Why Do Humans Need Love?

The human need for love is deeply rooted in our creation and innate nature, and it is considered a vital necessity from various perspectives – divine, psychological, and social. The Holy Quran elucidates this need in a subtle yet powerful manner. As beings created by Allah, breathed into with His spirit, humans possess infinite capacities for connection, belonging, and affection. These capacities are not merely emotional; they encompass spiritual, mental, and even physical dimensions of our existence, giving meaning to our lives. The first and highest manifestation of love is the affection a human being should harbor for their Creator. Allah Almighty Himself is the infinite source of love, frequently described in the Quran with attributes like "Al-Wadud" (The Loving, The Most Affectionate), "Ar-Rahman" (The Most Merciful), and "Ar-Rahim" (The Especially Merciful). It is this divine love that encompasses the universe and imbues existence with meaning. By virtue of their divine nature (fitra), humans inherently seek connection to this source of love. The need for love of Allah is the deepest spiritual and emotional need of humanity, providing a sense of peace, purpose, and absolute security. This love saves individuals from emptiness and bewilderment, giving direction to their lives. Without this transcendent love, even if a person possesses all worldly blessings, they will still feel a void and incompleteness. The Quran places great emphasis on this type of love, considering it a criterion for faith and piety. Obedience to Allah and His Messenger is the practical manifestation of this love, and its reward is divine affection and pleasure. This spiritual love forms the foundation for all human relationships and is the source of stability and steadfastness in individual and social life. Beyond the love for God, the Quran also emphasizes the necessity and importance of love in human relationships. The family, as the fundamental unit of society, holds a special place for the manifestation of love. In Surah Ar-Rum, verse 21, the Holy Quran refers to "Mawaddah (affection) and Rahmah (mercy/compassion)" as signs of Allah's power in creating spouses. Mawaddah signifies deep love and friendship, while Rahmah denotes kindness and sympathy. These two pillars are essential for a successful and lasting marital relationship. For their spiritual and emotional growth and flourishing, humans require companionship and empathy. Marriage is the natural response to this innate need, where two individuals live together in love and kindness, finding tranquility and perpetuating humanity. This loving relationship is not limited to physical aspects but encompasses emotional support, mutual respect, understanding, acceptance, and companionship through life's journey. Children also grow and develop healthy personalities within an environment of parental love and affection. An environment devoid of love would be cold, harsh, and insecure, potentially inflicting irreparable harm on individuals' souls and minds. The love between parents and children, and vice versa, is one of the strongest human bonds, also emphasized in the Quran, with kindness to parents being among the most important divine commands. Furthermore, humans require love and empathy at the societal level. The Quran refers to believers as brothers and sisters, inviting them to maintain bonds of brotherhood and cooperation. This social love manifests as empathy for the needy, assistance for the oppressed, forgiveness of others' mistakes, and mutual support for each other's rights. Humans are social beings, and without healthy, love-based connections, they cannot achieve true happiness and perfection. The feeling of belonging to a community, receiving emotional support from others, and the ability to express empathy and compassion are fundamental psychological needs. Societies governed by love and kindness are dynamic, healthy, and progressive. Conversely, the absence of love and the dominance of malice and enmity lead to social disintegration and the destruction of human values. Love is not merely an emotion but a driving force that propels humanity towards goodness. It is love that motivates individuals to sacrifice for others, show selflessness, and walk the path of truth and justice. Patience in the face of difficulties, benevolence towards creation, and steadfastness in religion all stem from deep affection. Therefore, love is not only an individual need but a societal imperative for the survival and progress of humankind. By loving others, humans truly achieve their perfection and understand the true meaning of life. These bonds begin with the love for the Creator, continue with love for family, and then extend to society, each complementing the other and being interconnected. Without this network of affection and belonging, humans would be unable to experience a complete and meaningful life and would fall into despair and isolation.