved to Allah, it is a sign of your own closeness to Him.
Evidence from the Hadith: The Messenger’s (PBUH) Teachings
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) explained that obedience to him is obedience to Allah:
“Whoever obeys me, obeys Allah, and whoever disobeys me, disobeys Allah…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 7137)
He also said:
“Say, ‘If you love Allah then follow me and Allah will love you and forgive your sins.’”
(Surah Al-Imran, Ayah 31)
قُلۡ إِن كُنتُمۡ تُحِبُّونَ ٱللَّهَ فَٱتَّبِعُونِی یُحۡبِبۡكُمُ ٱللَّهُ وَیَغۡفِرۡ لَكُمۡ ذُنُوبَكُمۡۚ وَٱللَّهُ غَفُورࣱ رَّحِیمࣱ
Say (O Muhammad SAW to mankind): “If you (really) love Allah then follow me (i.e. accept Islamic Monotheism, follow the Quran and the Sunnah), Allah will love you and forgive you of your sins. And Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
[3:31]
Another hadith teaches that Allah grants faith only to those He loves:
“Allah gives the world to those He loves and to those He does not love, but He only gives faith to those He loves.”
(Muʻjam Asāmī 342, graded Sahih by Al-Albani)
Real-World Examples: The Companions and the Righteous
The Companions (RA) of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) were models of obedience. They sacrificed wealth, comfort, and even their lives for Allah’s pleasure. Their love for Allah was shown by their constant striving to fulfill His commandments, even in difficult times.
Example:
Abu Bakr (RA) gave all his wealth for the sake of Allah. Umar (RA) would compete in good deeds. Their lives were full of worship, charity, and sincerity—clear signs of Allah’s love.
Addressing Misconceptions: Is It Only About Quantity?
Many think that Allah’s love depends on doing many acts of worship, but Islam teaches that quality and sincerity matter most. Even small acts done sincerely for Allah’s sake are beloved to Him.
Quranic Principle:
إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا یَظۡلِمُ مِثۡقَالَ ذَرَّةࣲۖ وَإِن تَكُ حَسَنَةࣰ یُضَـٰعِفۡهَا وَیُؤۡتِ مِن لَّدُنۡهُ أَجۡرًا عَظِیمࣰا
Surely! Allah wrongs not even of the weight of an atom (or a small ant), but if there is any good (done), He doubles it, and gives from Him a great reward.
[4:40]
Reflection: How to Increase Allah’s Love for You
- Make time for daily prayers and Quran.
- Seek forgiveness and repent quickly after mistakes.
- Help others and show kindness.
- Follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Keep your intentions pure for Allah alone.
The more you busy yourself with Allah’s commandments, the more you will feel His love and blessings in your life.
Conclusion: The More You Strive, The More You Are Loved
Allah’s love is not a mystery. The more you dedicate yourself to fulfilling His commandments, the more you can hope for His love. Remember, it is not about perfection, but sincere effort and continual striving. Every step you take towards Allah, He comes closer to you with mercy, forgiveness, and love.
Reflect:
Ask yourself each day—How much of my time and energy am I giving to Allah’s commandments? Let this be your formula for measuring and increasing Allah’s love in your life.
