---

Last weekend a florist van passed me by loaded with flowers and balloons. I thought, "what is that all about," then it hit me! Valentine's of course. Yes, Valentine. When Cupid draws his bow and lets your loved one know that you love them! Um, why not tell them yourself is my view - why wait on Cupid?

Nonetheless, last weekend was filled with love. How do I know? The restaurants, hotels and jewellery stores told me so and of course passing florist vans!

What is this thing called love that would, could and does stir up all this activity of the pocketbook (at least that's what I think - it seems to be purely commercial). I quote from Richard Warren "The most desired gift of love is not diamonds or roses or chocolate. It is focused attention." This sums up my version of love. Not merely outward display, but deep caring and attention, unconditionally.

Love has many forms, romantic love, the love of parents, children, friends, family, mankind, etc. Time or space does not permit us to go through all the channels of love via this medium; we'll have to hold a public forum for that. However, love for humanity is to love for the sake of Allah.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. This is so profound and we would do well to reflect on it.

The Prophet, pbuh, says: "Three qualities, if found in a person, will help him have perfect faith: Having Allah and His Messenger, as the most beloved ones, loving a person only for the sake of Allah and loving piety."

The Quran says "Verily, those who are Al-Muttaqoon (the pious), when an evil thought comes to them from Satan, they remember Allah, and indeed they then see aright." 7:201.

Real love brings about harmony and peace, because real love is Godliness. Let us to remember to love for the sake of Allah only and to let our loved ones know that we love them not by the things that we give them but by our actions, speech, kindness and acts of love towards them everyday of the week, throughout the year ... this is love![[In-content Ad]]

---