WHO IS REAL BEAUTIFUL?

Beauty is what is liked the most and is wanted the most. But what beauty actually is? Is it only the beauty that our eyes can see or it is the beauty that our mind can assess? There is a well known saying “beauty lies in the eyes of beholder”

This saying is commonly used to justify the purpose of creation of everything that otherwise can be rejected and thrown if justified by the looks. Therefore, it is said that what beauty is can be different for different people. One might love something praising its beauty while the other might reject it. The craze for beauty has increased so much that everybody wants to look good, by any means. For this people modify their body parts, they do so much things to themselves that their appearance changes totally making them look unnatural being.

What ALLAH swt says about beauty? What is beauty in the eyes of the creator of heavens and earth?
ALLAH swt says in Quran: 40: 64

“Allâh, it is He Who has made for you the earth as a dwelling place and the sky as a canopy, and has given you shape and made your shapes good (looking) and has provided you with good things. That is Allâh, your Lord, so Blessed is Allâh, the Lord of the 'Alamîn (mankind, jinn and all that exists)”

In the verse above, ALLAH swt says that HE has created us and shaped us that look good and perfect. So, when we are good looking and perfect in the eyes of ALLAH swt, how can we be un-grateful to HIM about our looks? Is there any way to amend the perfection? If not, then nobody can criticize nobody on looks.

In the quran, ALLAH swt say that HE fashioned us perfectly i.e. HE has given us perfect shapes, and HE created everything in us in exact proportion, neither an inch extra nor an inch less. And then HE says that HE MADE US LOOK according to HIS will, how can we question the will of ALLAH.

Medical science now says that beautiful parents can have less good looking children and some average looking people can have beautiful children, similarly or complexions and other genetic information can vary as per our race.

Al-Quran: 64: 3

“ has created the heavens and the earth with truth, and He shaped you and made good your shapes, And to Him is the final Return.”

This noble verse also speaks the same i.e. we are created as beautiful and perfect. We do not need any more amendments. Thus, by calling other ugly, imperfect or bad, it only means the one who says or thinks so, is questioning the creation and power of ALLAH. Among us, some are better looking than other, but no one is ugly, and we are not entitled to call others ugly or of bad looks.

YOU ARE FROM ME AND I AM FROM YOU

YOUR WEALTH IS YOUR FAITH AND CHARACTER

 

There was a poor and weak person. He wore a torn garment with many patches on it. He was barefoot and hungry. Along with his having an obscure lineage, he possessed no status, wealth, or family. Without a roof to shelter him, he would steep in the mosque and drink from public fountains. His pillow was his own arm and his mattress was the uneven, rough ground beneath him. But he always remembered his Lord and he was constantly reciting the verses of Allah's book. He would not be absent from the first row in prayer or the front lines of battle. One day he met the Messenger of Allah (Blessings and peace be upon him), who upon seeing him, called him by his name, "O' Julaybeeb, will you not marry?" "And who would give me their daughter? With a man without rich and without any position?" was his reply. He passed by two others who asked the same question, to which he gave a similar reply. The Messenger of Allah(Blessings and peace be upon him) said to him, "O' Jualaybeeb, go to so and so, the Ansari, and say to him, 'The Messenger of Allah(Blessings and peace be upon him) sends his greetings of peace to you and he requests you to marry me your daughter."' This particular Ansari was from a noble household with an esteemed family. When Julaybeeb carried out the Prophet(Blessings and peace be upon him)'s order, the Ansari replied, "And peace be upon the Messenger of Allah. O' Julaybeeb, how can I marry you my daughter when you have neither wealth nor status?" His wife heard of the news, and she exclaimed in astonishment, "Julaybeeb! He who has neither wealth nor status!" But their believing daughter heard the words of Julaybeeb, words that to her, contained the message of the Messenger of Allah, and she said to her parents, "Do you turn down the request of the Messenger of Allah? By Allah, no! " Forthwith, the blessed wedding took place. When their first night came, a caller was in the streets announcing a forthcoming battle. Julaybeeb responded without delay and set out for the battleground. With his own hands, lie managed to kill seven disbelievers, and then he himself became martyred. He embraced death pleased with Allah and His Messenger, and pleased with the morals for which he sacrificed his own life. After the battle, the Messenger of Allah(Blessings and peace be upon him) was asking about those who were martyred. The people began to inform him of those who died, but they forgot to mention Julaybeeb because of his obscurity.

