Introduction:
Fear (Qhauf) is understood as a distressing negative sensation induced by a perceived threat. Thus fear is the ability developed in a person to recognize the danger leading to an urge to remove it through actions which would secure self against the threat. Additionally, fear is frequently related to the specific behaviors of escape and avoidance, whereas anxiety is the result of threats which are perceived to be uncontrollable within a person but avoidable through amendments in personal belief, deeds and determination to ward off evils which give anxiety. It is worth noting that fear almost always relates to future events, such as consequential reprimand, worsening of a situation or continuation of a situation that is unacceptable. People may fear something about in ignorance by which they may be compelled to make many errors in life without any reprieve in future. Thus, false fear shall be removed and fear against a real threat (life in hellfire) must be understood so that anxiety from such a fearful threat is removed and converted into contentment.
There are many kinds of fear like heights (acrophobia), enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), or water (Aquaphobia), Fear of death (Thanatophobia) and from an evolutionary psychology perspective, different fears may be different adaptations that have been useful in our evolutionary past. People are more susceptible to fears which they perceive by learning it through seeing, observing and listening. Such fears are inculcated either by the principles of nature like burning, flooding, drowning, falling, physical injuries etc. Such fears are alleviated through education and learning to live safe. Fears of consequential prosecution due to illegal actions committed against the rules of a jurisdiction could be avoided through nobility in our actions as well as fighting a legal battle against an allegation.
A fear which is perpetrated due to the influence of wrong evil reasons is the worst kind of fear for human beings. Such fearful matters are inculcated by the evils of the society by which most humans are coerced and subjugated to its submission. Such a fear devastates the worldly life with lustful unrighteous short lived pleasures only to suffer later in most part of the life and certainly in the Hereafter. Contrary to such a fear, if the same amount of fear is directed towards Almighty The-God (Alloh) for His reprimands against evil deeds we as humans commit and consequential punishment in this world and in hellfire in the hereafter, such a fear would help in the recognition of God, elimination of evils, inculcate motivation to learn the easy path for attaining Gladtidings in this world and in the Hereafter. Besides, the doors of redemption are opened and the fear for Almighty Alloh is converted into God-consciousness (Taquwah) and God-reverence (Qhashiat) leading to eternal success by which all fears and sadness are gradually removed right from this life. Such a fear towards Almighty Alloh is transformed into love, hope and salvation.
The Qur’an Explains:
The Qur’an is Almighty Alloh’s Word through which His Almighty expressed His commands and teachings for the salvation of humankind and Jinnkind. The Qur’an was revealed to the Last Messenger Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and is accepted by the believers as being the essence of truth. Moreover, the believers maintain by the commands of Almighty Alloh that it is the Word of Alloh and not the words of any of His creatures. Thus, whosoever claims that it is the word of a human being becomes a disbeliever in God and in His Messenger Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The world as a whole has not got such a conclusive and comprehensive book as The-Qur’an that contains all kinds of goodness, all the methods for guiding humanity to the straight path against the fearfulness of the worldly evils and all the means of happiness for humankind in this world and in the Hereafter. Almighty Alloh said: "Verily, this Qur’an guides to that which is most just and right and gives Gladtidings to the believers (in Islam) who do deeds of righteousness that carries great rewards (in this world and the Hereafter) {The Qur’an - 17: 09}.
Every human should be fearful of Almighty Alloh and His chastisement so that motivation develops to learn about God by which we gain knowledge to understand His words from The-Qur’an, understand the practical application of The-Qur’an in the life of Muhammad (PBUH) and following him (PBUH). By these actions of ours we become believers and such of our actions would convert our fear in to love from Almighty Alloh, redemption from sins and our entry into Heavens (Jannah).
"When the people (Satan and his friends) said to them (the believers in Islam), "People have mobilized against you; you should fear them," this only strengthened their faith, and they said, "(Almighty) Alloh suffices us; He is the best Protector". They have deserved Alloh's blessings and grace. No harm ever touches them, for they have attained Alloh's approval. (Almighty) Alloh possesses infinite Elegance. It is the devil's system to instill fear into his subjects. Do not fear them and fear Me instead, if you are believers. Do not be saddened by those who hasten to disbelief.
