is deserved by no one else. Hence love for Allah, glorified and exalted is He, is expressed in terms of what is due exclusively to Him: worship, turning to Him in repentance, devoting oneself wholly to Him, and the like.

All these terms encompass love for Allah, glorified and exalted is He. Just as He has made clear that love for Him is the foundation of religion, He has also made clear that religion is perfected as this love is perfected, and diminished as it diminishes. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The foundation of the matter is Islam, its pillar is prayer, and its pinnacle is jihad in Allah’s cause.”

He thus stated that jihad is the pinnacle of deeds—the highest and noblest of them.

The Most High says:

“Do you consider providing water for pilgrims and maintaining the Sacred Mosque equal to the deeds of one who believes in Allah and the Last Day and strives in Allah’s cause? They are not equal in Allah’s sight.”

And so on until His words: “a great reward.”

The scriptural texts concerning the virtues of jihad and those who undertake it are numerous. It has been established that it is the best voluntary deed a servant can perform. Jihad is evidence of perfect love.

The Most High says:

“Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your spouses, and your clan…”

And so on to the end of the verse.

The Most High also says, describing those who love Him and whom He loves:

“O you who believe, whoever among you turns back from his religion, Allah will bring forth a people whom He loves and who love Him, humble toward the believers and mighty against the disbelievers, striving in Allah’s cause and fearing no blame from anyone.”

He thus describes those whom He loves and who love Him as humble toward the believers and mighty against the disbelievers, striving in Allah’s cause and fearing no blame from anyone.