Nevertheless, the Messenger of Allah(Blessings and peace be upon him) remembered him, and he said, "But I have lost Julaybeeb. " He found Julaybeeb's corpse; dust covered his face. He shook off the dust from his face and said, "You killed seven and then you were killed! You are from me and I am from you..." And the Messenger of Allah(Blessings and peace be upon him) repeated the second part three times - "You are from me and I am from you..."  This medal of distinction from the Messenger of Allah(Blessings and peace be upon him) is by itself an arnple reward and prize.

The value of Julaybeeb was his faith and his love for the Messenger of Allah(Blessings and peace be upon him), along with the principle for which he died. His humble circumstances and obscure family name did not prevent him from the great honour that was bestowed upon him. With his meagre resources he achieved martyrdom, contentment, and happiness for this world and the Hereafter.

A verse reads:

"They rejoice in what Allah has bestowed upon them of His Bounty, rejoicing for the sake of those who have not yet joined them, but are left behind [not yet martyred] that on them no fear shall come, nor shall they grieve." (Quran 3:1 70)

So remember, your value is determined by your principles and by your character. Poverty has never stood immovable in the way of distinction and the achievement of higher aims.

BE THANKFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE

Should you find something on your plate that doesn't appeal to you, don't complain. There are people who don't have anything on their plate.

Should you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work, think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad, think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend, think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance, think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror, think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes he/she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities, remember, things could be worse. You could be them!

THE IMAAM AND THE BUS DRIVER

Several years ago an Imam moved to London, United Kingdom. He often took the bus from his home to the downtown area. Some weeks after he arrived, he had occasion to ride the same bus. When he sat down, he discovered that the driver had accidentally given him a twenty pence ('tuppence') too much change.

As he considered what to do, he thought to himself, you better give the twenty pence back. It would be wrong to keep it. Then he thought, "Oh,forget it, it's only a tuppence. Who would worry about this little amount?Anyway the bus company already gets too much fare; they will never miss it. Accept it as a gift from Almighty Allah (swt) and keep quiet." When his stop came, the Imam paused momentarily at the door, then he handed the twenty pence back to the driver and said, "Here, you gave me too much change".The driver with a smile, replied,"Aren't you the new Imam in this area? I have been thinking lately about going to worship at your Mosque. I just wanted to see what you would do, if I gave you too much change."

When the Imam stepped off the bus, his knees became weak and soft, he had to grab the nearest light pole and held on for support, and looked up to the heavens and cried: "Oh Allah, I almost sold Islam for twenty pence!"

Brothers and Sisters: We may never see the impact our actions have on people. Sometimes we are the only knowledge of Qu'ran someone will read, or the only Islam someone will see. We can't settle for our sins and think that since we have been defiled by our sins, we cannot be a model for Islamic life.Quite the contrary. We are all on the same level in one aspect, as human beings. We are ALL sinners and need forgiveness.

However, the big difference is that one is saved by belief, that belief of the UNSEEN; that belief that Almighty Allah is watching one. This code of conduct which teaches one morals, etiquettes and values so that we as Human Beings may respect and honour one another.

Be careful and be honest everyday, because you never know who is watching. But, Remember Allah Ta'ala is watching.

 

MAY ALLAH ALMIGHTY HELP US IN ALL WALKS OF LIFE, Ameen.

THE GREAT LOVE & FIDELITY BETWEEN OUR BELOVED PROPHET & HIS FIRST WIFE KHADIJA

Aisha narrates: "Whenever, Prophet Muhammad (saw) slaughtered a lamb he would say: 'Send this to friends of Khadijah.' Once I asked for the reason of this action and he (saw) replied: 'I like friends of Khadijah as well.'"

After Lady Khadija (sa) demise, Prophet Muhammad (saw) regarded her many times as a great woman. Once, years after Lady Khadija (sa) died, Prophet Muhammad (saw) came across a necklace that she once wore. When he saw it, he remembered her and began to cry and mourn. His love for her never died, so much so, that his later wife Aisha became jealous of her. Once she asked the Prophet Muhammad (saw) if Khadijah (sa) had been the only woman worthy of his love. The Prophet Muhammad (saw) replied: "She believed in me when no one else did; she accepted Islam when people rejected me; and she helped and comforted me when there was no one else to lend me a helping hand."

