defiantly disobedient people.’” (Qur’an, 9:24)
It is important to note that all the things listed in the above ayah (verse) are halal (permissible) to
love and are, in fact, blessings in and of themselves. In fact, some of those blessings are signs of
Allah. On the one hand, Allah says: “And of His signs is that He created for you from yourselves
mates that you may find tranquility in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy. Indeed in
that are signs for a people who give thought.” (Qur’an 30:21)
But on the other hand, Allah warns: “O you who have believed, indeed, among your wives and your
children are enemies to you, so beware of them.” (Qur’an 64:14)
The warning in this ayah is critical. Our spouses and our children are listed here because they are
among the blessings we love the most. And it is in that which you love most that you find the greatest
test. So if conquering that test means seeing through a storm of greeting cards and roses to a greater
love that awaits, then so be it. And when could that be more relevant?
Because after all, love is in the air.