I love you!?

I have always been one of those people that easily loves others.  In the past, I’ve found I’ve hesitated to share that sentiment (not that I never said so, but I’ve definitely taken my time to let it out). As I grow older, however, I find that, for the most part, I’ve lost that need to pause.  I am confident that when the feeling has arisen, it is heaven sent.  So, I’ve lost the sense of awkwardness that previously followed telling someone “I love you” for the first time (male or female).  I don’t think, though, that others are on the same page! And, honestly, I wonder why?

We all travail this life seeking something or another from it.  The one universal trek we all undertake is that which leads to love. From the moment we enter this world, love is the single determining ingredient which secures us.  Science and experience tells us that babies who do not receive physical touch and sentiments of love - despite  being fed, bathed and changed - will die.  Even as children, we are driven by the single goal of obtaining and experiencing love.  We seek attention that will lead to the affection that we translate as love.  It is our security, our sustenance.

What perplexes me is that as we grow older, instead of allowing ourselves to receive this sustaining element, we find ways to remove ourselves from it.  We seek relationships (friendly or romantic) and allow people into and out of our lives, but rarely as adults do we share a sentiment of love.  It’s almost as if we are ashamed to share this gift of God.  Sometimes, I venture to say, we even become perplexed as to why we feel it.  And, heaven forbid, someone shares it with us!

Imagine two guys catching up over lunch.  Before they depart, one says to the other “I love you!” and follows it up with a hug. How is that perceived? If your answer is anything but well, then I’d say you’re in the majority.  Depending on your culture, the hug and even a kiss on the cheek may be the norm…but, "I love you"!?

I’ll admit that sharing the words “I love you” can seem intimidating when said to the opposite gender.  But when our hearts and intentions are set aright, then there should be no hesitation.  There are numerous hadith that speak to the honor placed on sharing our love with one another.  In Bukhari 8:73:67 it is stated that the Prophet (PBUH) said: "None will have the sweetness (delight) of Faith (a) till he loves a person and loves him only for Allah's sake….” 

Very recently (and uncharacteristically) I have found myself questioning a love I’ve developed for someone whom I’ve never personally met. While it’s not necessarily romantic, it is very strong. I have found myself pondering why I would feel like I love this person? I’ve even asked Allah (SWT) for his clarity on this.  What I've walked away with is this: It is a blessing that we both need.

Allah (SWT) has put a light inside each and every one of us.  He created us to be emotional and loving beings.  We are not asked to choose who we love, but to love one another for the sake of our Creator.  The level to which we love someone is not always in our control (i.e. romantic, platonic, familial, etc.).  What is in our control is how we share it.  So consider this: Maybe the strength of the love we feel for someone is Allah’s way of telling us how much that person needs his light shone on them. 

I challenge you (and myself): If you love someone, tell them. Do it for the sake of Allah.  And if you feel you have to question the meaning or the reason or the how, then keep a blind faith that this tremendous gift Allah placed in your heart has a purpose.  Love is a seed, and until you sow it, you will never know what blessing is waiting to be reaped. 

Share your light, and remember: I love you for the sake of Allah!

Also see: http://bit.ly/lm8OV1 for a beautiful speech delivered by Altaf Husain on this same topic!