They never hurt (Almighty) Alloh in the least. Instead, (Almighty) Alloh has willed that they will have no share in the Hereafter. They have incurred a terrible retribution" {The Qur’an – Surah Ale Imran (Chapter: The Amramites) 03:173 - 176}.
After the battle of Uhud, Abu Sufyan and his army were returning to Mecca with the inculcated fear that Islamic forces of Medina may come after them. They reached a place called Hamra Assad where they were discussing how to attack Islamic forces of Medina in order to finish them forever. But a chieftain Mabad Qhazai reached there and he put forward devastating news to Abu Sufyan encouraging him to flee towards Mecca. Mabad Qhazai narrated stories of better preparedness, unseen valour and huge number of the Islamic army which is destined to attack you sooner that Oh Abu Sufyan you could think of. Meanwhile Abu Sufyan compelled the traders of Abdul Quays tribe to instill fear in the heart of Islamic army by conveying the false news of Abu Sufyan army’s imminent attack upon Muslims. They conveyed the false news to The-Prophet (PBUH) but the revelation from Almighty Alloh already equipped the Islamic army with confidence, preparedness and victory in case of another battle. That is where The-Prophet (PBUH) recited - حَسْبُنَا اللَّه وَنِعْمَا لْوَكِيلُ – meaning "(Almighty) Alloh suffices us; He is the best Protector".
After this event The Last Messenger Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: Whenever a big (dangerous) event challenges you, recite - حَسْبُنَا اللَّه وَنِعْمَا لْوَكِيلُ – [Hadith Ibn Maduya].
Companion Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RTA) reveals that when Messenger Prophet Abraham (PBUH) was thrown into fire, he recited these wordings of - حَسْبُنَا اللَّه وَنِعْمَا لْوَكِيلُ – and so The Last Messenger Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when he was presumably challenged for a second round of battle during the events leading to the end of Uhud battle [Hadith Sahih Bukharie].
Conclusion:
The righteous after their preparedness for a challenge shall not succumb to the fear instilled by evil elements but should rely upon Almighty God for their protection and steadfastness. As far as the disbelievers in One-God are concerned, the righteous should inculcate the fear of Almighty Alloh in to their hearts so that they turn to reform themselves and become the supporter of righteous cause.
Fear of Almighty Alloh
Nov. 09th 2007 – Shawwal 28th 1428
Qamrul A. Khanson
Introduction:
It is very difficult to cover all that is said in The Qur'an and the Ahadith about the importance of fear for (Almighty) Alloh. It may, however, be understood that fear of (Almighty) Alloh is an essential step towards all spiritual advancement.
Humanity has been created to worship (Almighty) Alloh and is constantly being tested. The Day of Judgment is a fearsome reality to be reflected upon with awe so that it becomes impossible to remain unaffected by it. However, this fear is only attained to people who have been blessed with faith in the words of Almighty Alloh and is a particular type of fear because (Almighty) Alloh has described what will happen on the Day of Judgment in numerous Qur'anic verses; the scribes, witnesses and the enormous congregation of people. A believer in Islam fears the chastisement against the sins but the believer is hopeful of redemption through piety, continual supplication for forgiveness and by maintaining true love to God and The Last Messenger Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The fear shall be inculcated in the hearts of those who are astray in this world and do not realize the atrociously fearful continual suffering on the Day of Judgement. This is an absolute certainty, which is unconditionally accepted by true believers who are fearful of facing such a terrifying ordeal but are calmed by the virtues of their abidance in Islam and dependent upon the Mercy of Almighty Alloh upon true believers. You are fast approaching the day when you will be called by (Almighty) Alloh to account for your actions. So we hope to be amongst those who have earned (Almighty) Alloh's pleasure through fearful awareness of Him:
O Muslims "Whatever good you do, (Almighty) Alloh is fully aware thereof. As you prepare your provisions for the journey, the best provision is righteousness (Piety). You shall observe Me (Your Lord Almighty Alloh), O you who possess intelligence" {The Qur’an – Surah Al Baqarah (Chapter: The Heifer) 02: 197}.
O Muhammad (PBUH) "You will be heeded only by those who uphold this message (The Qur’an), and reverence (fear) the Most Gracious - even when alone in their privacy. Give them good news of forgiveness and a generous recompense" {The Qur’an – Surah Al Yaseen (Chapter: The Yaseen) 36:11}.
