CONDITIONAL LOVE

Love is primarily emotional, whereas goodwill represents a pure rational attitude. Those are incredibly fortunate to encounter a genuine well-wisher in their life.

A Muslim girl, the sole child of her parents, had an extravagant wedding arranged for her. Subsequently, she moved to her in-laws’ residence, where she gave birth to a child. However, after two years, she had disagreements with her husband and returned to her parents. Expressing her difficulties, she conveyed that her husband possessed a difficult temperament, making it unbearable to live with him. Without delving too deeply into the matter, her parents accepted her words as truth and reassured her, saying, “Daughter, do not worry. We have been blessed with everything God has bestowed upon us. Stay comfortably here; you need not go anywhere.”

Curious to uncover the truth, I met with the girl and posed several questions to her. She recounted instances where her husband displayed harshness in various matters. When I requested an example, she mentioned his reluctance to take her shopping or plan outings. I responded, “That is very good. Shopping often entails wasteful spending, and outings are a waste of time. Your husband’s actions seem commendable as he protects you from such futile pursuits.”

The actions undertaken by the girl’s parents stemmed from a place of love, while her husband’s actions emanated from a place of goodwill. In reality, goodwill surpasses mere love in significance. However, many individuals fail to discern this distinction, deeming those who love them as their sympathizers, although genuine sympathy originates from those who genuinely demonstrate well-wishing towards you.

Love is primarily emotional, whereas goodwill represents a pure rational attitude. Those are incredibly fortunate when they encounter a genuine well-wisher in their life.