If we are speaking about the emotion which we call “love”, then we are simply speaking of a feeling. What we feel toward a particular person is not of great importance, until our feeling is expressed in a particular action. Now if that action is permissible in Islam, then well are good. If it is forbidden, then we have incurred something that Allah does not approve of. If it is love between a man and a woman, the emotion itself is not the subject of questioning on the Day of Judgment. It only becomes subject of question in the Day of Judgment if that emotion is accompanied by certain actions that are forbidden in Islam.
Shedding more light on the issue in point we’d like to cite the words of Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, an Islamic scholar who states:
In Islam, it is not a sin if one feels a special affinity or inclination towards a certain individual since human beings have no control on such natural inclinations. We are, however, definitely responsible and accountable if we get carried away by such feelings and take specific actions or steps that might be deemed as haram (forbidden).
As far as male and female interaction is concerned, Islam dictates strict rules: It forbids all forms of ‘dating’ and isolating oneself with a member of the opposite sex, as well as indiscriminate mingling and mixing. If, however, one does none of the above, and all that he or she wants is to seriously consider marrying someone, such a thing itself is not considered haram. In fact, Islam encourages us to marry persons for whom we have special feelings and affinity. Thus, Islam recommends that potential marriage partners see one another before proposing marriage. Explaining the reason for such a recommendation, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “That would enhance/foster the bonding.”
This permission notwithstanding, we are advised against getting carried away by merely the outward appearances of a person; these may be quite misleading. Marriage is a life-long partnership and a person’s real worth is determined not by his or her physical looks, but more so by the inner person or character. Hence, after having mentioned that people ordinarily look for beauty, wealth and family in a marriage partner, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) advised us to consider primarily “the religious or character factor” over and above all other considerations.” (Sunan Abu Dawud)
Thus, it is now clear that marriage is the only way to have a permissible relation with the person or a lady one falls in love with. So, if a Muslim can afford it, he should go ahead and marry her; otherwise, he should cut all relations with her. He should be fearful of Allah and be observant of His limits and pray Him to make things easy for him. If, however, he is not able to marry her, then such relations is not accepted as it could lead him to haram. He should, in this case, cut all relations with her and shun all ways that could lead to haram.