Quranic Verses About Love

Islam encourages showing mutual love, intimacy, and affection, unlike any other religion. According to Islam, love is encompassing. It can promote a halal and healthy relationship between friends, neighbors, spouses, and most importantly families.   

We are blessed to be born as Muslims. It is imperative that we always look for guidance from the Holy Quran because it has all the commandments given by Allah SWT. The Quran teaches us how to lead our lives and tells stories of our ancestors. The Quran gives us a reminder about the power of faith & devotion to Allah SWT.

Along the course of this article, we shall be discussing the Quranic verses about Love.

Love according to Islam can be classified into 3 different categories, these are: 

1. Towards Allah SWT
2. Towards Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
3. Towards other people for Allah’s sake. Including family, spouse, and friends 

We shall also be looking at some of the verses related to Love in the Quran. 

The Quran talks about:

• Human Love
• Allah’s Love towards people 
• People’s Love towards things 
• Person’s Love towards Allah SWT  

 لَن تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتَّىٰ تُنفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ ۚ وَمَا تُنفِقُوا مِن شَيْءٍ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ بِهِ عَلِيمٌ

Never will you attain the good [reward] until you spend [in the way of Allah] from that which you love. And whatever you spend – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it. [3:92] (Person’s love for things)

Which are the two major Arabic terms that express Love in the Quran?

The two major Arabic terms that have been used extensively in the Quran for expressing Love, are: 

• Hubb  (حبّ) – It means ‘Love’ in Arabic. 
• Mawaddah (مودّة) – It also means ‘Love’ which is expressed through actions.

Both of these terms apply to the state of someone’s heart. 

Allah’s Love mentioned in the Holy Quran 

Allah’s Love is mentioned numerous times within the Holy Quran. We shall be discussing them, below.

Surah Fatiha: 
Allah SWT is:
The Rahman (رحمن) – It describes his mercy and blessing that is showered upon believers.  The Rahim (رحیم) – It also represents Allah’s mercy and kindness. 

The almighty offers mercy for the believer and practicing Muslims. Also, Allah SWT adores some believers more, based on their piety & actions. 

Allah’s Love for the Remorseful and Pious 

إِنَّ اللَّـهَ يُحِبُّ التَّوَّابِينَ وَيُحِبُّ الْمُتَطَهِّرِينَ

Allah SWT adores those who turn towards Him persistently & the Almighty Loves believers who keep them pure at heart and maintain cleanliness. 

The aforementioned verse states: 

• Allah SWT adores who does Tawwāb (توّاب)  
• Tawbah (توّاب) – Meaning believers who turn to Allah SWT by performing good actions. 
• Tawbah (توّاب) – It means believers who are into Repentance (توبة) and performs Istighfār (استقفار) (seeking forgiveness). 
• Repentance (توبة) and Istighfār (استقفار) can be used interchangeably. 

Allah’s Love for pious individuals is mentioned in the Holy Quran

بَلَىٰ مَنْ أَوْفَىٰ بِعَهْدِهِ وَاتَّقَىٰ فَإِنَّ اللَّـهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَّقِينَ

Believers who fulfill their commitments and remain wary of Allah SWT – Allah SWT indeed Loves the Godwary.

What does it mean by Taqwa (تقوی) or Godweariness?
Based on the narration provided by Jaʿfar bin Muhammad al-Sadiq (PBUH), when he was asked, 
‘What does Taqwa mean?’, he replied:
Allah SWT sees you be present and always ready and present right beside his commands and doesn’t see you in what Allah SWT has prohibited you from.    

Types of Taqwa 

There exist various levels of Taqwa –

These levels of Taqwa or Godweariness are, as follows: 

• Taqwa, where there is nothing except for the feeling of Allah’s kindness and greatness. Rather lose oneself in Allah’s path and not see one’s personal needs. This level of Taqwa is special among the believers who are the elites and are the chosen servants of Allah SWT. 
• Taqwa is when a believer fears Allah SWT and doesn’t question his position of divinity. Also, he or she stays away from actions that are prohibited and matters that are dubious. This level of Taqwa is for the chosen servants of Allah SWT. 
• Taqwa, in which believers fear hellfire and the divine punishment of Allah SWT. Here, not only do believers stay away from what’s prohibited but also what’s questionable and acts that are Mubah (مباح). This level of Taqwa is applicable to the masses.

