Perbedaan Antara Mahabbah Ilahiah dan Mahabbah Insaniah dalam Perspektif Sufi

The mystical realm of Sufism offers a profound understanding of love, particularly distinguishing between divine love (Mahabbah Ilahiah) and human love (Mahabbah Insaniah). This article delves into the nuances of these two forms of love from a Sufi perspective, exploring their differences and the profound implications they hold for spiritual growth.

Mahabbah Ilahiah: Divine Love

Mahabbah Ilahiah, or divine love, is a central concept in Sufism. It refers to the love of God, a love that transcends the physical and temporal confines of the world. This love is not based on desire or need, but on the recognition of the divine essence in all things. It is a love that is selfless, unconditional, and infinite.

In the Sufi perspective, Mahabbah Ilahiah is the ultimate goal of the spiritual journey. It is the love that leads to the annihilation of the self (fana) and the realization of the unity of existence (tawhid). This love is not a feeling, but a state of being, a state of consciousness where the lover and the beloved become one.

Mahabbah Insaniah: Human Love

On the other hand, Mahabbah Insaniah, or human love, is the love that exists between human beings. This love is often characterized by desire, need, and attachment. It is a love that is conditioned by the physical and temporal realities of the world.

In the Sufi perspective, Mahabbah Insaniah is not dismissed or devalued. Instead, it is seen as a stepping stone towards the realization of divine love. The love between human beings, with all its joys and sorrows, serves as a mirror that reflects the divine love. It is through the experience of human love that one can begin to understand and aspire for the divine love.

The Interplay of Divine and Human Love

The relationship between Mahabbah Ilahiah and Mahabbah Insaniah is not one of opposition, but of complementarity. The two forms of love are seen as different expressions of the same reality. The divine love is the source, the essence, and the ultimate goal, while the human love is the reflection, the manifestation, and the path.

In the Sufi path, the journey from human love to divine love is a journey of transformation. It is a journey from the love that is conditioned by the self and the world, to the love that is free from all conditions. It is a journey from the love that seeks to possess, to the love that seeks to surrender.

In conclusion, the Sufi perspective offers a profound understanding of love, distinguishing between the divine love (Mahabbah Ilahiah) and the human love (Mahabbah Insaniah). While the two forms of love are different in their nature and characteristics, they are seen as interconnected and complementary. The human love serves as a stepping stone towards the realization of the divine love, and the divine love serves as the ultimate goal of the human love. This understanding of love holds profound implications for spiritual growth, inviting us to transcend the confines of the self and the world, and to realize the unity of existence in love.