Worship without love for God holds little value, and love for Him beautifies worship.
Worship is one of the fundamental pillars of Islamic faith explicitly mentioned in the Holy Quran. However, the question arises: is worship without love and affection for God truly valuable? Worship does not simply revolve around outward acts; the essence lies in the love for God and faith in Him. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 165, Allah mentions, 'And among the people are those who take other than Allah as equals [to Him]. They love them as they should love Allah.' This verse indicates that love and devotion to God must reside in the hearts of believers, and worship without this love is incomplete and flawed. Furthermore, in Surah Al-Ma'idah, verse 54, Allah specifically states that those who love Allah and His Messenger are committed to their faith and actions. Thus, worship without love loses its significance and may even be interpreted inappropriately. The love for God should be unwavering, as each believer is expected to engage in prayer and noble intentions. Ultimately, love for God beautifies worship and compels individuals to submit wholeheartedly to their Creator and act upon His path.
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.
O you who have believed, whoever of you should revert from his religion - Allah will bring forth [for] the people He will love and who will love Him.
One day, a man was worshipping in the mosque but felt a lack of love in his heart for his Creator. He encountered a woman who was making a vow for God. He asked her why she had such love and devotion. The woman replied, 'Worship without love is a burden, but when love for God awakens in the heart, worship becomes easy.' The man pondered deeply and decided to cultivate love for God in his heart.