walks except toward what pleases Allah, and so he is kept straight in both his words and his deeds.

‘And if he asks of Me, I will surely give to him.’ This is one of the fruits of the nawāfil (supererogatory acts) and of Allah’s love: whenever the servant petitions Allah, He grants his request. ‘And if he seeks refuge in Me’—meaning he seeks My protection from whatever evil he fears—‘I will surely grant him refuge.’ That, too, is a sign of divine love: a person is enabled to speak and act with precision and rectitude. When his conduct is thus set aright, it is an indication that Allah loves him: “O you who believe! Be mindful of Allah and speak words that are straight; He will rectify your deeds for you and forgive you your sins” (al-Ahzab 70-71).

The author also cites other hadiths that clarify Allah’s love. When Allah loves someone, He calls out to Gabriel—the noblest of the angels, just as Muhammad ﷺ is the noblest of humankind—saying: “O Gabriel, I love so-and-so, so love him.” Gabriel then loves that person and proclaims among the inhabitants of heaven, “Allah loves so-and-so, so love him.” The dwellers of heaven love him, and acceptance is placed for him on earth, so the people of earth love him as well.

Conversely, if Allah detests someone—may Allah protect us—He calls out to Gabriel, “I detest so-and-so, so detest him.” Gabriel detests him, then announces among the inhabitants of heaven, “Allah detests so-and-so, so detest him.” They detest him, and aversion is placed for him on earth, so the people of earth detest him. This, too, is among the signs of Allah’s love: that a person is granted acceptance on earth, becoming welcomed and beloved by people. Such acceptance is evidence that Allah loves His servant. We ask Allah to make us and all Muslims among His beloved and His allies.