The primacy of divine love (mahabbah) as the core motivation for faith practice, rather than fear or obligation alone.
Mahabbah represents the transformative power of loving God above all else—a principle exemplified by Rabia al-Adawiyya, who famously rejected both fear of Hell and desire for Paradise in favor of pure love of the Divine. In Islamic tarbiyah, mahabbah reframes spiritual education from rule-following to relationship-building. When children are raised with this orientation, they internalize faith not as external commands but as expressions of genuine affection for Allah. This concept addresses the psychological reality that fear-based religiosity often produces anxiety and rebellion, while love-based faith creates intrinsic motivation, resilience, and authentic spiritual growth. Rabia's life demonstrates that this love extends naturally to community and creation, making mahabbah foundational for raising spiritually integrated individuals.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
Explore related journeys or tell Peri what you're working through.