Are we allowed to use the term “I adore” to express our strong love to objects and people? For example, is it permissible to say, “I adore this place” or “I adore my wife”? Is this permissible or we should reserve the expression of such strong emotions only for God?

There is no objection to this in Islamic law provided the object of one’s adoration is permissible. This is void of any sort of comparison between the Creator, Exalted be Him, and the created object since they are of two different ranks.

It is important to know that love is an innate involuntary feeling for which no one can be blamed. It is one of the most sublime feelings that all beings share. Islam does not suppress feelings nor does it call for suppressing refined emotions; rather, it guides Muslims to maintain love and good feelings within the boundaries that God and His Messenger indicated for us.

Lady ‘Aisha (may God be pleased with her) and the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to speak in code with each other to express their love. She once asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) how he would describe his love for her. He answered, “Like a strong binding knot.” So every now and then, ‘Aisha would playfully ask him, “How is the knot?” The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) would cheerfully answer, “As strong as the first day [you asked].”

And God Almighty knows best.