Question:

Allah the Almighty says: “And of mankind are some who take (for worship) others besides Allah as rivals (to Allah). They love them as they love Allah.” [Al-Baqarah: 165]. Does this mean the polytheists used to love Allah?

Answer:

The polytheists used to worship Allah, but they associated others with Him. They loved Allah and loved others along with Him, and they invoked Allah and invoked others alongside Him from among the equals and peers. However, during times of hardship, they would sincere in their worship of Allah—unlike the polytheists of our time, who associate others with Him during both ease and hardship. Allah the Almighty says: “And when they embark on a ship, they invoke Allah, making their Faith pure for Him only, but when He brings them safely to land, behold, they give a share of their worship to others.” [Al-Ankabut: 65]

And with Allah is all success, and may Allah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his companions.