Allah’s Love for believers who are patient is mentioned in the holy Quran

وَكَأَيِّن مِّن نَّبِيٍّ قَاتَلَ مَعَهُ رِبِّيُّونَ كَثِيرٌ فَمَا وَهَنُوا لِمَا أَصَابَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّـهِ وَمَا ضَعُفُوا وَمَا اسْتَكَانُوا ۗ وَاللَّـهُ يُحِبُّ الصَّابِرِينَ ﴿146﴾

How many a prophet has there been alongside whom a multitude of godly men fought? They did not falter what befell them in the way of Allah SWT, neither did they weaken, nor did they abase themselves, and Allah SWT Loves the steadfast. 

Patience is undoubtedly one of the substantial properties & states of a believer’s soul. It has been mentioned numerous times within the Holy Quran. This has precisely been mentioned around 70 times, it also states – 

Be patient while encountering disaster & hardships; surely steadfastness is unquestionably a matter of great resolution.

As mentioned on Surah Āl-i ʿImrān – 

What’s important is performing all our responsibilities and remaining steadfast on the truth; whether or not we are successful or not. Because, according to the verse Allah SWT Loves the patient and the victorious.  

There are 3 types of Patience 

Patience is categorized into 3 types according to Islamic teachings –  

• Obey Allah’s commands 
• Be patient during times of calamities  
• Prevent oneself from committing any sins  

Allah Loves the Mutawakkilin: Love according to the Quran

وَمَا اخْتَلَفْتُمْ فِيهِ مِن شَيْءٍ فَحُكْمُهُ إِلَى اللَّـهِ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمُ اللَّـهُ رَبِّي عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَإِلَيْهِ أُنِيبُ ﴿10﴾

Whatever you may differ about, its judgment is with Allah SWT. That is Allah SWT, my Lord. In Him, I have put my trust, and to Him do I turn penitently.

Mutawakkilin (متوکّلین) – These are believers who have *tawakkul (توکُّل).

*Tawakkul (توکُّل) – It means to not be weak and put one’s trust in Allah SWT. 

Based on Islamic context, it means, to NOT trust anyone else except Allah SWT. As an individual who considers Allah SWT to be one, only, and unparalleled, because he is invincible & the casualty of all-cause that come from Allah. 

Therefore, all believers should entrust the management of all their affairs to Allah SWT as an individual has cut off any potential hopes for apparent causes.    

Tawakkul results from believing in Allah’s Lordship

Allah’s Love for the Muqsiṭin: Love according to the Quran

…وَإِنْ حَكَمْتَ فَاحْكُم بَيْنَهُم بِالْقِسْطِ ۚ إِنَّ اللَّـهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُقْسِطِينَ ﴿42﴾

But if you are to judge, judge between them with justice. Indeed, Allah SWT Loves the just 

Muqsiṭ (مقسط) – He is the believer who practices qisṭ (قسط), this means, manifesting justice. 

What is the difference between adl (عدل) and qisṭ (قسط)?

Based on the holy Quran, the word adl (عدل) is used to refer to justice, whereas, the word qisṭ (قسط), means to manifest justice.  

When it is used to measure the weight of justice, then, qisṭ (قسط) is used. It helps believers to visualize justice. 

Requirements of Allah’s Love and following Prophet Muhammad’s teachings  

قُلْ إِن كُنتُمْ تُحِبُّونَ اللَّـهَ فَاتَّبِعُونِي يُحْبِبْكُمُ اللَّـهُ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ ذُنُوبَكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّـهُ غَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ ﴿31﴾

‘If you Love Allah SWT, then follow me; Allah will Love you and forgive you even for your sins, Allah SWT is all forgiving and all merciful’

The above verse states that if we Love Allah SWT and want his love as well, then, we must obey & follow the teaching of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) 

Allah SWT doesn’t consider all types of love to be real. Rather real love in the eyes of Allah SWT is the one where believers remain sincere and accept Islam.  

