The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Whoever gives for the sake of Allah, withholds for the sake of Allah, loves for the sake of Allah, hates for the sake of Allah, and marries for the sake of Allah, he has indeed perfected his faith.” [Jami at-Tirmidhi]

The question to ask myself is:

“Am I doing this (whatever it is) because I want to do it, or because Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) wants me to do it?”

If what I want to do coincides with what Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) wants me to do, then I am indeed lucky because it is then easy for me to do the right thing.

If what I want to do is different from what Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) would like to see me do, and I put aside my desires to do what pleases Allah, then I am even luckier. I have given preference to Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) over myself. Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) is Most Appreciative – Ash-Shukoor. He will handsomely reward what I do for Him.

When I love someone I honour his friends and dislike his enemies. I give what he would like me to give and withhold what he wouldn’t want me to part with. This is the love I should feel for Allah (subhana wa ta’ala), my greatest well-wisher and benefactor, the One who loves me more than my parents, spouse, children or anyone else does.

It is perhaps hardest to tie the knot of marriage keeping Allah’s recommendations in mind. It is very difficult in such matters to put aside my own desires and marry for the sake of Allah.

I will know that my Eeman is perfect and complete when my love and hatred are both for Allah (subhana wa ta’ala).