Introduction: Is the Goal Love or Desperation?
Worship is a bridge built between the human and God. But the intention behind building this bridge is crucial. Sometimes, when we pray, worship, or go into prostration — are we truly turning toward Allah, or merely toward our own needs? In this article, we explore a deep question: Is the essence of our worship centered on Allah Himself, or on what He can give us?
The Two Faces of Worship: Love and Need
In Islam, the highest form of worship is built upon love and knowledge of God. However, many times people turn to prayer and prostration out of desperation. This is not wrong — but it's not enough either. The Qur’an emphasizes that worship and supplication should not be driven solely by need, but must also involve surrender and love:
“Call upon your Lord humbly and secretly. Indeed, He does not like the transgressors.” (Al-A'raf, 55)
As seen, prayer should not be solely a way out of hardship, but a means of drawing closer to Allah.
Worship Born of Need – A Weak Foundation
If a person only prays when in need, then once the need is gone, the relationship may disappear too. Such a connection is built not on deep love but on conditional attachment. True worship is the unconditional surrender of a loving heart. Loving Allah only for His blessings is not friendship — it’s a transaction.
A Question in Prostration: What Are You Seeking?
When a person bows in prostration, they must face themselves. What is this prostration for? To find peace? To seek a solution in Allah? Or simply to love Him and be close to Him?
The highest form of worship is worshiping Allah for His own sake — not for Paradise, not out of fear of Hell, but purely out of love.
The Prophet’s Prayers – Examples of Love
Our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) feared Allah in his worship, but above all, he loved Him. One of his most repeated supplications was:
“O Allah, I have known You through You, and I have loved You for You.”
This prayer shows that the love of Allah should be at the heart of worship. Worship driven not by need but by love is the true ascent of the soul.
Needing Allah – Not Weakness, but Honesty
Yes, humans are weak by nature. Prayer and worship are acknowledgments of that weakness. But here’s the real question: In worship, are we clinging to Allah, or only to what He provides? Those who make Allah the goal — not the means — are the true worshippers.
The Intention That Transforms Worship
Intention is the soul of worship. The same rak'ah of prayer, with two different intentions, can either be filled with light or be just a motion. The true goal of worship is union with Allah. Worship can be done through prayer, remembrance, prostration, or even silence — but every form must carry intention, and within that intention, love.
Conclusion: Worship Because You Love Allah
Starting worship from a place of need is natural. But over time, that need should be replaced with love. Love for Allah is a fire that transforms the soul, ignites the heart, and elevates the worship to the heavens.
And a Final Prayer:
“O Allah, grant me the ability to come to You not only in desperation but also in love. Teach me to love You so deeply that I would sacrifice my needs for Your pleasure. Let my worship not be for Your need of me, but so that I may know You. Ameen.”