If we want to sincerely worship Allah SWT, then we must follow the teachings of Islam. The basis of Islam is Love. It boils down to total submission and sincerity towards Allah SWT. This will help you to reach Allah SWT in the fastest possible way. 

Quran Verses about the Love of Allah 

Love for Allah SWT has been clearly discussed in the Holy Quran. Some of these instances are discussed below.

Believer’s sincere Love for Allah SWT according to the holy Quran 

وَمِنَ النَّاسِ مَن يَتَّخِذُ مِن دُونِ اللَّـهِ أَندَادًا يُحِبُّونَهُمْ كَحُبِّ اللَّـهِ ۖ وَالَّذِينَ آمَنُوا أَشَدُّ حُبًّا لِّلَّـهِ ۗ…
Among the masses are those who set up compeers beside Allah SWT, loving them as though loving Allah SWT – the faithful ones have more passionate love for Allah SWT… 

The usage of Love relating to Allah SWT in the true sense means obedience towards Allah SWT. This is evident from the aforementioned verse. Also, Love for Allah SWT has varying levels of intensity. 

Believers are praised due to their intense and devoted love towards Allah SWT, this entails that believers obey and follow the order of Allah SWT. 

Love for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) according to the Quran

Believers are praised and non-believers are given warnings according to the Holy Quran regarding love. The consequence is being obedient towards Allah SWT. If any person loves another for being obedient to Allah SWT and he or she invites the other to Allah’s obedience, in that case, the admonishment of loving anyone other than Allah SWT doesn’t apply.    

‘If your fathers and your sons, your brethren, your spouses, and your kinsfolk, the possessions that you have acquired, the business you fear may suffer, and the dwellings you are fond of, are more beloved to you than Allah and His Apostle…

In the verse above, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is associated with the love of Allah SWT. It indicated that even if the love for Allah SWT and love for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) remains separate, love for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) comes from the believers due to obedience towards Allah SWT. 

Obedience towards Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is similar to obedience towards Allah SWT, it is something which is not admonished. 

Allah SWT loves believers and believers love Allah SWT  

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا مَن يَرْتَدَّ مِنكُمْ عَن دِينِهِ فَسَوْفَ يَأْتِي اللَّـهُ بِقَوْمٍ يُحِبُّهُمْ وَيُحِبُّونَهُ أَذِلَّةٍ عَلَى الْمُؤْمِنِينَ أَعِزَّةٍ عَلَى الْكَافِرِينَ يُجَاهِدُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّـهِ وَلَا يَخَافُونَ لَوْمَةَ لَائِمٍ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ فَضْلُ اللَّـهِ يُؤْتِيهِ مَن يَشَاءُ ۚ وَاللَّـهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ ﴿54﴾

O you who have faith! Should any of you desert his religion, Allah will soon bring a people whom He loves and who love Him, [who will be] humble towards the faithful, stern towards the faithless, waging jihad in the way of Allah, not fearing the blame of any blamer. That is Allah’s grace, which He grants to whomever He wishes, and Allah is all-bounteous, all-knowing.

The verse above talks about believers that Allah SWT loves and believers that love Allah SWT. Whereas, the beginning of this verse discusses about the individuals who turn away from Allah SWT and go astray from Islam.   

Some of the qualities of believers that have been mentioned are as follows:

1. They never allow fear of others blaming them to creep into their hearts
2. They are humble, kind, and lenient to other believers
3. They are strict towards non-believers
4. They are ready to fight for Allah SWT

The requisite to loving Allah SWT is that believers must put Allah above everything that they possess. This includes; family, wealth status, etc. So, the people who have been mentioned within the verse above, cannot love the enemies of Allah SWT, but can only have love for the servants of Allah SWT. 

