Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri addressed thousands of devotees at the fourth session of Itikaf City 2025 on the topic of “The Meanings of Love and the Stages of Devotion.” He stated that if a person starts feeling a sense of superiority due to their knowledge, they should understand that Satan's attack has been effective. He said that claims of knowledge lead to arrogance, and arrogance gives rise to hatred and division. The journey of faith, he stated, begins with love, humility, and modesty. Those who deny the states of love are, in essence, deprived of the very beginning of their journey of faith.

He quoted Imam Ghazali from Ihya-ul-Uloom, stating that “The love of Allah is the final station of all spiritual ranks and the highest level in the journey of faith.” A heart filled with worldly love cannot accommodate the love of Allah. One who has not received love has a diseased heart. The lesser the emotions of love and compassion in the heart, the weaker the level of faith. Love is the essence and life of faith. A person deprived of the states of love is spiritually dead, even if they are physically alive. Love for the True Master brings peace to the heart, whereas worldly affections create restlessness and obsession.

Dr. Tahir-ul-Qadri further stated that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is the embodiment of love and compassion. He was granted the status of Rahmatul-lil-Alameen (Mercy for all worlds). He (PBUH) was so kind and benevolent that whoever gazed upon his blessed face even once became captivated. Religion cannot be separated from love, compassion, and selflessness. Today, despite claiming to be knowledgeable, we remain spiritually hollow because our hearts are devoid of love. We are neither willing to forgive anyone nor to tolerate others. This is neither the temperament of true scholars nor the way of Allah’s righteous servants. Islam is not merely a philosophy; it is the name of love and compassion, he explained.

Shaykh-ul-Islam urged the youth, especially preachers, scholars, and religious speakers, to learn to love humanity. He said that instead of pushing people away, they should bring them closer. This closeness will not be established through the intimidation of knowledge or the intricacies of philosophy and logic, but rather through the sincere expression of love.