The one who is [truly] imprisoned is the one whose heart is imprisoned from Allah and the captivated one is the one whose desires have enslaved him.
Ibn TaymiyyahRead
The highest degree of love is Tatayyum (total enthrallment). The lowest degree is 'alaqah (attachment), when the heart is attached to the beloved: then comes sabahah (infatuation), when the heart is poured out: then gharam (passion), when love never leaves the heart: the nashaq (ardent love), and finally tatayyum.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote describes the different levels of love, ranging from attachment to total enthrallment.
Ibn Taymiyyah's quote elaborates on the various depths of love, categorizing them from a superficial attachment to an all-consuming passion. It suggests that love exists on a spectrum, with each stage revealing more dedication and emotional investment, ultimately culminating in a profound state of enthrallment where one is fully captivated by their beloved.
Themes
LoveEmotionsAttachmentPassionInfatuation
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a romantic dinner to express the depth of one's feelings.
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The more humble, needy, and subdued you are before Allah, the closer you will be to Him.
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If you do good in secret, Allah will shower His good on you in public.
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