The concept of Zuhd enables one to perceive the greater importance of the spiritual over the physical. Therefore, once a person has given up all the worldly pleasures in order to gain the love of Allah, the next step should be performing deeds that will bring him close to Allah and earn His love. Imam Ibn Al-Qayim, in his great book, Madarij As-Salikin; mentions a few deeds that will ensure the love of Allah. Firstly, reciting the Holy Quran with deep contemplation in its meanings and its purposes as it comes in the Holy Quran: “Do they not then think deeply in the Qur’an, or are their hearts locked up (from understanding it)?” [47:24]
Secondly, seeking nearness with Allah by the supererogatory deeds after the obligatory deeds, because they take the person to the rank of the beloved after the rank of love. Allah the Exalted and Glorious says in the Hadith Qudsi: “And the most beloved things with which my slave comes seeks nearness (through) to Me, is what I have enjoined upon him; and My slave keeps on coming closer to Me through performing Nawafil (supererogatory acts) till I love him, and if I love him, I become his sense of hearing with which he hears with, and his sense of sight with which he sees with, and his hand with which he grips, and his leg with which he walks; and if he asks Me, I will give him, and if he asks My protection (Refuge), I will protect him; (i.e. give him My Refuge)”. [Al-Bukhari]
Thirdly, remembering Him all the time by tongue, heart and deeds; a person’s share of love depends on his share of this remembrance. Allah Almighty says: “Therefore remember Me (by praying, glorifying), I will remember you.” [2:152] Next, giving preference to what He likes over what you like and neglecting anything that draws a curtain between your heart and Allah. Also, making the heart aware of His names and attributes because whoever knows Allah with His names and attributes will certainly love Him. In addition to this, sitting with the true lovers of Allah. The identification of true lovers of Allah/Waliullah is that they are loved by people unanimously and their appearance and mannerism is according to the Islamic laws and Sunnah. Lastly, remembering Allah in loneliness by performing Nawafil prayers, reading the Holy Quran, doing Ziikr and making lots of Duas. The best time for this is Tahajjud as comes in the Holy Quran: “Their sides forsake their beds, to invoke their Lord in fear and hope.” [32:16]
There are numerous benefits of possessing Allah’s love. Most importantly, the emptiness of life vanishes. Feelings like depression, rejection, loneliness, etc. perish away. One comes in the protection of Allah in this world and the Hereafter. Prayers start getting answered. Performing good deeds becomes easy. Above all, Paradise is guaranteed.
Subsequently, in order to become the dearest of all, one should develop qualities that would make people love him. Avoid being curious and over concerned. The best of all is to remember everyone in your prayers. Prayers work wonders in removing bad feelings and instilling good ones.