Worship can be performed lovingly with sincere intention and love for God.
Worship, as one of the most important aspects of a Muslim's life, should not only be seen as an obligatory act but also as an opportunity to draw closer to God and express love for Him. The love for God is implicitly highlighted in various verses of the Holy Quran. One of the ways to perform worship lovingly and with affection is to have a sincere intention and focus during the act of worship. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 165, Allah reminds us that some people associate partners with Him, while the believers cherish the love of Allah. This indicates that we should cultivate love and affection for God in our hearts as we engage in worship with a pure intention. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Imran, verse 31, Allah said: "Say, 'If you love Allah, then follow me, so Allah will love you.'" This verse emphasizes the importance of following the Prophet as a manifestation of love for God. Thus, reviving an internal love for God, expressing affection through actions, and dedicating time to prayer and remembrance of Him are some of the ways in which worship can transform into a loving affair. When a person worships with love and eagerness, they will feel a deeper closeness to Allah, and this eagerness for worship will enhance the quality of their devotion. Overall, the loving ways of worship include ensuring a sincere intention, being present in prayer and other devotional acts, and having a profound understanding of God's love for us.
And among the people are some who take other than Allah as equals [to Him] and love them as they should love Allah. But those who have believed are stronger in love for Allah.
Say, 'If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your relatives, the wealth which you have obtained, and the commerce in which you fear decline, and the dwellings in which you delight are more beloved to you than Allah and His Messenger and jihad in His cause, then wait until Allah executes His command. And Allah does not guide the defiantly disobedient people.
Once upon a time, a man felt a burning love for God within his heart. He decided that with every step he took, he would take a step towards God. In his prayers, he read with a calm heart and felt that Allah was with him. One day, he went to the mosque and alongside other believers, he prayed and experienced a deep affection for God in his heart. His prayers and acts of worship were filled with love and sincerity, and he realized that this love had led to greater peace and satisfaction in his life.