Akhlaq of Islam

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(Extracted from the book Shariat and Tasawwuf by Hazrat Moulana Maseehullah RA)

THE CAUSES OF MUHABBAT

There are three factors giving rise to muhabbat:

1. IHSAAN (Kindness and favour). Ihsaan shown gives rise to muhabbat.

2. JAMAAL (Beauty). Beauty brings about attraction which gives rise to muhabbat.

3. KAMAAL (Perfection). Perfection in a thing also induces muhabbat.

These three attributes par excellence exist in only Allah Ta'ala. The muhabbat endures as long as these attributes endure. In so far as the Object of True Love (Allah Ta'ala) is concerned, these attributes are eternal. They will endure forever, hence love for Him is perpetual. Since the existence of attributes in the state of perfection is not found independently (biz-zaat) in any being other than Allah Ta'ala, the kamileen (the Saints who have attained spiritual perfection) cannot have muhabbat aqli (Intellectual Love) for anyone besides Allah Ta'ala. Muhabbat tab'i (physical love) is possible with others, but the love which has been commanded for Allah Ta'ala is muhabbat aqli. The terminology of the Quran and Hadith describes this form of love as Hubb. This should not be understood to mean that the kamileen are devoid of muhabbat tab'i. However, in them (the kamileen), muhabbat aqli is dominant. At times muhabbat tab'i in the kamileen exceeds the love in those in whom muhabbat tab'i is dominant, but muhabbat aqli remains dominant in spite of this comparative higher degree of muhabbat tab'i. At times, muhabbat tab'i becomes dominant in even the kamileen, but this is not frequent.

In short, the kamileen are perfect in both muhabbat aqli and muhabbat tab'i, the former being dominant while in others, muhabbat tab'i (physical love) is dominant. Although this attribute of excellence (in the kamileen) is not a goal in itself, it nevertheless is praiseworthy. Those devoid of both these aspects of love are in danger. Muhabbat is thus essential. Obedience without muhabbat is not sufficient since there is no resolution and firmness in such acts of obedience devoid of love.

ACQUIRING THE MUHABBAT OF ALLAH

Constant remembrance and contemplation of the Attributes and Bounties of Allah Ta'ala will induce the desired muhabbat for Him. Compliance with the Laws of the Shariat and much Thikr of Allah expel the love of others from the heart, making way for the exclusive Love of Allah Ta'ala.

Allah Ta'ala says:

"Those who yearn for the meeting with Allah (should take solace in the knowledge) that, verily, the Time of Allah is approaching." (Surah Ankaboot)

Rasoolullah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said:

The condition of natural desire (eagerness) which is a physical state to behold and fully comprehend a beloved object whose perfection is only partially known is termed Shouq.

Shouq is the initial stage of Muhabbat. At a later stage it develops into uns (affection). At this stage the conditions prevailing during shouq do not remain.

Among such conditions are profuse crying and absorption in thought to such a degree that this condition asserts its dominance. Some (along the journey) consider such conditions to be the goal (of the sojourn), hence become depressed when these are reduced in the state of uns. However, there is no need to be concerned at this reduction in such feelings because the goal is not the state of shouq to be perpetual; that one should at all times be engulfed in this state. The purpose is not to eliminate natural desires neither is the purpose to create a constant throb in the heart.