10 Ways to Develop True Love for Allah

10 Ways to Develop True Love for Allah

(Adapted from Shaykh Ibn Qayyim’s Madarij-us-Saalikeen)

Shaykh Ibn al-Qayyim (rah) beautifully outlines ten ways to nurture a deep and sincere love for Allah:

1. Recite and Reflect on the Qur’an

   • Engage with the Qur’an, understanding its meanings and reflecting on its message.

2. Perform Optional Deeds After Obligatory Ones

   • Go beyond the basic obligations by engaging in voluntary prayers, fasting, and acts of kindness.

3. Engage in Constant Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

   • Remember Allah with your tongue, heart, and actions at all times. The more you remember Him, the stronger your love grows.

4. Prioritize What Allah Loves Over Personal Desires

   • When faced with temptations, choose what pleases Allah over what pleases the self.

5. Contemplate Allah’s Names and Attributes

   • Deepen your faith by reflecting on Allah’s divine qualities and understanding His perfection.

6. Recognize and Appreciate Allah’s Blessings

   • Be mindful of both the seen and unseen favors of Allah, expressing gratitude for them.

7. Humble Yourself Before Allah

   • True love for Allah flourishes when one submits fully to Him with sincerity and devotion.

8. Seek Solitude for Qur’an Recitation and Night Prayers

   • Use the last third of the night to connect with Allah, recite the Qur’an, seek forgiveness, and repent.

9. Spend Time with Righteous Companions

   • Surround yourself with those who sincerely love Allah, benefiting from their wisdom and guidance.

10. Avoid What Distances the Heart from Allah

• Stay away from distractions, sins, and anything that weakens your connection with Him.

By practicing these ten steps, a person can develop true love for Allah and draw closer to Him, reaching a state of deep spiritual fulfillment.

May Allah bless us with hearts filled with His love! Ameen.