In a world often consumed by material pursuits, the concept of Divine Love provides a luminous path towards spiritual refinement, inner tranquillity and a deeper connection with our Creator. The teachings shared during the Itikaf 2025 lecture series—particularly “The Hadith of Love and the Effects of Love” by Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri—offer profound insights into how to nurture this Divine Love and experience its radiant effects in our daily lives.

1. The Essence of Divine Love

At its core, Divine Love transcends mere emotion; it is an all-encompassing devotion to Allah, an intense longing that permeates one’s heart, mind and soul. Scholars like Imam Ghazali have explained that mahabba (“love”) consumes all else besides the Beloved, and when this love becomes firm and reaches the pinnacle of intensity, it is called ‘ishq (“burning love”).

1.1 Qur’anic Foundations

The Qur’an repeatedly underscores the significance of remembering Allah. One verse that illustrates the state of true lovers is:

“Men whom neither commerce nor sale distracts from the remembrance of Allah.” Sura al-Nur (24:37) Commenting on this, Ali (RA) remarked that some individuals have “purchased the remembrance of Allah in exchange for the world,” thus freeing themselves from worldly distractions.

1.2 A Sacred Tradition on Divine Love

According to a sacred report narrated by Imam Hasan Basri (RA), when a servant becomes deeply immersed in the remembrance of Allah, He lifts the veil between Himself and that servant. Such people, through constant remembrance, become beloved to their Lord. Additionally, their presence alone can shield communities from divine punishments.

2. Manifestations and Effects of Divine Love

Divine Love is not merely a lofty notion; it visibly shapes the character and conduct of those who embrace it.

2.1. Purification of the Heart

Allama Ibn al-Qayyim likened Divine Love to nourishment that purifies the thoughts, intellect and spiritual vision. It illuminates the heart and creates a balance in one’s personality.

2.2. Moral and Behavioural Transformation

This love refines behaviour: a coward becomes brave, a miser becomes generous, and a deceitful person becomes sincere. It aligns one’s outward actions with inner sincerity, removing hypocrisy and spiritual maladies.

2.3. Relief from Worries

By turning wholeheartedly to Allah, the lover finds comfort in Divine Remembrance, which replaces anxieties and worldly restlessness with tranquillity and contentment.

3. Learning from the Lives of the Pious

A vital aspect emphasized by Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri is the legitimacy and benefit of discussing the lives of Prophets, saints and righteous believers.

“Indeed, in their stories, there is a lesson for those of understanding…” Surah Yusuf (12:111)

3.1 Strengthening Hearts and Illuminating Minds

Quoting Imam Junayd Baghdadi (RA), the lecture points out that stories of mystics are like “an army from among the armies of Allah,” which Allah uses to strengthen the hearts of believers. Similarly, Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) mentioned that the narratives of the pious are more beloved to him than juristic discussions alone, as they convey the deeper essence of spiritual life.

Imam Sufyan ibn Uyayna said, “When the righteous are remembered, divine mercy descends.”

3.2 Practical Illustrations of Divine Love

Throughout Islamic history, devout men and women have shown how sincere faith can shape both personal lives and society. Dhul Nun Misri (RA) encountered a young female knower of Allah whose final cry marked her union with the Divine, while Maymuna al-Sawda (RA) brought peace between wolves and sheep through her devotion—demonstrating the extraordinary power of true love and obedience to Allah.

4. Practical Steps to Cultivate Divine Love

Although Divine Love is a gift from Allah, it can be nurtured through sincere effort:

4.1. Consistent Remembrance

Engage in the remembrance of Allah and the recitation of the Qur’an daily. Even short but frequent moments of the glorification of Allah throughout the day deepen the bond with the Divine.

4.2. Reflective Worship

Perform prayers with the presence of the heart, focusing on the meanings of the recitations. Night vigil and nighttime prayers, offered in solitude, are particularly powerful in strengthening the heart’s attachment to Allah.

4.3. Study of Sacred Narratives

Read about the lives of Prophets, Companions, saints and pious scholars. Their stories offer guidance, uplift the spirit, and unveil the secrets of sincere worship.

4.4. Company of the Righteous

Seek out gatherings and companionship of devout individuals. Such environments naturally remind one of Allah and encourage virtuous habits.

4.5. Self-Purification

Strive to eliminate traits such as arrogance, greed and hatred, replacing them with humility, generosity and compassion. Continuous repentance is key to maintaining a clean spiritual slate.

5. Conclusion: The Call to Divine Unity

True love for Allah is neither passive nor abstract; it is an active, all-encompassing devotion that refines the mind, elevates character, and fills life with peace and purpose. When a believer’s heart is ignited with Divine Love, worldly trials lose their grip and deep serenity envelops the soul.

May Allah grant us the ability to cultivate this love within our hearts, follow the pious in their steadfast remembrance and ultimately be among those to whom He unveils the secrets of Divine intimacy. As Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Tahir-ul-Qadri beautifully reminds us, the journey to peace with Allah begins with a sincere intention—one capable of illuminating even the darkest corners of our world with the radiant glow of faith.