of the people and their reproach for the lives and wealth they devote to upholding the truth leaves them unmoved, because they are convinced of the soundness of their course and their faith and certainty are firm. Whoever lets people’s censure weaken his support for his beloved is, in reality, no true lover.

The causes that attract Allah’s love, as Ibn al-Qayyim has listed them, are ten:

First: Reciting the Quran while reflecting on it and grasping its intended meanings.

Second: Drawing near to Allah through optional works after fulfilling the obligatory ones.

Third: Constant remembrance of Allah in every state—by tongue, heart, and deed.

Fourth: Preferring what Allah loves over what the servant himself loves whenever the two come into conflict.

Fifth: Contemplating Allah’s names and attributes, what they signify of perfection and majesty, and the praiseworthy effects they produce.

Sixth: Reflecting on Allah’s outward and inward blessings and witnessing His generosity, kindness, and beneficence to His servants.

Seventh: A heart humbled before Allah, acutely aware of its need for Him.

Eighth: Secluding oneself with Allah during the time of the divine descent—the last third of the night—reciting the Quran then, and ending with seeking forgiveness and repenting.

Ninth: Keeping company with the righteous who love Allah and benefiting from their words.

Tenth: Steering clear of every distraction that might place a barrier between the heart and Allah.

Among the inevitable corollaries of loving Allah is loving the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, as al-Bukhari relates