Is it true that Ibn Al-Qayyim divided love into: that which is loved for itself, and that which is loved for other than itself, and then divided love for Allah into shirk (polytheism) and permissible love?

What is attributed to Ibn al-Qayyim contains both correct and incorrect elements due to the confusion between the categories of the beloved and the categories of love.

Categories of the Beloved (Two types): 1. Beloved for Himself: This is Allah alone. 2. Beloved for other than Himself: Everything other than Allah. Love for it is subordinate to the love for Him, the Exalted, and it is divided into: That whose perception and attainment bring delight. That which causes pain but is endured because it leads to the Beloved (like drinking bitter medicine).

Categories of Love (Four): 1. Love for Allah: This alone is not sufficient for salvation (polytheists also love Him). 2. Love for what Allah loves: This leads one into Islam and out of disbelief. 3. Love for the sake of Allah and in Allah: This is essential for loving what Allah loves. 4. Love alongside Allah (polytheistic): Taking a rival besides Allah.

There is a fifth category, which is natural love (such as love for water, food, one's spouse, and children). This is not blameworthy unless it distracts one from the remembrance of Allah and His love.