Love as Justice, Not Emotion

For Rabia, love was not a sentiment but a practice—a commitment to see others as intrinsically worthy, not for what they give back. This reframes the favoritism problem entirely. Much workplace and community favoritism disguises itself as love: 'I favor this person because I care about them.' But true love, in Rabia's sense, is precisely the refusal to let personal chemistry or benefit determine your regard for someone's dignity and needs. Emotional favoritism tells itself noble stories—we naturally care more for those similar to us, for those who make us feel good. Yet this is attachment, not love. Rabia teaches that love must be grounded in justice: equal recognition of worth, commitment to equitable distribution of attention and opportunity. The cost of confusing favoritism with love is that it perpetuates harm while claiming virtue. By separating emotional preference from the practice of just regard, individuals and communities can redirect energy toward genuine care that strengthens rather than divides.