True love in the Quran is defined through love for God and obedience to Him, and it also encompasses love for others.
The Holy Quran does not explicitly define true love, but it does address significant concepts related to love and human affection. One of the fundamental aspects is the love for God, recognized as true and eternal love. In Surah Al-Imran, verse 31, Allah says, 'Say, if you love Allah, then follow me, so Allah will love you and forgive your sins.' This verse illustrates that true love is realized through obedience to God and love for Him. Additionally, love for others and kindness are emphasized in the Quran. Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 54 states: 'O you who have believed, whoever of you should revert from his religion - Allah will bring forth for the people whom He will love and who will love Him.' This verse teaches us that true love is mutual and can be observed in human relationships. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 165, it is mentioned: 'And 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.' Therefore, true love in the Quran means a deep and faithful affection rooted in God and adhering to His commands. Overall, love in the Quran begins from the source of love for God and extends to love and respect for others.
Say, 'If you love Allah, then follow me, so Allah will love you and forgive your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.'
O you who have believed, whoever of you should revert from his religion - Allah will bring forth for the people whom He will love and who will love Him; humbled toward the believers, powerful against the disbelievers. They strive in the cause of Allah and do not fear the blame of a critic. That is the favor of Allah; He bestows it upon whom He wills. And Allah is All-Encompassing and Knowing.
And 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. And if only they who had wronged would consider, when they see the punishment, that all power belongs to Allah and that Allah is severe in punishment.
One day, a student named Ali was researching the concept of love in his philosophy class. He said to his friend, 'What is true love?' His friend pointed to the verses of the Quran and replied, 'Ali, the Quran teaches that true love should begin with God and then extend to others.' This conversation led Ali to understand the depth of love and affection, encouraging him to follow Quranic guidance in his life.