Affection [mahabba]
The word mahabba is derived from the word hubb, both of which commonly mean love and affection. In the Qur’an, both words occur, although hubb is more common. The verbal form of these words, however, is used numerous times in the Qur’an. Two ayas involving love that Sufis frequently quote are;
and
A hadith qudsi in which mahabba is mentioned was included in the highly regarded Muwatta of Imam Malik (d. 179/795) on the authority of Abu Idris al-Khawlani (d. 80/699-700). He transmitted the following narrative, which contains this hadith qudsi as transmitted by Mu’adh ibn Jabal (d. 18/639) :
“Indeed, I heard the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) saying, ‘God said, “My love (mahabbati) necessarily belongs to those who love one another (mutahabbina) for My sake, sit together for My sake, visit one another for My sake, and give generously to one another for My sake.”‘
From the Qur’anic examples that we have cited, in addition to this hadith, it should be clear that mahabba (affection and love) is an important Islamic principle. In Sufi literature, along with an emphasis on the terms ‘ishq (passionate love), we also often see the terms hubb and mahabba (affectionate love).
