Love is about being a certain way. Someone came to one of the great spiritual masters of Islam, Ibn Mashish, and asked him about spiritual works and litanies to perform. Ibn Mashish was upset by this, and replied,

“Am I a Messenger [of God] that I would make matters obligatory? The religious obligations are known, and the sins are clear. So be steadfast in fulfilling your religious obligations and in avoiding all sin. And protect your heart from avidly seeking worldly things; from love of the opposite sex or fame; and from following your desires….

And the love of Allah is an axis around which all good revolves, and a foundational principles for all Divine favor.

And preserve all this with four things:
(1) True scrupulousness (wara`)
(2) Good intention
(3) Sincere action and
(4) Love of knowledge.

And this is not fulfilled except through the company of a righteous friend or a counselling scholar.” [Ibn Ajiba, Iqadh al-Himam]