What is the correct way to love and adore the Almighty?

The greatest way to attain the love of Allah has been suggested by the Qur'an itself in the following words:

Tell them [ O Prophet ]: 'If you do love Allah, follow me; God will love you and forgive your sins.' (3:31)

In other words, following the religion brought by the Prophet (saw - may the peace & blessings of Allah be upon him) is the greatest means to achieve the love of Allah. The stress in the verse indicated by the words 'follow me' is very, very meaningful. It implies that it is only the guidance brought down by the Prophet (saw) which must be followed by Muslims. All concepts and beliefs which are contrary to the Qur'an and Sunnah must be shunned by them.

Based, on the guidance brought by the Prophet (saw), the celebrated scholar Ibn Qayyim (rh - may Allah have mercy upon him) has presented a ten point program to attain the love of Allah in his famous book Madariju'l Salikin. Here is a summary of those points:

1. Study the Qur'an (preferably with a scholar) while deeply pondering over its verses to obtain guidance from it.

2. Besides offering the obligatory Rak'ats (unit of prayer) of prayer, offer additional ones (sunnah/nafl) to attain nearness of Allah.

3. Always remain busy with Allah's Dhikr (rememberance)through your tongue as well as your deeds.

4. When worldly desires overcome you, leave them and adopt ways to please Allah.

5. Acquaint yourself with Allah's Attributes and keep them in your remembrance.

6. Always keep your eyes on the favours and blessings of Allah.

7. Be humble right from your heart.

8. Pray and worship Allah especially during the time He descends on the heavens of this world.

Narrated by Abu Hurairah (ra - may Allah be pleased with him); Allah’s Apostle said, “Every night when it is the last third of the night, our Lord, the Superior, the Blessed, descends to the nearest heaven and says: Is there anyone to invoke Me that I may respond to his invocation? Is there anyone to ask Me so that I may grant him his request? Is there anyone asking My forgiveness so that I may forgive him?. ”

9. Spend time with pious and noble people.

10. Refrain from all those things which come between you and your Allah.