The Truth of Love and Its Superiority Over Reason
Love is the ultimate goal and driving force on the Sufi path. Great devotees like Mevlâna Jalaluddin Rumi and Yunus Emre emphasized that humanity’s purpose can only be understood through a burning divine love in the heart, not solely through reason. While intellect guides us to a certain point, love alone is the vehicle that leads to union with the Divine. As Yunus Emre stated, “Love is our guide,” signifying that this path is illuminated by affection. When divine love descends upon the servant’s heart, it blinds them to everything transient; there remains no room in the heart for anything other than God (masiva). Love does not permit sorrow or grief to settle in a heart devoid of the beloved’s presence.
Abandoning Creation and Yearning for Union
The true sign of affection is when the servant relinquishes their own will and personal desires, completely surrendering to the Will (of Allah). Abdülkadir Geylani (may Allah be pleased with him) defined love as “sacrifice and selflessness.” This sacrifice involves constant remembrance in the heart and detachment from worldly distractions, focusing solely on God. For a servant consumed by love, anxieties about this world and the hereafter vanish; they only desire their beloved – namely, their Lord. In accordance with the saying, “‘Mahabbat’ is named so because it destroys everything else present in the heart besides the Beloved,” the true lover completely detaches from worldly desires.
Loving for the Creator
The earthly reflection of divine love is the ability to look upon every particle created by God with mercy and affection. The enlightened one who says, “I know who dressed the rose in red robes,” witnesses the Absolute Beauty behind every instance of loveliness. As a servant loves God, they begin to love His creations. However, this love is not a false or fleeting attachment but a sublime admiration that comes from seeing the Divine Artisan in everything. To love and hate for Allah’s sake is the most mature fruit of faith. True lovers seek not the transient pleasures of this world but the eternal beauty of God, spending their lives yearning for such union.