Prophet Muhammad (saw) always remembered Khadija and moaned, "Never did Allah (SWT) give me a better wife than Khadijah. She hailed my mission at a time when everybody shouted against it. She lent me the support of her conviction when there was hardly a believer. She enlivened my heart when I felt lonely and deserted. Khadijah's love was given to me by Allah (SWT). How could I forget her?"

Narrated Aisha: Once Hala bint Khuwaylid, Khadija's sister, asked the permission of Prophet to enter. On that, the Prophet remembered the way Khadija used to ask permission, and that upset him. He said, "O Allah! Hala!" So I became jealous and said, "What makes you remember an old woman amongst the old women of Quraish an old woman (with a toothless mouth) of red gums who died long ago, and in whose place Allah has given you somebody better than her?"

Prophet Muhammad (saw) became very angry at this
Moreover, al-Bukhari narrated that Aisha confessed: Sahih Bukhari Hadith: Volume 5, Book 58, Number 166:

I did not feel jealous of any of the wives of Prophet as much as I did of Khadija though I did not see her, but the Prophet used to mention her very often, and when ever he slaughtered a sheep, he would cut its parts and send them to the women friends of Khadija.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE VEIL

There are a number of healths and moral benefits that wearing the veil can Provide the moral duty of wearing the veil (Hagab) in Islam is an Often-discussed topic among Muslim women. However, little has been written About scientific reasons that the veil is beneficial for society. There Are, in fact, a number of health benefits that wearing the veil can Provide, as well as many behavioural science studies that suggest that the Veil is the best attire (clothes) for women.

Protecting the head is very important from a health perspective. Results Of medical tests show that 40-60% of body heat is lost through the head, So persons wearing head coverings during cold months are protected about Fifty-percent more than those who do not. Chinese & Muslim medical texts take this concept even further. In the Hua Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic on Internal Medicine), wind Is said to cause sudden changes within the body, & shaking, swaying, & Other movements that potentially upset the body's equilibrium; thus, Creating bad health.

These texts attribute the common cold to wind Elements entering the body & causing the typical symptoms of sneezing & a Runny nose. In the traditional Islamic medical texts of Al Jawziyya, we can find Numerous references to the "four elements" of fire, water, air, & earth, & How these affect the body in adverse ways. In particular, we are advised To stay away from drafts & to protect our heads in wind, breezes, drafts, & Cold weather.

All outdoor workers should wear some sort of head covering.

For this reason;Protecting the head is even more important in warm weather. V.G. Rocine, a prominent brain research specialist, has found that brain Phosphorus melts at 108 degrees; a temperature that can be easily reached If one stays under the hot sun for any length of time without a head Covering. When this happens, irreversible brain damage, memory loss & loss Of some brain functions can result. Although this example is extreme, Brain damage can still be measured in small degrees from frequent exposure To & overheating of the head. Bernard Jensen, a naturopath & chiropractor, States that this is because the brain runs on the mineral phosphorus, Which is very affected by heat.

Hygienic Purposes: all public should wear a veil or head covering Workers serving society to ensure cleanliness & purity. Workers in a Number of professions wears "veils" - nurses, fast food workers, and deli Counter workers, restaurant workers & servers, doctors, health care Providers, & many more. In fact, when we compare the number of workers who Cover their heads to the number who do not, we find that more people Probably cover their heads than do not.

Social Influence: Aside from personal & public health benefits of the Veil, it has numerous other benefits to society. In Analysing Visual Data, Ball & Smith discuss the acknowledgement of sociologists that visual Representations are influential in shaping people's views of the world & Their interpretations of life. Men use visual data to interpret there Relationships with the women around them.

Many studies have found that when a person tries to rewire there Instinctual perceptions, they are usually only rewired on the surface; Their original perceptions still exist on some level. Brain studies show That we exist in a world of constantly varying light variables that force The brain to perform what is called "lateral inhibition" consequently, it Provides us with a "steady" image as opposed to a "true" image of what we See.

