¶ … Quran
The objective of this study is to consider how the language, arrangement and general compositional strategies of the text in the Quran result in a particular understanding of Allah's love of man and man's love of Allah.
For the reader of the Quran who has never encountered the writings love may not be at first obvious to the reader. However, when better understanding the context of the Quran and the meaning that hit holds for believers of the Muslim faith, it is clear that love is interwoven throughout the entirety of the Quran.
Love of God for Humans
According to the work of Ghazali the love of God for human beings in the Quran is God drawing people "nearer to Himself by warding off distractions and sins from [them]…"( Ghazi, 2012, p.12) The word 'mahabbah' is used for 'love' in the statement as follows:
"In its ordinary use, 'love' means the soul's inclination to something which suits it and pleases it. Such a thing can only be envisaged for an imperfect being, which inclines towards something it lacks and is made complete by attaining it, and delights in having attained it; and this is impossible for God… God's love for man, then, is for Him to draw him nearer to Himself by warding off distractions and sins from him, and purifying his inner being from the turbidity of this worldly life, and drawing back the veil from his heart so that he may behold Him, as though he sees Him with his heart. As for man's love for God, it is his inclination towards attaining the perfection which he utterly lacks and needs, for he will doubtless yearn for what he lacks, and delight in attaining any part of it. This kind of yearning and love is impossible for God." (Ghazi, 2012, p. 11-12)
This definition of love is stated to be "confirmed by the etymological root of the word 'hubb' or 'love' derived from the word 'habb' meaning seed. This has the implication that the seed when falling to the ground sprouts forth and grows into a new and beautiful plant as stated in the Holy Quran:
"The likeness of those who expend their wealth in the way of God is as the likeness of a grain (habb) that spouts seven ears, in every ear a hundred grains; so God multiplies for whom He will; God is Embracing, Knowing." (Al-Baqarah, 2:261 cited in: Ghazi, 2012, p. 13)
Love is spoken of many times in the Holy Quran. For example it is stated as follows: "And when you are resolved, rely on God; for God loves those who rely [upon Him]." (Aal 'Imran, 3:159) The love of God is not simply an act of God but instead is "one of God's very own Divine Qualities or Names." (2012, p. 14) The Divine Names in the Holy Quran which designate the qualities of God to be loving qualities include: "the Gentle -- 'Al-Latif'; the Kind -- 'Al-Raouf'; the Generous -- 'Al-Kareem'; the Forebearing -- 'Al-Haleem'; the Absolutely Reliable -- 'Al-Wakil'; the Friend -- 'Al-Wali'; the Good -- 'Al-Barr'; the Forgiving -- 'Al-Ghafur; 'the Forgiver -- 'Al-Ghaffar'; the Granter and Accepter of Repentance -- 'Al-Tawwab', and the Pardoner -- 'Al-Afu'; and specifically by God's Name, the Loving -- 'Al-Wadud'." (2012, p. 14) occurring twice in the Holy Quran. The link that exists between love and mercy is clear and it is stated that the Quaranic verses indicate that "God's Love is inseparable from His Mercy. Thus Love comes with Mercy, and Mercy comes with Love." (Ghazi, 2012, p. 14)
II. Defining Love
Love in the English language means in the verb form of the word to "Have a deep tender, ineffable feeling of affection and solicitude toward (a person); to have a feeling of intense desire and attraction toward a person; to have an intense emotional attachment to something or someone." (On Islam, 2014, p. 1) It is reported that the same verb in Arabic "carries more than just the simple emotional meanings illustrated above, as Arabic is a very rich and complex language." (On Islam, 2014, p. 1) The manifestations of love as well as the requirements and obligations that go along with "compassion, care esteem, respect, self-sacrifice, humbleness, forgiveness" are expressed in Arabic as love in the Holy Quran. (On Islam, 2014, p. 1) The Quran is reported to have a plentiful collection of verses that manifest God's love for those he created in a practice way and that speaks of the individual's love...
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