A French Muslim – “Islam, the Religion of Love”

The “Charlie Hebdo” terrorist (January 7th, 2015) killed a French Muslim policeman named Ahmed Merabet. On November 14th, 2015, after 129 people were killed in Paris, his brother said, “Islam is the religion of love.”

I am sure that Malek is a kind-hearted man. He hates terrorism. Unfortunately, a terrorist killed his sibling. Does anyone doubt that most Muslims around the world hate terrorism? They are good citizens and love each other.

Yet, is it appropriate to say that “Islam is the religion of love”? Religious people should think seriously about this question.

Islam – The Religion of Love?

I’ve been searching for verses in the Quran that focus on God’s love toward people. Are there any? Do any verses command Muslims to love others, including their enemies?

But are there any verses that explain how God is the loving, kind one? Do any verses command Muslims to love non-Muslims? A religion of love should be based on love toward others.Al-Fatiha starts with the verse explaining that God is Ar-Rahman and Ar-Rahim (the most gracious and most merciful). God’s name is also Al-Wadud (the loving, the kind one) and Ar-Rauf (the compassionate, the all pitying). From these names, we know that God is love.

Christianity – The Religion of Love?

How about the Injil? Are there any verses that stress love? Can anyone say that Christianity is the religion of love?

According to the Injil, “… God is love” (1 John 4:8). Out of all of God’s commandments, Isa Al-Masih told his followers that the second most important commandment is to “…Love your neighbor as yourself…” (Injil, Mark 12:31). Why is it so important? Because “Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law” (Romans 13:10).

Isa also taught us to love all people. “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Injil, Luke 6:27-28).

Who Loves God? 

So who really loves God? “Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen” (Injil, I John 4:20). There are many verses in the Bible about loving other people.

What was the attitude of Isa Al-Masih toward those who mocked and crucified Him? At that time, Isa said, “… Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing …” (Injil, Luke 23:34). Through Him, we see the example of God’s love that should be practiced by all people. Isa Al-Masih even loved those who killed Him. 

You can be sure about God’s love toward you! How? Because Isa Al-Masih died for you (1 John 4:10). The most important question is, are you willing to accept His love?

[We invite you to visit us at https://www.isaandislam.com/way-of-salvation to learn more about God’s gift of Salvation. God loves you and waits to hear from you. Isa clearly said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (Injil, John 14:6). For a deeper understanding of Isa we suggest you subscribe to “Isa, Islam, and Al-Fatiha” at this link.]

SOME QUESTIONS FOR THE COMMENT SECTION BELOW

We encourage our readers to comment on the article above. Comments that don’t directly relate to the topic will be removed. Please start a dialogue with us by focusing on one of the following questions:
1. Do you know any verses in the Quran that say Islam is the religion of love?
2. Which religion is really the religion of love: Islam or Christianity? Why?
3. How can we be sure that God loves mankind and loves each of us?
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