Specific aspects of the fear of Allah:

Let’s delve deeper into specific aspects of the fear of Allah and its relationship with the broader spiritual concepts of Islam. Here, I’ll expand on the psychological impact, practical application, and connection with worship in greater detail.

1. The Psychological Impact of Fear of Allah

Fear of Allah creates an internal mechanism that regulates a believer’s behaviour, offering guidance and peace. Here’s how it manifests:

1. a) Awareness of Accountability (Muraqabah)

• A believer with fear of Allah lives with the understanding that Allah is always watching: “And He is with you wherever you are. And Allah, of what you do, is Seeing.” (Surah Al-Hadid 57:4).
• This sense of muraqabah prevents wrongdoing in both public and private, even when no one else is present to observe.

1. b) A Source of Peace

• While fear of Allah deters sin, it also provides a profound sense of peace. Knowing that one’s struggles are seen and rewarded by Allah offers comfort.
• Example: “Indeed, those who have said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remained steadfast – angels will descend upon them, [saying], ‘Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.’” (Surah Fussilat 41:30)

1. c) A Motivation for Self-Improvement

• Fear of Allah encourages constant self-reflection and self-purification (tazkiyah). Believers analyze their intentions and actions, striving to improve their character.

2. Fear of Allah in Practical Life

Fear of Allah translates into tangible actions in a believer’s life. Below are key areas where it plays a role:

1. a) In Worship

• Fear ensures sincerity (ikhlas) in worship. For example:
• Praying with humility, focusing on Allah, and avoiding distractions.
• Fasting not only to abstain from food but to guard one’s tongue, eyes, and heart from sin.
• Allah describes this sincerity: “Indeed, the believers are those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts become fearful…” (Surah Al-Anfal 8:2).

1. b) In Ethics and Morality

• A believer fears betraying trusts, lying, or causing harm to others. This ethical vigilance comes from knowing that Allah is Al-‘Adl (The Just) and will hold everyone accountable.
• Hadith: The Prophet ﷺ said, “Fear Allah wherever you are, and follow up a bad deed with a good one, and it will wipe it out; and behave with good character toward people.” (Tirmidhi)

1. c) In Trials and Hardships

• Fear of Allah strengthens resilience during hardships. A believer refrains from questioning Allah’s wisdom or justice. Instead, they turn to Him with patience (sabr), trusting in His plan.
• Example: “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:155)

1. d) In Private Actions

• True fear of Allah manifests when one is alone. For example:
• Avoiding sinful acts like dishonesty, gossip, or misuse of power, even when no human being is present to see.
• The Prophet ﷺ highlighted this when he said that one of the seven types of people shaded on the Day of Judgment will be: “A man who remembers Allah when he is alone, and his eyes overflow with tears.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

3. Fear of Allah in Worship

In worship, fear enhances devotion by making acts of worship more meaningful. Let’s explore how this happens:

1. a) Fear in Prayer (Salah)

• A prayer driven by the fear of Allah is marked by khushu’ (humility and concentration). The heart trembles as the believer stands before Allah, fully aware of His greatness.
• The Qur’an says: “Successful indeed are the believers, those who humble themselves in their prayers.” (Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:1-2)

1. b) Fear in Supplication (Dua)

• When making dua, fear inspires a sense of urgency and sincerity. The believer cries to Allah, acknowledging their dependence and recognizing His power over all matters.
• Example: “They used to call upon Us with hope and fear, and they were humble before Us.” (Surah Al-Anbiya 21:90)

1. c) Fear in Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfar)

• The fear of Allah pushes a believer to repent frequently, recognizing their imperfections and Allah’s boundless mercy.
• The Prophet ﷺ, despite being sinless, would seek forgiveness more than 70 times a day, teaching us humility before Allah.

4. Cultivating Fear of Allah

If fear of Allah feels distant or faint, here are steps to nurture it:

1. a) Reflect on Allah’s Names and Attributes

• Understanding Allah’s justice (Al-‘Adl), mercy (Ar-Rahman), power (Al-Qadir), and knowledge (Al-‘Aleem) deepens awareness of His presence.
• For instance:
• Reflect on Ar-Raqib (The All-Watchful), who sees all actions, even those hidden.

1. b) Contemplate the Hereafter

• Reading Qur’anic verses about the Day of Judgment, Paradise, and Hell develops a vivid awareness of life’s purpose and consequences.
• “Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection…” (Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:185)

1. c) Increase Knowledge of the Qur’an and Hadith

• Regularly studying the Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet ﷺ strengthens the heart’s connection to Allah.

1. d) Maintain a Humble Heart

• Arrogance is a barrier to fearing Allah. Regular acts of humility—like serving others, seeking forgiveness, and thanking Allah—soften the heart.

1. e) Engage in Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

• Dhikr brings Allah into daily consciousness. Regular recitation of:
• “Astaghfirullah” (I seek forgiveness from Allah)
• “SubhanAllah wa bihamdihi” (Glory and praise be to Allah)

1. f) Spend Time Alone with Allah

• The moments spent alone in reflection or prayer allow for deep personal connection with Allah. Crying out of love and awe is encouraged.

5. Stories That Inspire Fear of Allah
6. a) The Sahaba (Companions of the Prophet)

• Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA): He would often weep while reciting verses about accountability, even though he was one of the ten promised Paradise. His fear of Allah did not stem from despair but from his deep sense of responsibility.

1. b) Imam Abu Hanifa

• Abu Hanifa once stayed awake the entire night crying after hearing a verse of the Qur’an: “You will not be recompensed except for what you used to do.” (Surah Yaseen 36:54). This verse reminded him of the seriousness of deeds.

6. The Ultimate Goal: Balance and Love

While fear of Allah is a powerful motivator, it is not an end in itself. It is meant to:

• Drive the believer toward taqwa (piety).
• Lead to a deeper love for Allah, where obedience becomes a source of joy rather than a burden.

A person who truly fears Allah will be blessed with His mercy and protection:

• “But for he who has feared the position of his Lord are two gardens [in Paradise].” (Surah Ar-Rahman 55:46)

Sheikh. Dr. Fakhriy Al-Qaisi