Love, valuing, appreciating vs Submission

[Rayaan]

Submission implies people do it out of a sense of duty. But I don't think this an accurate description of how humans or even Muslims operate.

I view submission as an expression of one's humility and his unique devotedness towards God. So, for me, submission is not just a sense of responsibility. There is definitely an emotional component behind it as well. I think humility is actually greater than love because humility requires that we must know the full extent of our worth before God's infinite grandeur, His perfection, His mercy, and His countless favors upon us, and then make this knowledge a fully ingrained part of lives, both inwardly and outwardly. as best as possible. This, to me, goes far and beyond the feeling of love.

Plus, I don't really see how submission to God signifies an exclusion of love for Him. That's not a sensible way to think of the concept of submission. On the contrary, the Quran itself states that our love for God and His messenger should be greater than the love we have for anything or anyone else:

"Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and striving in His way, then wait until Allah brings His command to pass. And Allah does not guide the rebellious." (Surah 9:24)

Furthermore, the concept of worship in Islam is much more comprehensive than the mere observance of the prescribed rituals. Worship/submission to God is a complete human experience: it starts from the heart, it involves the tongue, and it eventually requires dedication from the entire body. And therefore worship is not restricted to certain rituals only. In the words of Ibn Taymiyyah, "Worship (Ibadah) is a comprehensive term covering everything that God loves and is pleased with - whether saying or actions, outward and inward." In fact, per the Quran, a Muslim is one that is always supposed to be in a state of worship as long as he is alive:

"Say: Indeed, my prayer, my rites of sacrifice, and my living and my dying are (all) for Allah, Lord of the worlds" (Surah 6:162).

I don't think that such a level of devotion can ever grow in a person's heart without love.