Is Faith Incomplete Without Love?

In the rich and profound teachings of Islam, faith (Iman) transcends mere intellectual assent or mental conviction. Faith is a dynamic and living truth that takes root in the heart, is expressed through the tongue, and manifests in action. Within this framework, love plays a vital and central role; one could say that faith without love is like a lifeless body or a flower without fragrance. The Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) unequivocally emphasize this unbreakable bond, presenting love not just as an inseparable component of faith, but as its very spirit and perfecting element. Indeed, wherever genuine faith is discussed, love in its various dimensions—including love for Allah, His Messenger, his family, believers, and even all creation—is invariably mentioned alongside it. Without this inner affection and kindness, faith might devolve into a set of dry, soulless rituals or purely intellectual beliefs that lack the necessary impact on individual and social life. In essence, love is the oxygen that faith breathes and through which it grows. Love for Almighty Allah is the cornerstone of any true faith. The Holy Quran, in numerous verses, underscores this love. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 165, it states: "And those who believe are stronger in love for Allah." This verse clearly indicates that true faith is accompanied by a deep and intense love for the Creator. This love is not merely a superficial emotion but the very essence of Tawhid (Oneness of God). When a person loves Allah with their entire being, obedience to Him becomes easy and sweet, and the pursuit of His pleasure becomes the primary goal of their life. This divine love inspires sincere devotion, gratitude, patience in the face of adversity, and reliance upon Him in all matters. Without this love, acts of worship might stem from mere habit, fear, or greed, rather than from heartfelt love and yearning, thus lacking the spiritual depth necessary for the growth of faith. In Surah At-Tawbah, verse 24, Allah defines the criterion for true love, warning believers that if their love for their fathers, sons, brothers, spouses, kin, acquired wealth, trade they fear may decline, and dwellings they delight in, is greater than their love for Allah, His Messenger, and striving in His cause, then they should await Allah's command. This verse shows that love for Allah and His Messenger must be paramount among all affections and priorities and serves as a true measure of genuine faith. Furthermore, love for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is also a fundamental pillar of faith. Faith in the Prophet is not limited to merely affirming his prophethood but also encompasses deep love and respect for him, and adherence to his Sunnah (practice) and Seerah (biography). Prophet Muhammad himself was the embodiment and manifestation of divine mercy among humanity. The Quran describes him as "A Mercy to the worlds" (Rahmatan lil-Alamin) in Surah Al-Anbiya, verse 107. Therefore, one who believes in the Prophet must cultivate within themselves the qualities of kindness, compassion, and empathy that were so evident in his being. Love for the Prophet is love for his path and methodology, which are filled with excellent character and mercy. How can one claim faith in a Prophet who was entirely mercy, while being devoid of love and kindness towards others? In Islam, the scope of love is not confined to love for Allah and His Messenger but extends to include love for all of Allah's creation. The Quran and prophetic traditions repeatedly emphasize the necessity of benevolence and kindness towards parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, neighbors, and even non-Muslims. In Surah An-Nisa, verse 36, immediately after commanding the worship of Allah and not associating partners with Him, it advises kindness to parents, then relatives, orphans, the poor, and close and distant neighbors: "Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the distant neighbor, the companion by your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are conceited and boastful." This demonstrates that a direct connection with God (faith and Tawhid) is intricately linked with good and loving conduct towards His creation. Without this aspect of love, faith would be incomplete and fruitless. True faith yields fruits of excellent character and righteous deeds. These righteous deeds are rooted in love and mercy. Helping the needy, visiting the sick, comforting the sorrowful, forgiveness, acting justly, and seeking peace are all manifestations of love that spring from the depth of faith. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself." This Hadith explicitly makes love and empathy for others a condition for the completeness of faith. Indeed, faith without love remains merely a claim and does not manifest genuinely in practical life. In summary, faith in Islam is a comprehensive and multifaceted concept encompassing the heart, tongue, and actions. Love is the driving force and the soul of this faith, giving it life and transforming it from a passive state to an active and impactful one. Without love, faith lacks the necessary depth, warmth, and fruitfulness to bring about positive changes in the individual and society. Thus, the answer to the question is yes, faith without love is incomplete and cannot achieve the perfection and dynamism intended by Islam. True faith is always accompanied by love for God and kindness towards His creation, and these two are inseparable.