Furthermore, lateral inhibition networks operate as part of the "Unconscious" brain; largely, without providing any information to the "Conscious" part of the brain about what they are doing. Therefore, the Brain can provide varying perceptions of the world without our even being Fully conscious of what it is processing.

Further studies cited in Encyclopaedia Britannica show that how a female Presents herself to society falls under the category of ritualised Behaviour through which animals provide specific information to other Animals, usually members of its own species. Virtually all-higher animals, Including humans, use displays to some extent to do this, & the best known Displays are visual ones.

Some biologists actually restrict the term Display to refer to visual signals or gestures. These visual signals, Which in animals can be simply a bright colour or plume, encourage Attraction. In humans, they are usually exhibited in ornamental hair, make Up, or clothing.

In our society, most of the time attractive hairstyles & clothing are Worn for the purpose of making the adorner more attractive (advertising & Television has institutionalised this reality). The ever changing Variations in fashion tend to affect the brain because it typically has Trouble constantly adjusting to changing shadows & forms in the world.

Reasonably then, through "lateral inhibition," the brain automatically Simplifies these images into the unconscious message that attractive hair & Clothing is meant to attract. Joining these two concepts together, we Can see how the human male could receive the signal of "attraction" from The brain before he has enough time to "block" it by "lowering his gaze." Having to re-form an image already processed by the lateral inhibition Network is a cause of stress for most people. Doing this day after day, After seeing many "displays," potentially causes a great cumulative stress On society. Having to re-form an image already processed by the lateral inhibition Network is a cause of stress for most people. Doing this day after day, After seeing many "displays," potentially causes a great cumulative stress On society.

Present day stresses arise from many things; among these are the vast Amounts of visual & physical input we are bombarded with in this "Information age" of personal freedom. The problem we face in this is that The body still continues to respond in the same fashion as during Primitive times, releasing large amounts of these hormones, which can be Very harmful. They can cause an increase in blood pressure, damage muscle Tissue, lead to infertility, inhibit growth, damage the hippocampus, & Suppress the immune system.

The two most effective solutions to this problem are, first, to convince The advertising industry, & society as a whole, to alter the presentation Of women to our males. The second & more viable way is to simply influence Women to dress modestly, which will help ensure that they do not send Inappropriate visual signals to men.

Female Psychological Balance: Last, but not least, covering the hair can Also have a beneficial effect on the female psyche as well. Studies of Women being interviewed for jobs show that there is a high correlation Between what they wear & their perceptions of how successful they will be In their interviews. There are many more examples of how what we wear can Influence how we act.

Wearing a veil can serve to remind women of their religious duties & Behavioural expectations.

It can also serve as a reminder to women that we are not only individuals, But also representatives & diplomats of our "Ummah."

FISH:A VALUABLE SOURCE OF NUTRITION

Anything you catch in the sea is lawful for you, and all food from it, for your enjoyment and that of travellers… (Qur’an, 5:96)

The fact the average age of people developing and dying from heart disease is constantly decreasing has considerably increased the importance attached to coronary health. Although a great many advances have been registered in the treatment of heart disease, experts in the field basically recommend that careful precautions be taken before such diseases ever arise. Experts also recommend one important foodstuff for the healthy functioning of the heart and the prevention of disease: fish.

The reason why fish is such an important source of nutrition is that it both provides substances necessary for the human body and also reduces the risk of various diseases. For example, it has been revealed that when fish—which acts as a shield in terms of health with the omega-3 acid it contains—is consumed on a regular basis, it reduces the risk of heart disease and strengthens the immune system.

The fact that fish, the health benefits of which have only newly been scientifically registered, is an important nutritional source is revealed in the Qur’an. Almighty Allah makes the following references to seafood in the Qur’an: "It is He Who made the sea subservient to you so that you can eat fresh flesh from it..." (Qur’an, 16:14), "Anything you catch in the sea is lawful for you, and all food from it, for your enjoyment and that of travellers…" (Qur’an, 5:96) Furthermore, particular attention is drawn to fish in Surat al-Kahf, in which it is revealed that the Prophet Musa (as) set out on a long journey with his servant and that they took fish along with them to eat:

But when they reached their meeting-place, they forgot their fish which quickly burrowed its way into the sea. When they had gone a distance further on, he said to his servant, “Bring us our morning meal. Truly this journey of ours has made us tired.” He said, “Do you see what has happened? When we went to find shelter at the rock, I forgot the fish…” (Qur’an, 18:61-63)

It is noteworthy that in Surat al-Kahf fish should be specially chosen as a foodstuff after a long, tiring journey. Therefore, one of the pieces of wisdom in this tale may well be an indication of the nutritional benefits of fish. (Allah knows best.)

