A question regarding [the reality of] ḥubb-love was brought forth in Mecca – May Allāh Exalt it in Esteem – during the days of Hajj. So the Scholars [of the inward realities] began to discuss it. [Sayyid] Junayd [May Allah Sanctify His Soul] was among them and the youngest of all. So they said: “Come, what do you have to say [about this] O ‘Iraqī?” He [Junayd] lowered his head, tears trickling down his eyes. Then he said: 

“[Ḥubb-love is]: An ‘abd [slave] that has parted ways with his nafs [lower self]; connected to [and by] the Remembrance of His Lord; constantly upholding His due rights; always gazing upon Him with his [spiritual] heart; incinerated by the effulgent lights of His Divine, Overwhelming-Awe; his [spiritual] drink made ever-pure from the Cup of His Tender, Affectionate Love; revealing to him, The Compelling-Mender from the layered veils of His unseen realm. And therefore, if he speaks, it is by Allāh; if he breaks his silence, it is about Allāh; if he moves about, it is by the Command of Allāh; if he remains still and motionless, it is with Allāh. For he is by Allāh, for Allāh and with Allāh.” 

Thereupon the Scholars began to weep and said: “Nothing can possibly be added to this. May Allāh reward you, O Crown of The True, Intimate Knowers of Allāh.”