Fear of Allah in Ibn Taymiyyah’s Teachings

Ibn Taymiyyah, in works like Al-Iman, emphasized that true fear of Allah is the root of all righteousness. He argued that:

• Fear motivates obedience and discourages rebellion against Allah’s commands.

• It purifies the heart from arrogance, heedlessness, and attachment to worldly desires.

• It leads to reliance on Allah, patience in hardship, and gratitude in ease.

Practical Outcomes of Fear of Allah

1. In Daily Life: Fear of Allah shapes ethical behaviour, promoting honesty, justice, and compassion in dealings with others.

2. In Worship: It deepens devotion in prayer, fasting, charity, and other acts of worship.

3. In Facing Trials: It provides strength to endure life’s challenges with patience, knowing that Allah’s justice and mercy are ever-present.

Balanced Approach: Fear and Hope

Islam teaches that fear of Allah should always be balanced with hope in His mercy. Overemphasis on fear may lead to despair, while neglecting it in favor of only hope could lead to carelessness in obedience. 

The Qur’an highlights this balance:

• “Inform My servants that I am the Forgiving, the Merciful, but that My punishment is the most painful punishment.” (Surah Al-Hijr 15:49-50)

Ibn Taymiyyah himself stressed this balance, encouraging believers to cultivate both love and fear of Allah as complementary qualities.

Sheikh. Dr. Fakhriy Al Qaisi