In fact, when we examine the nutritional properties of fish, we encounter some very striking facts. Fish, given to us as a blessing by our Lord, are a perfect food, particularly in terms of protein, vitamin D and trace elements (certain elements found in minimal quantities in the body but which are still of great importance to it). Due to the minerals they contain—such as phosphorus, sulphur and vanadium—fish encourages growth and enables tissues to recover. Fish meat also assists in the formation of healthy teeth and gums, benefits the complexion, makes the hair healthier and contributes to the fight against bacterial infection. It also plays an important role in the prevention of heart attacks as it beautifully regulates the level of cholesterol in the blood. It helps the body to break down and use starch and fats, making it stronger and more energetic. On the other hand, it also influences the functioning of mental activities. In the event that the vitamin D and other minerals contained in fish are not consumed in sufficient quantities, disorders such as rickets (bone weakness), gum disease, goitre and hyperthyroid may all arise.1

In addition, modern science has also discovered that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish also occupy an important place in human health. These fats have even been described as essential fatty acids.

The Benefits of Omega-3 in Fish Oil
There are two kinds of unsaturated fatty acid in fish oil which are particularly important for our health: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoicacid). EPA and DHA are known as polyunsaturated fats and contain the important omega-3 fatty acids. Since the fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 are not manufactured in the human body, they need to be taken in from the outside.

There is a large body of evidence relating to the benefits to human health of fish oil, the actual benefit stemming from its omega-3 fatty acid content. Despite being present in vegetable oils, these omega-3 fatty acids are less effective in relation to human health. However, marine plankton is very effective at turning omega-3 into EPA and DHA. When fish eat plankton, their constitution becomes much richer in EPA and DHA. That, in turn, makes fish one of the richest sources of these vitally important fatty acids.

Vital Benefits of the Fatty Acids Found in Fish
One of the main features of the fatty acids in fish is the contribution they make to the body’s energy production. These fatty acids carry out electron transfers by attaching themselves to oxygen in the body and permit energy to be produced for various chemical processes within it. There is therefore considerable evidence that a diet rich in fish oil helps combat fatigue and increases mental and physical capacity. Omega-3 increases the individual’s powers of concentration as much as it does his or her energy levels. There is a scientific foundation to the old saying “fish is good for the brain”: The main compound in brain fat is DHA, which contains omega-3 fatty acids.

The Importance of Fish for a Healthy Heart and Arteries
The omega-3 fatty acid in fish is acknowledged to protect against cardiovascular disease by reducing blood pressure and the cholesterol and triglyceride in the blood.2 Triglyceride is a form of fat and resembles LDL (bad cholesterol) which is high in fat and low in protein content. A raised triglyceride level, especially together with high cholesterol, increases the risk of heart disease. In addition, fish oils reduce life-threatening post-heart attack abnormal heart rhythms.

In one study by the American Medical Association, it was observed that heart attack levels in women eating five portions of fish a week fell by one-third. This is thought to stem from the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil causing less blood clotting. The normal speed of blood in our veins is 60 kmph (37.3 mph) and it is of vital importance for the blood to be of the right viscosity and for the density, quantity and speed to be at normal levels. The worst danger for our blood—apart from normal conditions of bleeding—is for it to clot and lose the ability to flow properly. Fish oils are also effective in reducing blood clotting by preventing the thrombocytes in the blood (blood platelets that concentrate the blood in the event of bleeding) from adhering to one another. Otherwise, blood thickening can lead to narrowing of the arteries. In turn, this can lead to many organs in the body—especially the heart, brain, eyes and kidneys—receiving an inadequate blood supply, function deceleration and eventually, loss of function. For example, when an artery is totally blocked on account of clotting this can lead to heart attack, paralysis or other disorders, depending on the location of the artery.

