Is Every Form of Earthly Love Permissible?

Love, in all its manifestations, is one of the most beautiful and profound emotions that the Almighty God has entrusted within human beings. This wondrous force can be a catalyst for growth, perfection, and felicity, and can imbue human relationships with meaning and depth. However, within the Islamic intellectual framework and based on the clear teachings of the Holy Quran, not every form of earthly love is permissible unconditionally or without restriction. Islam, as a comprehensive and complete religion, has set clear boundaries and limits for all dimensions of human life, including their emotions and relationships. These limits are not intended to restrict humans but to guide them towards true happiness and prevent individual and social harms. The Holy Quran introduces love as a sign and a miracle of God; for instance, in Surah Ar-Rum, verse 21, it states: “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.” This verse clearly emphasizes the legitimacy and blessedness of love and affection between spouses within the framework of marriage. This affection (mawaddah) and mercy (rahmah) constitute the main pillars of a healthy family and a thriving society. This type of love is not only permissible but highly recommended and considered among the signs of divine power and wisdom. Beyond marital love, Islam places great emphasis on the importance of love and respect for parents. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 23, we read: “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.” This kindness and respect are rooted in a deep and innate affection that is affirmed and emphasized by the Quran. Love for children, relatives, and maintaining kinship ties are also among the permissible and approved forms of love, provided that these affections do not lead to neglect of divine and ethical duties. Furthermore, love for fellow human beings, helping the needy, and compassion for the oppressed are among the beautiful manifestations of human love that are greatly emphasized in the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). These types of love, rooted in justice and benevolence, foster social cohesion and divine pleasure. Even love for wealth, possessions, or the beauties of this world is not inherently forbidden. The Quran, in Surah Al-Imran, verse 14, refers to some of these worldly adornments: “Adorned for people is the love of desires, from women and sons, heaped-up sums of gold and silver, fine-bred horses, livestock, and tilled land. That is the enjoyment of worldly life, but with Allah is the best return.” This verse indicates that these affections are natural, but what is important is that they should not become the ultimate goal of life and distract a person from the primary purpose of creation and love for God. On the other hand, some forms of earthly love are not only impermissible from the perspective of the Holy Quran but are severely condemned. The most prominent example is any love and relationship that leads to the sin of “Zina” (unlawful sexual intercourse). The Quran in Surah Al-Isra, verse 32, explicitly states: “And do not approach unlawful sexual intercourse. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.” This verse prohibits not only the act of Zina itself but also any form of “approaching” it, meaning the preliminary steps and factors that lead to it (such as unlawful glances, seclusion with a non-mahram, excessive and boundless love outside the bounds of marriage). Such loves lead to moral corruption, the breakdown of families, and the spread of social abnormalities, and are therefore strongly forbidden. This prohibition ensures the purity of society and the preservation of human dignity. Also, love for anything that causes absolute heedlessness of God and the Hereafter is also condemned. In Surah At-Tawbah, verse 24, Allah says: “Say, [O Muhammad], '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.'” This verse shows that even natural and permissible loves (such as love for family and wealth), if they supersede love for God and His path, become a factor of corruption and misguidance. Love for this world should not deter a person from their religious and ethical duties. In summary, the fundamental criterion for determining the permissibility or impermissibility of any form of earthly love is “Taqwa” (God-consciousness/piety) and “observance of divine limits.” Any love that guides a person towards God and moral values, and keeps them away from sins and forbidden acts, is permissible and even praised. However, any love that causes a person to deviate from the path of truth, transgress divine limits, or become involved in forbidden acts, falls into the category of impermissible and harmful loves. Love is a great blessing that must be guided with wisdom and insight, in the path of divine pleasure, to become a source of true happiness and tranquility in this world and the Hereafter.