The ultimate goal of every muslim is to earn the love and pleasure of Allah. Imagine being among those of whom it is said: “Allah loves so-and-so.”
The Prophet ﷺ told us:
“When Allah loves a servant, He calls Jibreel (Gabriel) and says: ‘I love so-and-so; so love him.’ Then Jibreel loves him, and announces to the inhabitants of the heavens that Allah loves so-and-so, so love him. Thus, the inhabitants of the heavens love him, and he is granted acceptance on earth.”
(Bukhari and Muslim)
Our worship of Allah is built on three pillars: fear, hope, and love. We fear His punishment, we hope for His mercy, and we love Him for all His countless blessings. Part of perfecting our faith is to love what Allah loves and avoid what He dislikes. Seeking Allah’s love is not optional, it is the path to true success in this world and the Hereafter.
Below are seven qualities that Allah loves, as mentioned in the Qur’an and Sunnah:
1. Repentance
Allah says: “Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant.” (Qur’an 2:222)
Allah loves the servant who returns to Him after falling into sin—no matter how many times. True repentance means acknowledging one’s fault, seeking forgiveness, and striving not to repeat it. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Every son of Adam commits sin, and the best of those who commit sin are those who repent.” (Ibn Majah)
2. Purification
Allah says: “Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.” (Qur’an 2:222)
Purification is not only about physical cleanliness but also about spiritual purity; keeping the heart free from shirk (associating partners with Allah), arrogance, and sinful habits.
3. God-Consciousness (Taqwa)
Allah says: “Indeed, Allah loves the righteous [who fear Him].” (Qur’an 9:4)
Taqwa is living with constant awareness of Allah, obeying His commands, and avoiding His prohibitions. It is building a shield between oneself and the Hellfire through obedience.
4. Goodness and Ihsan
Allah says: “…and Allah loves the doers of good.” (Qur’an 3:134)
The verse highlights specific actions of ihsan (excellence in character and deeds):
- Spending in charity in times of ease.
- Spending in charity in times of hardship.
- Restraining anger.
- Forgiving others.
The Prophet ﷺ also said:
“The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.” (Al-Mu‘jam al-Awsat, graded Hasan by Al-Albani)
5. Trust in Allah
Allah says: “Indeed, Allah loves those who rely upon Him.” (Qur’an 3:159)
True reliance means taking the necessary steps while placing full trust in Allah for the outcome. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“If you were to rely upon Allah with the reliance He deserves, He would provide for you as He provides for the birds: they go out hungry in the morning and return full in the evening.” (Tirmidhi)
6. Justice
Allah says: “Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (Qur’an 5:42)
Justice in Islam is universal; it applies to everyone regardless of status, race, or background. Acting fairly with family, friends, and even strangers is among the most beloved qualities to Allah.
7. Patience
Allah says: “And Allah loves the steadfast.” (Qur’an 3:146)
Patience takes three forms:
- Patience in adversity: enduring hardships without despair, like Prophet Ayyub (Job) and Prophet Ya‘qub (Jacob).
- Patience in obedience: staying firm in worship such as prayer, fasting, zakah, and Hajj.
- Patience in avoiding sin: resisting temptations and refraining from what Allah has forbidden.
Allah’s love is not gained through words alone, it is shown in our actions and character. Repentance, purity, God-consciousness, goodness, trust, justice, and patience are pathways to His love. And whoever Allah loves will be honored in this life with acceptance and in the Hereafter with eternal success.