Omega-3 fatty acids also play an important role in the production of the molecule haemoglobin, that carries oxygen in the red blood cells, and in controlling the nutrients passing through the cell membrane. They also prevent the damaging effects of fats harmful to the body.

Importance for the Development of New Born Babies
Being an important component of the brain and eye, omega-3 fatty acids have been the subject of research, especially over the last 10 years, in connection with the needs of new born babies. There is a considerable body of evidence relating to the importance of omega-3 to the development of the foetus in the mother’s womb and of the new-born baby. Omega-3 is of the greatest importance for the proper development of the brain and nerves throughout pregnancy and in early babyhood. Scientists emphasise the importance of mother’s milk since it is a natural and perfect store of omega-3.

Benefits for Joint Health
The major risk in rheumatoid arthritis (a painful joint condition linked to rheumatism) is that of wearing of the joints, leading to irreparable damage. It has been proven that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids prevents arthritis and reduces discomfort in swollen and sensitive joints.

Benefits Regarding the Healthy Functioning of the Brain and Nervous System

A large number of studies have revealed the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on the healthy functioning of the brain and nerves. In addition, it has been shown that fish oil reinforcement can reduce symptoms of depression and schizophrenia and prevent Alzheimer’s disease (a brain disease which causes loss of memory and hinders day-to-day activities). For example, reductions in such problems as anxiety, stress and sleeping difficulties have been observed in individuals suffering from depression who took 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acid over a period of 12 weeks.3

Benefits against Inflammatory Disorders and Strengthening of the Immune System

At the same time, omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory (infection preventing) function. Omega-3 can therefore be employed in the following diseases:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (joint infection linked to rheumatism),
• Osteoarthritis (a form of arthritis gradually degenerating the functions of joints)
• Ulcerative colitis (ulcers linked to the inflammation of the colon), and
• Lupus (a disease which causes patches on the skin).
It also protects myelin (the material surrounding nerve cells). It is therefore used in the treatment of
• Glaucoma (an eye disorder marked by abnormally high pressure within the eyeball that may even lead to blindness)
• Multiple sclerosis (a serious progressive disease resulting from tissue hardening in the brain and spinal cord),
• Osteoporosis (a disease leading to structural weakening in the bone structure) 
• Diabetes patients.
In addition, it is also reported to be useful in the treatment of
• Migraine patients,
• Anorexia (a possibly fatal eating disorder)
• Burns 
• Problems concerning skin health.

There is also wide-ranging evidence that societies such as the Greenland Eskimos and Japanese, who eat a lot of fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acid, have a much lower incidence of heart and artery disease, asthma and psoriasis. Fish is therefore recommended as a form of treatment and is particularly recommended by nutritionists on account of its proven benefits for coronary health.

Additional benefits to those outlined above are emerging every day. Moreover, it has only been possible to reveal the health benefits of fish by a great many scientists working in well-equipped research laboratories. The fact that such a valuable source of nutrition is indicated in the Qur’an, and especially that it is described as a fatigue eliminator in Surat al-Kahf, is nothing short of awe-inspiring. All the benefits provided by fish are a great blessing given us by our Lord. As with all foods, it is Allah, the Lord of the Worlds, Who has created the superior structure in fish for our benefit.

LOVE: IN QUR’AN AND HADITH

From the Quran

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّاسِ مَن يَتَّخِذُ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَندَادً۬ا يُحِبُّونَہُمۡ كَحُبِّ ٱللَّهِ‌ۖ وَٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ أَشَدُّ حُبًّ۬ا لِّلَّهِ‌ۗ وَلَوۡ يَرَى ٱلَّذِينَ ظَلَمُوٓاْ إِذۡ يَرَوۡنَ ٱلۡعَذَابَ أَنَّ ٱلۡقُوَّةَ لِلَّهِ جَمِيعً۬ا وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلۡعَذَابِ

“And yet there are some people, who replace Allah with rivals, loving them as Allah is loved. But the believers love Allah more intensely” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:165) 

