Yuhibbunahum Kahubbillah Wallazina Amanuu Ashaddu Hubban Lillah Albaqarah 165 Jun 2026
Allah says in Surah At-Tawbah (9:24): "Say, if your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your spouses, your clan, or the wealth you have gained, or the commerce you fear will decline, or the dwellings you love... are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger..." If a person sacrifices prayer for their business, or sacrifices truth for status, they have fallen into kahubbillah .
Let us dissect this powerful ayah, its historical context, its linguistic beauty, and its practical implications for the believer living in the 21st century.
True faith ( Iman ) inherently brings a longing to please the Creator, aligning one's desires with His command. How to Cultivate Stronger Love for Allah
How does this intense love manifest in a practical, day-to-day context? Scholar Ibn al-Qayyim and others highlighted several indicators:
Explore that discuss the concept of divine love. Allah says in Surah At-Tawbah (9:24): "Say, if
They grant these rivals the type of unconditional, absolute love and obedience that belongs only to the Creator. The "Rivals":
"My servant draws near to Me with nothing more beloved to Me than what I have made obligatory upon him. And My servant continues to draw near to me with Nawafil (voluntary deeds) until I love him. And when I love him, I become his hearing with which he hears, his sight with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks." (Bukhari)
Thirdly, this "strength" is demonstrated through sacrifice. True love is proven by what one is willing to give up. The believer, out of love for Allah, suppresses their ego, restrains their desires, and sacrifices their time and wealth for His sake. While the polytheist may sacrifice for an idol, they do so out of fear or cultural habit. The believer sacrifices out of a deep, conscious yearning and gratitude, making their love more potent and transformative.
"And [yet], among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they [should] love Allah. But those who believe are stronger in love for Allah..." (Quran 2:165) True faith ( Iman ) inherently brings a
) are no longer just obligations; they are moments of connection with the Beloved. C. Love for the Sake of Allah
Share this article to spread the understanding of Tawheed al-Mahabbah (Oneness of Love). Reflect on Al-Baqarah 165 today during your recitation and check the temperature of your heart.
The particle "Ka" (like/as) here indicates parity. The Mushrikeen had elevated their desires, their wealth, or their idols to such a degree that they loved them with a love that should be reserved exclusively for the Creator. This is ( Shirk al-Mahabbah )—the most dangerous form of hidden polytheism.
When we prioritize the commands, opinions, or preservation of these worldly elements over the commands of Allah, we risk falling into the spiritual trap warned against in the first half of the verse. Signs of "Ashaddu Hubban Lillah" in Daily Life They grant these rivals the type of unconditional,
The verse teaches us that .
How does this intense love manifest in the life of a believer? Scholars have noted several signs of those who possess this superior love:
The believer understands that every blessing they love in creation—their family, their wealth, their joy—is a gift from Allah. Therefore, they love the Giver more than the gift.
The Quran uses the word ashaddu (intense, stronger, more severe) to describe the believer's love for Allah. This intensity is not a fleeting emotion; it is a stable, deeply rooted conviction.