Ahadith on Taquwah:
Narrated companion Abu Dhar (RTA) that The Last Messenger Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "Fear (Almighty) Alloh 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" [Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #5083].
Narrated companion Hudhayfah (RTA) that The Last Messenger Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "By Him in Whose hand my soul is, you must enjoin what is reputable and forbid what is disreputable, or (Almighty) Alloh will certainly soon send punishment from Himself to you. Under such a condition, you will make supplication and not receive an answer" [Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #5140].
Narrated companion Abu Dhar (RTA) that The Last Messenger Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "For him who fears (Almighty) Alloh He will appoint a way out and He will give him provision from an unimagined source" [Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #5306].
Narrated companion Abdullah Ibn Masa’ood (RTA) that The Last Messenger Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "If, through fear of (Almighty) Alloh, tears- -even to the extent of a fly's head- -fall from any believer's eyes and drop on some part of his cheek, he will be kept away from Hell by (Almighty) Alloh" [Hadith - Al-Tirmidhi #5359].
Abu Hurairah (RTA) narrated that “(Almighty) Alloh’s Messenger (SAW) was asked, "Who are the most honourable of the people?” The Last Messenger Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "The most honourable of them in (Almighty) Alloh’s Sight are those who keep their duty to (Almighty) Alloh and fear Him…(Observe him)" [Sahih Bukharie - Prophetic Commentary on the Qur'an Volume 6, Book 60, Number 211].
Exegesis of Fear:
Ibn Juzayy Al Kalbi (RUA) said in his dictionary of terms from the introduction to his Tafseer: "Taqwa's meaning is fear (Observance), clinging to obedience to (Almighty) Alloh and abandoning disobedience to Him. It is the sum of all good". I personally take the meaning of Taquwah as ‘Conscious-observance of God’ because for the Fear Almighty Alloh has already used Qhauf in the Qur’an (03: 175). Taquwah (God-consciousness) has been used 251 times in The-Qur’an for the Muslims only while Qhauf has been used against weak Muslims and the Non-believers in Islam. Qhauf (fear) has also been used against the chastisement in Gehinnom for which whole of humankind and Jinnkind have been warned.
There are five degrees of Taquwah:
- That the serving slave (Abdulloh) should protect himself from Kufr;
- That he/she should protect himself/herself from the acts of disobedience and forbidden things, and it is the station of turning to repentance (Taubah);
- That he/she should protect himself/herself from doubtful matters, and that is the station of caution or carefulness;
- That he/she should protect himself/herself from excessive indulgence of even those things that are permitted, and that is the station of doing without (Zohud);
- That he/she should protect himself/herself from the presence of other than (Almighty) Alloh in his heart and it is the presence of witnessing (Mushahadah).
How to increase God consciousness (Taquwah):
- To observe (Almighty) Alloh's Commandments in private as well as in public.
- To watch over prayer, obligatory and optional.
- To associate with the righteous and to avoid the vicious.
- To seek refuge with (Almighty) Alloh and to supplicate Him, since He does not disappoint anybody.
- To recite The-Qur'an perpetually and to remember Him often.
Note: In order to understand in detail about Taquwah, Qhashiat and Qhauf as The-Qur’an explains, please read the following topics i.e. Fear, Observance and Reverence-I and Fear, Observance and Reverence-II.
Fear, Observance and Reverence-I
Introduction:
Fear (Qhauf), Observance (Taquwa) and Reverence (Qhashiat) are the three words which have been mentioned in The-Qur’an with different understanding of its meanings yet people even scholastic, most of the times do not express the critical difference among these words. Of course Fear (Qhauf) is the primary ingredient to incline people towards their Creator Lord yet believers are purposefully commanded towards Observance (Taquwa) and Reverence (Qhashiat) of Almighty Alloh. By understanding the critical difference, believers would enjoy the relief and would be encouraged by the virtue of understanding these words to get closer to their Creator Lord The-God. The trait of being afraid of some internal or external action or object is considered as Fearfulness. Fear and fearfulness would pave the solution for it.