 زُيِّنَ لِلنَّاسِ حُبُّ الشَّهَوَاتِ مِنَ النِّسَاءِ وَالْبَنِينَ وَالْقَنَاطِيرِ الْمُقَنْطَرَةِ مِنَ الذَّهَبِ وَالْفِضَّةِ وَالْخَيْلِ الْمُسَوَّمَةِ وَالْأَنْعَامِ وَالْحَرْثِ ۗ ذَ‌ٰلِكَ مَتَاعُ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَاللَّهُ عِنْدَهُ حُسْنُ الْمَآبِ

“It was made attractive to people, the love of things they crave; women, sons, heaped-up heaps of gold and silver, branded horses, cattle and will-tilled land. But that is for the enjoyment of this worldly life, But Allah, with Him is the beautiful homecoming” (Surah Imrân 3:14)

Allah loves:

Those who do good deeds (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:195)

Those who ask Him for forgiveness ((Surah Al-Baqarah 2:222)

Those who purify themselves (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:222)

Those who are Allah-fearing (Surah Imrân 3:76)

Those who are steadfast (Surah Imrân 3:146)

Those who trust Him (Surah Imrân 3:159)

Those who act justly (Surah Maida 5:42)

Those who strive for His cause (Surah Saff 61:4)

Those who follow His Prophet (Surah Imrân 3:31)

Allah does not love:

The aggressors (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:190)

The disbelievers (Surah Imrân 3:32)

Those who inflict injustice (Surah Imrân 3:57)

Evil (Surah Maida 5:64) and evil doers (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:205)

Those who are arrogant (Surah Nisa 4:36)

Those who spend lavishly (Surah Anaam 6:141)

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 لَنْ تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتَّىٰ تُنْفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ ۚ وَمَا تُنْفِقُوا مِنْ شَيْءٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ

“You will not attain righteousness, unless you give of that which you love” (Surah Imrân 3:92)

ذَ‌ٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمُ اسْتَحَبُّوا الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا عَلَى الْآخِرَةِ وَأَنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَهْدِي الْقَوْمَ الْكَافِرِينَ

“They (the disbelievers) love this worldly life more than the Hereafter” (Surah Nahl 16:107)

 يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِنْ جَاءَكُمْ فَاسِقٌ بِنَبَإٍ فَتَبَيَّنُوا أَنْ تُصِيبُوا قَوْمًا بِجَهَالَةٍ فَتُصْبِحُوا عَلَىٰ مَا فَعَلْتُمْ نَادِمِينَ

وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ فِيكُمْ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ۚ لَوْ يُطِيعُكُمْ فِي كَثِيرٍ مِنَ الْأَمْرِ لَعَنِتُّمْ وَلَـٰكِنَّ اللَّهَ حَبَّبَ إِلَيْكُمُ الْإِيمَانَ وَزَيَّنَهُ فِي قُلُوبِكُمْ وَكَرَّهَ إِلَيْكُمُ الْكُفْرَ

إِلَيْكُمُ الْكُفْرَ وَالْفُسُوقَ وَالْعِصْيَانَ ۚ أُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ الرَّاشِدُونَ

فَضْلًا مِنَ اللَّهِ وَنِعْمَةً ۚ وَاللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌ

“O you believe  … Allah has made you love the Faith, and made it so beautiful in your hearts, and has made you hate disbelief, immorality and rebelliousness. These are the righteous. This is grace and bounty, from Allah, as Allah is All-knowledgeable and All-Wise” (Surah Hujurat 49:6-8)

قُلْ إِنْ كُنْتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ غَفُورٌ رَحِيمٌ

“Say (O Mohammed) “If you do love Allah, follow me, Allah will love you, and forgive your sins, as Allah is All-Forgiving, All-Merciful”. Surah Imrân (3:31)

 يا ترون. لا تحب أن الله لن يغفر لكم

“O you believe  … Do not you love that Allah would forgive you?” (Surah Noor 24:22)

The Hadith:

 “Allah almighty said: If My servant loves to meet Me, I love to meet him, and if he hates to meet Me, I hate to meet him.” (Al- Bukhari)

 “Allah loves kindness when you deal with any matter” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

“You will not enter Paradise until you have faith and you will not have faith until you love one another. Do you want me to tell you something you can do to make you love one another? Make it a habit to greet one another with “Assalaamu Alaykum” – peace upon you”. (Muslim)

