The Price of Divine Love: Lessons from the Seekers of Truth

The path of divine love is not easy; it is not for the fainthearted; there is pain, there is suffering, there is sacrifice. Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Al-madani Al-qadri
Divine love is the ultimate surrender, offering everything one has solely for the sake of Allah. Shaykh Hammad Mustafa Al-qadri

Introduction:

The journey of divine love begins with the realization that every mention of the Beloved is priceless. When Prophet Ibrahim (عليه السلام) heard the beautiful name of Allah mentioned by a stranger, who was actually Hazrat Jibreel in disguise, he was so moved that he offered his entire flock of sheep and his shepherds just to hear it repeated. True lovers reach a state of infatuation where they forget their own existence and can only focus on the majesty of their Creator. When Ibrahim (عليه السلام) had nothing left to give, he offered his own life as a sacrifice, proving that for a friend of Allah, no price is too high to pay for the remembrance of the Divine.

Choosing Poverty Over Worldly Splendor:

The path of love often requires a transition from material luxury to spiritual poverty. The Holy Prophet (ﷺ) once pointed out Mus'ab ibn Umayr (رضي الله عنه) to his companions, noting how he had transformed from a young man wearing the finest clothes and eating the best food to one standing in torn, patched garments. This state of outward deprivation was not a sign of misfortune, but a direct result of his ardent love for Allah and His Messenger. To traverse this path, one must be willing to endure abandonment and estrangement from the worldly comforts they once knew.

The Requirement of Self-Effacement:

Divine love is not a path for the faint-hearted; it demands total sacrifice and the loss of one’s old identity. To truly remember the Beloved, a seeker must forget their old habits, their name, and even their very self. This process of “losing oneself” is necessary to create space for the Divine presence within the heart. It is a journey marked by pain, toil, and wandering, where the only goal is to bridge the distance between the seeker and the Creator.

A Longing Beyond Paradise and Hell:

The highest form of devotion is not driven by the fear of punishment or the desire for reward. Prophet Shu’ayb (عليه السلام) wept so much out of love for Allah that he lost his eyesight multiple times, and each time Allah restored it. When asked if he wept out of fear of Hell or desire for Paradise, he replied that his tears were solely due to his longing to witness the beauty and majesty of Allah. Allah responded by affirming that for such profound longing, the only remedy is the ultimate meeting with Him.

The Sacred Remedy of Tears and Seclusion:

Sincere lovers of Allah find solace in isolation and the “chambers of remembrance”. They spend their time with heads bowed and eyes closed, shedding tears that represent the pain of longing and the desire for proximity. Although we may often stray far from obedience, the sources remind us that Allah remains near, continuing to shower His favors upon us despite our distance. Crying in remembrance is the right path for those who wish to truly meet their Lord.

Conclusion:

The “Price of Divine Love” is nothing less than everything a person possesses, their wealth, their status, and their very soul. However, this sacrifice is not a loss but a gain, leading to a state of nearness that transcends all worldly pleasures. By forgetting who we were, we open the door to becoming who we were meant to be in the presence of the Divine. Ultimately, the journey of the seekers shows us that while the path is filled with suffering, the destination of witnessing the Majesty of Allah is worth every tear shed in the darkness.

Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Chishti (Research Scholar)