Iman is beloved for the believers according to the Love mentioned in the holy Quran

وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ فِيكُمْ رَسُولَ اللَّـهِ ۚ لَوْ يُطِيعُكُمْ فِي كَثِيرٍ مِّنَ الْأَمْرِ لَعَنِتُّمْ وَلَـٰكِنَّ اللَّـهَ حَبَّبَ إِلَيْكُمُ الْإِيمَانَ وَزَيَّنَهُ فِي قُلُوبِكُمْ وَكَرَّهَ إِلَيْكُمُ الْكُفْرَ وَالْفُسُوقَ وَالْعِصْيَانَ ۚ أُولَـٰئِكَ هُمُ الرَّاشِدُونَ ﴿7﴾

Know that the Apostle of Allah is among you. Should he comply with you in many matters, you would surely suffer. But Allah has endeared the faith to you and made it appealing in your hearts, and He has made hateful to your faithlessness, transgression, and disobedience. It is such who are the right-minded

Iman (إیمان) or faith is truly beloved towards the hearts of all believers, this is a blessing from Allah SWT. Allah SWT has made faith beloved, so it means, he considers faith to be adorned and attractive so that it pulls the hearts of the believers towards it. This is why believers do not turn away nor do they give up on other things, easily. 

Also, for the believers, Allah SWT has made sinning and corruption hateful.

Quranic Verses on Love between Husband and Wife 

وَمِنْ آيَاتِهِ أَنْ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنْ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَزْوَاجًا لِّتَسْكُنُوا إِلَيْهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيْنَكُم مَّوَدَّةً وَرَحْمَةً ۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَآيَاتٍ لِّقَوْمٍ يَتَفَكَّرُون  21

And of His signs is that He created for you mates from your own selves that you may take comfort in them, and He ordained affection and mercy between you. There are indeed signs in that for people who reflect. 

It has been mentioned in the Holy Quran the love between spouses. 

Mawaddah (مودة) – Here love is expressed in actions. 

Zawj (زوج) – This refers to males and females who are chosen as a pair, according to the verse above, they are husband and wife.

As mentioned in the verse above, the love between a husband and a wife is divine. This is something that cannot be attained through status, wealth, or beauty. Rather the relationship that exists between a husband and a wife needs to be based upon mercy, compassion, and love. 

Mercy and love are two of the vital factors that bring peace during married life. 

What does the Quran say about Love and Relationships? 

First and foremost, let us discuss the Fatwa related to this – 

1. According to Islam, a lawful marriage between a male and a female is permissible and it is considered as the purest form of relationship.

2. It is strictly prohibited in Islam to get into any Illicit relationships. The concept of having a boyfriend or girlfriend goes totally against the values of Islam. 

3. In Islam, you do not have the concept of courtship. Islam is against the idea of dating and ‘trying out each other’ before committing to marriage.

4. The man or woman you plan on marrying should be pious, has good manners, and leads their life by obeying Allah SWT and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Also, if both of you strive to please Allah SWT in this world and hereafter, then, both of you are an ideal match.  

14 Qur’anic Verses that Talk about Love 

Surah Baqarah:

وَقَاتِلُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَكُمْ وَلَا تَعْتَدُوا ۚ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُعْتَدِينَ

Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed. Allah does not like transgressors.[2:190]

وَأَنفِقُوا فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَلَا تُلْقُوا بِأَيْدِيكُمْ إِلَى التَّهْلُكَةِ ۛ وَأَحْسِنُوا ۛ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction [by refraining]. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good. [2:195] (Allah’s Love towards people) 

كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْقِتَالُ وَهُوَ كُرْهٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰ أَن تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لَّكُمْ ۖ وَعَسَىٰ أَن تُحِبُّوا شَيْئًا وَهُوَ شَرٌّ لَّكُمْ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ وَأَنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ

Fighting has been enjoined upon you while it is hateful to you. But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not. [2:216] (People’s Love towards things) 

Surah Imran

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

Beautified for people is the love of that which they desire – of women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return. [3:14] (People’s Love towards things)

الَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ فِي السَّرَّاءِ وَالضَّرَّاءِ وَالْكَاظِمِينَ الْغَيْظَ وَالْعَافِينَ عَنِ النَّاسِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

