The Frequency and Significance of the Word 'Love' in the Quran

Assalamulaikum

Counting the exact number of times the word 'love' appears in the Quran can be challenging, as it is often expressed through different related terms and contexts. However, this article explores the various forms and significance of the word 'love' in Islam, particularly in the Quran.

Frequency of the Word 'Love' in the Quran

In the holy book of Islam, the Quran, the word ?????? (hubb, meaning love) is used 69 times. Each usage is categorized into different conceptual contexts. Below is a breakdown of these categories:

Exploration of the Word 'Love' in the Quran

Mann's Love of Things (15 times)

Mann's love for material objects or things is one of the instances where hubb is used. This type of love can be both positive and negative, leading to either positive change or negative consequences. For example:

“Excepted however shall be they who repent and attain to faith and do righteous deeds: for it is they whose [erstwhile] bad deeds God will transform into good ones - seeing that God is indeed much-forgiving a dispenser of grace” (25:70)

This verse illustrates how God transforms bad deeds into good ones through repentance and faith, which can be seen as a form of love from Allah.

Human Love (15 Times)

Hubb is also used to describe human love, often highlighting the intimacy and connection between spouses. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah:

“And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy and say: it is made lawful for you to have sexual relations with your wives on the night of As-Saum the fasts. They are Libas [i.e. body cover or screen or Sakan i.e. you enjoy the pleasure of living with her – as in Verse 7:189 Tafsir At-Tabari] for you and you are the same for them” (2:187)

This verse highlights the mutual love and intimacy between spouses.

Mann's Love for God (7 Times)

Mann's love for God is a central theme in the Quran. This love is described as an act of devotion and submission. An example is:

“And among His Signs is this that He created for you wives from among yourselves that you may find repose in them and He has put between you affection and mercy. Verily in that are indeed signs for a people who reflect” (30:21)

This verse emphasizes the affection and mercy that God has for His creations, particularly in the context of family and marital relationships.

Negative - God Does Not Love The... (22 Times)

There are instances where the Quran mentions that God does not love certain actions or individuals. For example:

“All praise is for Allah the Lord of the worlds. May Allah accept our good deeds increase our faith and patience and guide us to the righteous path. May Allah unite the ummah. Ameen”

In this verse, the attributes and actions that lead to divine displeasure are clarified, which could be seen as a form of negative love or absence of love from God.

God's Love for Man (20 Times)

God's love for mankind is a dominant theme in the Quran. This love is portrayed through various forms of compassion, forgiveness, and guidance. For example, in Surah Al-E-Imran:

“And He has created you from a single person Adam and then He has created from him his wife [Hawwa Eve] in order that he might enjoy the pleasure of living with her” (7:189)

This verse demonstrates the familial and marital love God instilled in humanity from the very beginning.

Overall, the word 'love' in the Quran encompasses a wide range of emotions and actions, from intimate human relationships to the profound love between God and His creation. Understanding these different forms of love can provide deeper insights into the spiritual and moral teachings of Islam.