True love should stem from a sincere intention without expecting any reward. In the Quran, love and service towards others without expectation are recognized as human virtues.
The Holy Quran refers to the concept of love and selflessness, yet specific verses explicitly addressing 'love without expectation' may not be found. Nonetheless, through various verses and themes, one can conclude that in Islamic life, love and friendship should arise from sincere intention without waiting for rewards or returns from the other person. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 177, Allah emphasizes that virtue isn't just about facing a specific direction in prayer, but it includes faith in God, the Day of Judgment, and doing good for others. This verse reminds us that true love should stem from faith and a pure intention. When one loves, it should be for the sake of doing good deeds and helping others, rather than hoping for something in return. Additionally, the Quran recounts stories of individuals who have loved and served others without expectation; these can serve as models for us. For instance, the story of Abu Al-Fadl and his trustworthiness illustrates that one can serve others selflessly and thus earn divine love. Overall, loving without expectation is recognized not only in the Quran but as a virtue within Islamic culture. Therefore, it is incumbent upon each of us to strive to express our love regardless of any expected reward.
Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; and establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who fulfill their promise when they promise]; and [those who are patient in hardship and during battle]. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.
Once upon a time, there was a man named Hasan who always helped others and never asked for anything in return. One day, one of his friends asked him, 'Why do you show so much love for others without expecting anything?' Hasan replied, 'True love comes with a pure intention and faith in God. I ask for nothing, I just wish to see hearts happy.' This story inspired Hasan's friends to take him as a model and learn from him in their own lives.