How does the Quran distinguish between lust and love?

Understanding the distinction between 'lust' (shahwah) and 'love' (mahabbah) from the perspective of the Holy Quran is one of the most crucial topics that helps individuals achieve a balanced and spiritual life. The Quran, with subtlety and precision, differentiates these two concepts, both originating from human instincts and emotions, and illuminates the path of guidance for humanity. Shahwah, in Quranic discourse, primarily refers to carnal and bodily desires that, if left uncontrolled and not guided by reason and revelation, can lead to deviation and corruption. In contrast, mahabbah is a broader, deeper, and more sublime concept that stems from the pure human essence (fitra) and can guide individuals towards goodness, perfection, and a connection with the Divine Being. The Holy Quran, in numerous verses, refers to human desires and natural inclinations, but with a realistic yet cautionary tone. This divine book does not deny the existence of desires themselves; rather, it considers them a part of human nature and a divine test. Verse 14 of Surah Al-Imran is a prime example of this approach: "Beautified for people is the love of desires, from women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine branded horses, and cattle and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but Allah has with Him the best return." This verse clearly states that these inclinations (such as the desire for women, children, wealth, etc.) are among the adornments of worldly life that Allah has made appealing to humans. The key point is that the Quran identifies them as 'mata’ al-hayat al-dunya' (enjoyment of worldly life), meaning something transient and fleeting, and not the ultimate goal of life. When these desires exceed moderation and become ends in themselves rather than means, they transform into blameworthy lust (shahwah) and lead humans away from the path of truth. Lust here refers to an insatiable and boundless craving that is not bound by any religious or ethical restrictions and often gravitates towards immediate and selfish gratification. In contrast, the concept of 'mahabbah' (love) in the Quran is far deeper and multifaceted. Love can manifest in various forms: divine love (Allah's love for His servants and servants' love for Allah), love for Prophets and saints, love between spouses, love for children and parents, and love for fellow human beings and all creation. The fundamental root of true love in the Quran is the love for Allah. Verse 165 of Surah Al-Baqarah beautifully illustrates this point: "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..." This verse indicates that true and the strongest form of love must be directed towards the Creator of existence. This type of love not only guides individuals towards perfection but also regulates and moderates all other forms of love. Love that is within the framework of divine pleasure is not only not blameworthy but is praised and a source of well-being. Another prominent example of sublime love in the Quran is the love between spouses, which is described in verse 21 of Surah Ar-Rum with the terms 'mawaddah' and 'rahmah': "And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in that are signs for a people who give thought." 'Mawaddah' signifies mutual affection and deep emotional connection, while 'rahmah' denotes compassion and kindness, which reveal themselves during difficulties. This marital relationship, accompanied by affection and mercy, transcends a merely physical inclination (shahwah). While shahwah might be a spark to initiate a relationship, it is mawaddah and rahmah that make it enduring and profound. If a relationship is built solely on lust, it dissolves once satisfied, leading to emptiness. However, deep love, accompanied by mercy, endures and elevates. In the Quran, the primary distinction between lust and love can be summarized in several dimensions: purpose, stability, selfishness versus altruism, and spiritual orientation. Lust is often self-centered, fleeting, and transient, aiming for immediate gratification of the self. When the sole purpose is the fulfillment of lust, an individual might resort to any means, even illicit ones, and experience a sense of emptiness and regret after gratification. However, love, especially divine love and the forms of human love that stem from it, is enduring, altruistic, and directed towards goodness and perfection. The purpose of love is proximity to the beloved, sacrifice for them, and achieving inner peace and contentment. This love, far from diminishing with fulfillment, deepens and grows. The Quran also emphasizes the necessity of self-control and avoiding the pursuit of 'hawa' (base desires), which is closely linked to unbridled lust. In Surah Yusuf, verse 53 states: "And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjointer of evil, except for what my Lord has mercy upon. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful." This verse indicates that the human soul has an inherent inclination towards evil and the gratification of desires and thus requires divine guidance and control. Therefore, the Quran invites humanity to balance; not to suppress all instincts completely, but to manage and direct them properly within the bounds of what is lawful (halal) and good character, so that these instincts become tools for attaining perfection rather than obstacles. This management itself transforms transient lust into lasting and growth-inducing love. In conclusion, the Holy Quran meticulously provides a way to distinguish these two human emotions: Lust is a desire that, if unchecked and unguided, leads to corruption and ruin. Whereas love has a divine root, and if directed on the right path towards the Lord and what He loves, it becomes a source of growth, tranquility, happiness, and closeness to God. The Quran teaches humans not to be slaves to their desires but to master them and channel their energy into cultivating pure, divine loves to achieve eternal contentment.