 “Give gifts to each other, as this will make you love one another.” (Muslim)

 “The most loved person by Allah Almighty on the Day of Judgment and nearest to Him is a just ruler. And the most hated person by Allah Almighty on the Day of Judgment and farthest from Him is an unjust ruler.” (Tirmizi)

“If a Muslim loves his Muslim brother, he should inform him.” (Tirmizi)

Allah would say on the Day of Judgment: “Where are those who love each other for the sake of My glory? Today I will shelter them with My shade, as there is no shade today except My shade”.” (Muslim)

“Allah Almighty said: “My servant draws near to Me with nothing more loved by Me than the acts of worship that I have enjoined upon him. My servant continues to try to draw near to Me with more devotion, until I love him. When I love him, I will be his hearing with which he hears, his sight by which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, his feet on which he walks. When he asks Me for something, I will respond and when he takes refuge in Me, I will grant it to him. I do not hesitate in doing anything I intend to do as much as I hesitate in seizing the soul of My faithful servant; he hates death and I hate hurting him. But death is a must for him”.”  (Al- Bukhari)

“If Allah would love his servant He would call Archangel Gabriel and tell him “I love this person, therefore love him.” And Jibraeel would love him and call out in the heavens “Allah loves this person, therefore love him.” And the inhabitants of the heavens would love him. Then he would be embraced by the people of this world. But if Allah would abhor his servant, He would call Jibraeel and tell him “I abhor this person, therefore abhor him”. And Jibraeel (AS) would abhor him and call out in the heavens “Allah abhors this person, therefore abhor him.” And the inhabitants of the heavens would abhor him. Then he would be abhorred by the people of this world.” (Muslim)

 “Allah Almighty said “I am as My servant expects Me to be. I am with him if he remembers Me. If he remembers Me to himself, I would remember him to Myself. And if he remembers Me in a gathering, I would remember him in a gathering, which is even better. And if My servant draws near to Me by a hand’s span, I would draw near to him by an arm’s length and if he draws near to Me by an arm’s length, I would draw near to him by a fathom’s length. And if My servant comes to me walking, I would go to him speeding.” (Al-Bukhari)

“A strong believer is better and more loved by Allah Almighty than a weak believer, although both bear goodness. Thus, seek eagerly what benefits you the most and seek Allah’s help. Do not show weakness in your struggle and if something bad happens to you, do not say “if I had done so and so, then such and such would not have happened”, but say “it was my destiny and Allah has allowed what He wished” , because the word ‘if’ in this context would open the door for Shaytaan to work on you.”

“A man came to the Prophet (SAW) and asked him “O Allah’s Messenger, tell me of something I do to win Allah’s love and people’s love”. The Prophet answered “Do not love this world, Allah would love you and do not have a longing for whatever people have, people would love you”.  (Ibn-Majah)

 “None of you will truly believe until you love for your brother what you love for yourself”. (Al-Bukhari)

 “Whoever loves for Allah’s sake, hates for Allah’s sake, gives for Allah’s sake and withholds for Allah’s sake has a perfect faith.” (Abu Dawud)

 “There are three characteristics whoever has them will taste the sweetness of faith: that Allah and His Messenger(saw) are more loved by him than everything else, that he loves or does not love a person only for Allah’s sake and that he would hate to revert into disbelief just as he would hate to be thrown into fire.” (Al-Bukhari)

“There are seven whom Allah will shade with His shade on the Day when there is no shade except His; a just ruler, a youth who grew up in the worship of His Lord, a man whose heart is attached to mosques, two men who love each other only for Allah’s sake, meeting and parting for that love, a man who resists the call of a woman of noble birth and beauty to commit fornication, but he refuses and says “I fear Allah”, a man who gives charity secretly so that his left hand does not know what his right hand has given and a man whose eyes flood with tears whenever he remembers Allah in private.”  (Al-Bukhari)

“When a man asked the prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, “O Messenger of Allah, when will the Day of Judgment be?”, the Prophet (SAW) replied, “What have you prepared for it?” he said, “I have not prepared for it a great deal of prayer, fasting nor charity, but I love Allah and His Messenger intensely,” the Prophet(SAW) said, “You will be with those whom you love.”  (Al-Bukhari)