art by fari

Love as a Spiritual Practice

Love is the essence of our faith. It is the root of connection — between hearts, between human beings and creation, and ultimately, between the soul and its Creator. In Arabic, the word ḥubb (حب) means love. Though the word itself is simple, its meaning is vast, layered, and deeply spiritual.

In Islam, love isn’t just an emotion — it’s a way of life. It shapes how we see, how we speak, how we act, and how we worship. Love in Islam is inclusive, merciful, and intentional. It is love for Allah, for the Prophet ﷺ, for our families, for our neighbors, for strangers, for nature, for knowledge — even for the struggles that shape us.

At the center of it all is Allah’s love for us. He is Al-Wadūd — the Most Loving. This name doesn’t just describe His nature, but invites us to reflect that love in our own lives. Love in Islam is active — it shows up in kindness, in compassion, in patience, and in generosity.

For me, ḥubb is a reminder to soften the heart and to lead with gentleness. To look at the world with tenderness, even in its brokenness. Choosing this word for my calligraphy piece was not just a design decision — it was an emotional and spiritual one. I wanted to create something that spoke to the soul. A visual dhikr. A quiet invitation to love more deeply and more widely.

The Power of Love in Islam:

• Love is part of iman (faith). The Prophet ﷺ said,
  “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
• Loving others for the sake of Allah brings reward and strengthens the bonds of the ummah.
• Love extends to all of creation. The Prophet ﷺ showed love to animals, plants, and even inanimate objects like the mountain of Uhud.
• Allah’s love is not reserved for the perfect — it is for the repentant, the seekers, the patient, and the kind-hearted.

How to Practice Love as a Form of Worship:

• Love people with mercy — not because they are perfect, but because Allah’s mercy covers you, too.
• Love the world around you — nature is filled with signs of Allah; treating it with respect is an act of gratitude and love.
• Love the journey — even the painful parts. Sometimes, the challenges you face are the very things that draw you closer to Allah.
• Love Allah deeply — through your prayers, your reflection, and your remembrance. His love is already with you; loving Him back is how we awaken to it.

ḤUBB, my latest calligraphy piece

This piece was created with intention and presence. I chose to write the word ḥubb in a bold red, outlined in black — a visual representation of love’s power and depth. Red symbolizes passion, warmth, and the beating heart of connection. The black outline adds contrast and grounding — like the strength and clarity that comes with sincere love rooted in faith.

I wanted the curves and movement of the letters to feel like an embrace — soft, strong, and alive. When I see it on my wall, it reminds me to pause, to breathe, and to return to a state of love. Not just romantic love, but the kind of love that is rooted in divine connection — in being present, in being kind, in being grateful.

We are not just asked to love — we are created from it. And through love, we return to the One who loves us most.

“Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds — the Most Merciful will appoint for them love.” (Qur’an 19:96)