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Fear of Allah & its Reward: A Story

Hazrat Hudhaifa reports that the Messenger of Allah said:

“There was a man amongst the people who had suspicion as to the righteousness of his deeds. Therefore he said to his family, ‘If I die, take me and burn my corpse and throw my ashes into the sea on a hot (or windy) day.’ They did so, but Allah, collected his particles and asked (him), What made you do what you did?’ He replied, ‘The only thing that made me do it, was that I was afraid of You.’ So Allah forgave him.”

[Sahih Bukhari: Book 76, Hadith 487]

Fear of Allah – Taqwa

Hazrat Abu Zar Ghaffari reports that Sayyidina Rasulallah said:

“Fear Allah wherever you are; if you follow an evil deed with a good one you will obliterate it; and deal with people with a good disposition.”

[Tirmidhi, Hadith no. 5083]

The Arabic word for the “fear of Allah” is Taqwa. It comes from the root word meaning “to protect from something, to prevent”.

Indeed, a person fear’s Allah & His Wrath by seeking to prevent Allah’s punishment. This is exhibited by willfully avoiding actions that lead to Allah’s Anger and disapproval; while consciously performing actions that will please Allah.

The word ‘Taqwa’ and its variations have been used in the Holy Qur’an 151 times, which emphasises the importance for a believer to be conscious of Allah’s Pleasure and fear His Wrath.

Quotes about Fear of Allah

Imam Ghazali says:

“Fear rips away desires and muddens luxuries so that cherished sins become reprehensible, just as a honey lover is repelled by it when he learns that it has poison in it. This is how fear burns desires; disciplines the organs; subordinates the heart and gives it tranquillity. It also enables the heart to rid itself of pride, hatred, and envy; and it leaves it absorbed in it (fear). Hence, the heart becomes preoccupied with its own worries and looks towards its best interest in the long run. It is then engaged in only matters like meditation, self-analysis and struggle. It cherishes its time and moments.”

Hazrat Rabiya Basri says:

“Fear is like a candle whose flame helps a person distinguish good from evil; and fear of Allah allows a person to turn away from evil. Those who fear mere creatures flee from them; but those who fear Allah flee to Him.”

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique says:

“Run away from greatness and greatness will follow you. There is greatness in the fear of God, contentment in faith of God, and honour in humility.”

Fear of Allah in the Holy Qur’an

The fear of Allah is the path to forgiveness, salvation, and the attainment of Allah’s mercy.

“Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who do good.”

[Surah al-Nahl, Verse 128]

“And My mercy encompasses all things, and I shall decree it for those who fear Me.”

[Surah al-Araf, Verse 156]

“He is worthy of being feared and worthy of granting forgiveness.”

[Surah al-Mudathir, Verse 56]

“And whoever fears Allah – He will pardon him his sins and grant him a great reward.”

[Surah al-Talaq, Verse 5]

“Indeed, those who fear Allah will be among gardens and rivers, in a seat of truth near an All-Powerful Sovereign.”

[Surah al-Qamar, Verse 54-55]

Allah promises those who fear Him that He will provide for their needs and grant them a way out of their worldly difficulties. Allah says: “And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out, and provide for him from whence he could never imagine.”

[Surah al-Talaq, Verse 2-3]

This is Allah’s promise. We should draw strength from it when we are tried in life with difficulties that tempt us to resort to what Allah has forbidden.

Allah has called upon all people in every era to fear Him so that they may be guided & attain His Pleasure.

Allah says: “And We had enjoined upon those who were given the Scripture before – as well as yourselves – to fear Allah.”

[Surah al-Nisa, Verse 131]

It is Allah’s right over His servants that they fear Him as He ought to be feared. Allah says: “O you who believe! Fear Allah as He ought to be feared and do not die except as believers.”

[Surah al-Imran, Verse 102]

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