Book SummaryAllah Loves, by Omar Suleiman

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Allah Loves

Foundational Qualities

Piety

The pursuit of divine affection is frequently associated with piety, laying the foundation for striving to please Him and earn His favor.

Suleiman emphasizes the recurring link in the Quran between divine affection and the notion of taqwa, often interpreted as devoutness. The inherent nature of the Divine necessarily encompasses this result. Motivated by profound affection, Allah called us into being, aspiring for us to flourish and ultimately dwell in Paradise. In our devotion, we establish a foundation for demonstrating our affection for Allah by conscientiously avoiding actions that could lead to His disapproval and potentially lessen His affection for us.

Suleiman acknowledges the multifaceted discussions about taqwa, which vary from recognizing God's perpetual presence to harboring a profound reverence for Him. Omar Suleiman argues that genuine taqwa extends beyond simple fear, positing that our reverence should not only prevent us from distancing ourselves due to fear of His displeasure but should also bring us nearer to the comforting presence of Allah as we find comfort in His compassion. He cites the scholar who explains the idea by noting that whereas fear usually compels a person to escape, the profound reverence for Allah inspires one to draw nearer to Him for solace. To illustrate this concept, Suleiman draws a comparison to the practice of fasting during Ramadan. In our daily lives, it is crucial to preserve a robust spiritual bond, ensuring that we avoid behaviors that might weaken our connection to the love bestowed by Allah. He elaborates on the idea of mindfulness and God-consciousness by illustrating it with an anecdote about Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), who likens it to carefully walking through a path filled with thorns to avoid getting scratched.

Context

• While Allah desires for humans to flourish, Islamic teachings also emphasize human free will. Individuals are given the choice to follow divine guidance, which is seen as a test of faith and character.

Other Perspectives

• In some interpretations of spirituality, the pursuit of personal enlightenment or inner peace may be considered equally or more important than seeking divine affection through piety.
• Other religious traditions emphasize that divine affection is omnipresent and available to everyone, regardless of their level of devoutness or consciousness of the divine.
• The concept of demonstrating affection through devotion could be seen as transactional, which may not align with the unconditional nature of divine love.
• Some might argue that the concept of God's presence is abstract and can be experienced differently by individuals, suggesting that taqwa is a more subjective experience rather than a uniform state of reverence.
• Solace can also be sought in the support of a community, family, or friends, rather than or in addition to a divine presence.
• The act of fasting is just one aspect of spirituality and may not encompass the full range of practices and beliefs that contribute to a strong spiritual bond.
• Personal autonomy and moral development might be hindered if individuals avoid certain behaviors solely out of fear of weakening their connection to a divine love, rather than through understanding and internalizing ethical principles.
• Some might argue that mindfulness should be about present-moment awareness without necessarily tying it to religious or spiritual consciousness.
• Some might argue that the metaphor overly emphasizes the avoidance of negative actions or consequences, potentially overshadowing the aspirational and proactive aspects of mindfulness, such as seeking out good deeds and positive engagement with the world.

Repentance

Allah holds in high esteem individuals who tirelessly strive to atone for their misdeeds and demonstrate their desire to maintain a robust connection with Him.

Suleiman highlights the deep affection Allah holds for individuals who sincerely pursue absolution, in addition to their commitment. Omar Suleiman suggests that we were not created with the expectation of leading sin-free lives, but instead to recognize and handle sin in our lives. Our path toward closeness with Him necessitates the recognition of our imperfections and the pursuit of His generous pardon, which reflects our sincere remorse.

Suleiman illustrates the nature of wrongdoing alongside the act of forgiveness in his elucidation. Omar Suleiman underscores that forgiveness is an intrinsic aspect of the divine nature of Allah, which is closely linked with the human tendency to commit sins. Upon committing a sin, even if it is intentional, we must quickly acknowledge our fault and strive diligently to ensure our conduct mirrors the teachings prescribed by the Divine. Our status before Him is elevated and we receive His forgiveness when we repent. Suleiman cites a moving hadith illustrating the significant impact of seeking divine compassion, observing that if humans were incapable of sinning, God would create a new...

Allah Loves Summary Worshipful Qualities

Excellence

God highly regards individuals who endeavor to exceed the fundamental requirements in their devotion and dealings, aiming to secure His favor.

Omar Suleiman characterizes ihsan as the pinnacle of devotion, seen as the utmost expression of excellence from the viewpoint of Allah. Building upon the foundation of taqwa, he describes ihsan as constantly going above and beyond in our worship and interactions, striving to personify the essence of the teaching that one should worship Allah with the awareness of His omnipresence, as though one were in His visible presence, and if not, then with the unwavering understanding of being under Allah's constant vigilance.

