Sufism, or Islamic mysticism, often involves a journey towards the Creator. Sufis, or practitioners of Sufism, typically shun worldly matters to focus on their spiritual connection with God. They believe that love and compassion are fundamental to building this relationship, while also strengthening their faith and devotion.
However, in worldly contexts, the term ‘love’ often refers to feelings towards the opposite sex, with same-sex love seen as deviant or a condition needing correction. Yet, ‘love’ itself cannot be arbitrarily confined to opposite-sex relationships.
Language constructs are deeply rooted in society, making it difficult, if not impossible, to change certain meanings. These entrenched constructs also permeate Sufism, where love and compassion are sometimes interpreted similarly.