In Islam, the concept of Mahabba (divine love) carries profound theological implications that deeply shape the relationship between God (Allah) and His creation, particularly human beings. The theological significance of Mahabba can be explored through several key dimensions:
1. God’s Love for Creation
Unconditional and Infinite: God’s love, as expressed in the Qur’an and Hadith, is described as being all-encompassing, infinite, and unconditional. Allah’s love is not contingent upon any action or characteristic of the believer but is a fundamental attribute of God’s nature. This means that God’s love is not based on human merit but is an essential expression of His mercy and grace.
Part of Divine Mercy: The concept of divine love in Islam is closely linked to God’s mercy (Rahmah). Allah’s love for His creation is often mentioned alongside His mercy, indicating that love is an active force that guides the believer toward salvation, ethical living, and spiritual fulfillment.
2. Love as a Means of Divine Proximity
Human Striving Toward God: The Qur’an emphasizes the importance of loving God above all else. In Surah Al-Imran (3:31), Allah commands the Prophet Muhammad to say to the believers: “If you love Allah, follow me, and Allah will love you and forgive your sins.” This highlights the reciprocal nature of love: through devotion to God and following His commandments, humans draw closer to Him, and in return, they experience Al
lah’s love.