Lessons from Oman: The Concept of Love in Islam
Wrote this up a few weeks ago for Buxton.
I spent the summer studying Arabic in Salalah, Oman, a beautiful niche in the Arab Gulf. In considering the breathtaking features of the country—the mesmerizing roars of the Indian Ocean, the mountains lathered in fog, and the overwhelming smell of frankincense—the most memorable parts of my trip are still my warm and inspiring interactions with Omanis.
One of my favorite aspects of the country was how I could give a smile or innocent wave to any passerby and always receive a bigger one in return. What I discovered during my stay was that Omanis are probably the most affectionate, loving people I’ve ever encountered. Upon meeting a person you might even exchange favorite love stories, whether they are from movies, literature, or personal experiences. My Omani friends would share with me a poem they had just written or relate a personal story reminiscent of a Bollywood romance. In this Magical Sultanate of Oman, you couldn’t help but feel people’s infatuation with love. This caused me to ponder the idea of love within the Islamic tradition, an aspect that I had somewhat ignored, perhaps in place of more intellectually stimulating or socially relevant ideas in the faith.
I was lucky to find many sacred texts, books, and love poems that discuss the importance of love. Most famous is perhaps the poetry of Rumi and Hafiz, which is fixated upon the idea of divine love. Love, as an active, personal, and affectionate emotion, is repeatedly mentioned in the Quran and sayings of the prophet Muhammad, whose nickname is Habeeb-Allah or God’s Beloved.* In one famous saying, it is known that God’s Love is the primary cause and foundation of our creation.** In return, the famous Imam al-Ghazali noted that the highest actualization of faith that a person can attain is muhabba or love of God, which precedes sincerity, trust, and gratitude. Considering this regard for affection, it is unfortunate that Muslims are more closely associated with ideas of justice and law, rather than mercy and love.
The latter aspects are especially pertinent in this current month, Ramadan, as Muslims are encouraged to develop a closer relationship with God, exercise mercy and self-restraint, and strengthen ties within the community. It is a great time to include more love in our relationship with God and the way we treat others in our daily lives, considering it’s as easy as showing more smiles a day. I arrived home from Oman with an elevated sense of love for others simply because of their smiles and their love to love. I hope it continues to be infectious, and I am looking forward to spreading Oman’s gift into the Buxton Initiative.
*Most prophets of God in the Islamic tradition are given other names. Moses is Kareem-Allah (the Honor of God) and Jesus is Ruh-Allah (the Spirit of God).
**The sacred narration or hadith qudsi is as follows, “I was a hidden treasure and I loved to be known so I created heaven and earth that I may be known.” This is said to be God’s words narrated through Muhammad.
For an in-depth look at the idea of love in Islam, read, “The Divine Roots of Human Love” by William Chittick here: www.imagomundi.com.br/espiritualidade/chittick_love.pdf