Our dealings with others and our bond with Allah exemplify the essence of Ihsan. Demonstrating devotion can be manifested by participating in additional voluntary religious practices beyond what is obligatory. Our deep-seated desire to earn the favor of Allah might motivate us to contribute beyond the obligatory zakat. We endeavor to improve our devotion, motivated not by the desire for social approval but by the consciousness that our every action is under divine scrutiny. The Quran emphasizes the...

Allah Loves Summary Character Qualities

Gentleness

Allah highly values the incorporation of mercy into all facets of life, reflecting an individual's inherent fortitude and self-control.

Suleiman underscores that true strength is exemplified through the fundamental characteristic of compassion. He contends that genuine bravery is not found in hostility or severity, but rather in preserving a composed and gentle demeanor when provoked. The author illustrates this concept by sharing a story from the life of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

As the Prophet (peace be upon him) walked through Madinah with Aisha by his side, they came across a group of People of the Book who began a boisterous exchange with them. The Prophet (peace be upon him) replied with composure, "Likewise to you." Aisha, incensed by their boldness, retorted with force, "May you also be enveloped by the wrath and malediction of Allah!" The Prophet (peace be upon him) consoled her and asked if she knew the message he had shared with others, highlighting the importance the Divine places on kindness and its relevance in every facet of existence. Suleiman argues that using the biography of the Prophet to rationalize aggressive conduct often...

Allah Loves Summary Relational Qualities

Devotion directed exclusively towards the Supreme Being.

Individuals who cultivate genuine love for others solely to gain Allah's love demonstrate selfless dedication, and such individuals are blessed with His affection.

Suleiman underscores the unique beauty of cultivating a love devoted to the Divine, an endeavor that strengthens our bonds with fellow beings and ensures the reciprocation of heavenly love. He emphasizes that such love goes beyond mere surface-level bonds, nurturing a profound kinship among all Muslims. He offers an in-depth depiction of the profound impact divine affection had on the initial followers of Islam, underscoring the scriptural guidance to adhere unwaveringly to celestial guidance as a united body and to eschew all forms of conflict. Remember the favor of Allah; previously you were separated, yet He brought your hearts together, and by His favor, you became brethren. Suleiman emphasizes that the love that grew between them was the result of a genuine change within their hearts, rather than a random occurrence or simply following an order from the Prophet, which created robust connections among them despite their former...

Allah Loves Summary Practical Qualities

Exercising careful and thorough consideration.

Allah holds in high regard those who tackle their duties and tasks with meticulousness, thoroughness, and a commitment to outstanding performance.

Suleiman underscores the importance of striving for outstanding performance in all life's facets, including our spiritual duties and secular endeavors, as an expression of our devotion to the Divine. He underscores the significance of carrying out duties meticulously, a practice that is held in high regard by the Divine. Omar Suleiman characterizes Itqan as embodying not just an exceptional work ethic but also the striving for superiority in our intentions, signifying that a solid work ethic is a true manifestation of deep ihsan.

Suleiman argues that pure intentions alone cannot justify less than desirable results in our religious observances. He encourages individuals to devote the same level of commitment and attention to detail to their spiritual exercises as they do to their career endeavors, recognizing that our utmost endeavors in all aspects of life should be aimed at our divine Creator. In every aspect of our lives, whether it's engaging in religious practices, taking...

Allah Loves Summary Emulating the characteristics of the Prophet.

To earn the Divine's affection, one must strive to embody the noble qualities represented by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), which are greatly valued by the Almighty.

Suleiman underscores that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the paragon of the traits discussed throughout the book. He cites a powerful passage from the Quran that states: "Announce, if your loyalty 'to Allah' is genuine, follow my example, and you will be graced with His affection and forgiveness for your misdeeds." Allah's fundamental essence is characterized by compassion and the ability to pardon. Suleiman motivates his listeners to reflect on the scripture and consider how to emulate the Messenger's exemplary behavior.

Omar Suleiman highlights the extraordinary character of the Prophet, which is so praiseworthy that it received commendation from Allah in the Quran, exemplifying an unmatched standard of ethical conduct. The Prophet's life serves as a beacon, providing guidance and inspiration across all aspects of our lives. Suleiman acknowledges the difficulty in mirroring the Prophet's flawless conduct, yet he underscores that the sincere effort is what truly matters to Allah. Omar...