Who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people – and Allah loves the doers of good; [3:134] (Allah’s Love towards people)

Surah Maryam

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ سَيَجْعَلُ لَهُمُ الرَّحْمَٰنُ وُدًّا

Indeed, those who have believed and done righteous deeds – the Most Merciful will appoint for them affection. [19:96] (Allah’s Love towards people)

Surah Yusuf

إِذْ قَالُوا لَيُوسُفُ وَأَخُوهُ أَحَبُّ إِلَىٰ أَبِينَا مِنَّا وَنَحْنُ عُصْبَةٌ إِنَّ أَبَانَا لَفِي ضَلَالٍ مُّبِينٍ

When they said, “Joseph and his brother are more beloved to our father than we, while we are a clan. Indeed, our father is in clear error. [12:8] (Human Love)

Surah As Saff

وَأُخْرَىٰ تُحِبُّونَهَا ۖ نَصْرٌ مِّنَ اللَّهِ وَفَتْحٌ قَرِيبٌ ۗ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

And [you will obtain] another [favor] that you love – victory from Allah and an imminent conquest; and give good tidings to the believers. [61:13] (People’s Love towards things)

إِنَّ اللَّهَ يُحِبُّ الَّذِينَ يُقَاتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ صَفًّا كَأَنَّهُم بُنْيَانٌ مَّرْصُوصٌ

Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His cause in a row as though they are a [single] structure joined firmly. [61:4] (Allah’s Love towards people)

Surah Luqman

وَإِن جَاهَدَاكَ عَلَىٰ أَن تُشْرِكَ بِي مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا ۖ وَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِي الدُّنْيَا مَعْرُوفًا ۖ وَاتَّبِعْ سَبِيلَ مَنْ أَنَابَ إِلَيَّ ۚ ثُمَّ إِلَيَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ

But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness and follow the way of those who turn back to Me [in repentance/love]. Then to Me will be your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do. [31:15]

Surah Insan

وَيُطْعِمُونَ الطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ مِسْكِينًا وَيَتِيمًا وَأَسِيرًا

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive. [76:8]

إِنَّمَا نُطْعِمُكُمْ لِوَجْهِ اللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمْ جَزَاءً وَلَا شُكُورًا

[Saying], “We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude. [76:9] (People’s Love towards things)

Surah Qasas

وَابْتَغِ فِيمَا آتَاكَ اللَّهُ الدَّارَ الْآخِرَةَ ۖ وَلَا تَنسَ نَصِيبَكَ مِنَ الدُّنْيَا ۖ وَأَحْسِن كَمَا أَحْسَنَ اللَّهُ إِلَيْكَ ۖ وَلَا تَبْغِ الْفَسَادَ فِي الْأَرْضِ ۖ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ الْمُفْسِدِينَ

But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world. And do good as Allah has done good to you. And desire not corruption in the land. Indeed, Allah does not like corrupters.” [28:77]

Surah As Shuraa 

 وَجَزَاءُ سَيِّئَةٍ سَيِّئَةٌ مِّثْلُهَا ۖ فَمَنْ عَفَا وَأَصْلَحَ فَأَجْرُهُ عَلَى اللَّهِ ۚ إِنَّهُ لَا يُحِبُّ الظَّالِمِينَ

And the retribution for an evil act is an evil one like it, but whoever pardons and makes reconciliation – his reward is [due] from Allah. Indeed, He does not like wrongdoers. [42:40] 

Conclusion 

Love according to the Holy Quran’s verses has been discussed in this article in numerous aspects. 

1. A type of love is Allah’s love for believers –  Allah SWT is perfect and eternal, hence, his love is enduring and true. Allah’s love for the believers brings them tranquility and harmony. Allah SWT is always there with the believers. 

2. Another category of love is the love that believers hold for Allah SWT –  This includes loving other individuals who guide us towards Allah SWT. 

3. The other type of love is the one where believers have faith within their hearts for Allah SWT.

1.  Lastly, there is the love that spouses have within their hearts for each other.