Love, Obedience

LOVE, OBEDIENCE The love of God is the most elevated state that stems from realization of God. Obedience to God and His Prophet is a necessary demand of this love. I n chapter two of the Quran what typifies the believer has been indicated in these words: “Those who believe, love God most.” (2:165) Love literally means a strong affection. A believer is one who develops a strong affection for his Lord. There are some who take love in this verse to mean obedience. To support this interpretation, they refer to the following verse of the Quran: “Say, ‘If you love God, follow me and God will love you.” (3:31) This reference does not warrant taking love in the sense of obedience. This verse of the Quran, rather than defining the love of God, merely tells us one demand or aspect of the love of God, and that is, that the love of God demands that you become the follower of God’s Prophet. The love of God is the most elevated state. The source