We probably understand that fear is an emotional response to a perceived threat. People must understand the threat of chastisement in the life hereafter and so the eradication of such a fear. How could we dare to eradicate fear within, it must be learnt otherwise the beauty of a living life shatters the mind and body, zeroing the joy of life until we get assurance against such fearfulness. Fear and fearfulness are basic survival mechanism occurring in response to a specific stimulus, such as the threat of chastisement against disbelief. Humankind and Jinnkind shall be fearful of the consequences of disbelieving in Monotheistic God. Those who fear Satan their fear keeps on multiplying while those who fear God do not fear anyone. The reason is simple "He (Satan) has no power over those who believe and trust in their Lord" {The Qur’an – Surah Al Nahl (Chapter: The Honey Bee) 16:99}.
Thou Muhammad (PBUH) Say: "I do not say to you that I possess the treasures of (Almighty) Alloh. Nor do I know the future (Ghaib). Nor do I say to you that I am an angel. I simply follow what is revealed to me". Say: "Is the blind the same as the seer? Do you not reflect"? "And preach with this (The-Qur'an) to those who fear (Ya'qha'foo'na) the summoning before their Lord - they have none beside Him as an ally, nor an intercessor - that they may attain Taquwa (Conscious Observance of Almighty Alloh)" {The Qur'an – Surah Al An'am (Chapter: The Livestock) <timew:stonhour18minute51>6:51}. Qhauf is from retribution because retribution has no mercy.
Thou Muhammad (PBUH) "Say: "I fear (Inni Aqhafo), if I disobeyed my Lord, the retribution of an awesome day" {The Qur'an – Surah Al An'am (Chapter: The Livestock) 6:15}. Almighty Alloh is not Qhauf but Mercy, seek mercy by obeying.
What is Fear (Qhauf)?
Qhauf is 'the fear of Almighty Alloh's reprimand and punishment in this world and the world hereafter'. In the worldly life the fearfulness is from the evils, vices, dreadful, frightful, outrageous, disgraceful, scandalous, and reprehensible etc., simply because they bring disaster in a person's life. In the presence of fearfulness, there are two possibilities. 'Face the fearfulness by challenging it or surrender to fearfulness by succumbing to it. If the fear is from devil, challenge it to eradicate it. If the fear is realised against God's chastisement due to disbelief, surrender to Him. In both of the cases, either challenging the satanic fear or surrendering to the fear of Godly chastisement, both would lead you to the protection against fear'.
The Muslims who believe in Almighty Alloh challenge fearfulness to eradicate it; simply because it is from devil. The enemy of humankind; Devil-Jinn, instils fear of all kinds to distract people from the worship of Almighty Alloh and from righteousness i.e. abstaining from Salat. Under such a situation, Almighty Alloh invites the disbelievers and weak Muslims towards Him by mentioning that you should not follow devil because of his fearful tactics but follow Me by removing fear of devil. Almighty Alloh is also the creator of fear as a test for the humankind and if fearfulness is the matter which bothers you then fear Almighty Alloh who is the creator of consequential chastisement in lieu of disbelief and wickedness.
"It is the devil's system to instil fear (Qhauf) into his subjects. Do not fear them and fear (Qhauf) Me instead, if you are (to be) believers" {The Qur'an – Surah Al Ale Imraan (Chapter: The Amramites) 03:175}. Fear (Qhauf), however, is not the end in itself, but a means towards an end. On that end, Almighty Alloh's ultimate pleasure, is attained, there is no need for fear. Of course wisdom is needed.
Let us recall when Abraham (PBUH) said: "I have devoted myself absolutely to the One who initiated the heavens and the earth; I will never be an idol worshiper" {06: 79}. "His people argued with him. He said, "Do you argue with me about (Almighty) Alloh, after He has guided me? I have no fear (La Aqhafo) of the idols you set up. Nothing can happen to me, unless my Lord wills it. My Lord's knowledge encompasses all things. Would you not take heed? {The Qur'an – Surah Al An'am (Chapter: The Livestock) 06: 80}.
When a disbeliever accepts the reality of Almighty Alloh by living in this life by becoming a believer with Taquwa and Qhashiat, he enters the Realm of Almighty Alloh's eternal blessings; his love for Him will multiply, while his fear will disappear. Hence, the place of love is higher and nobler than the place of fear. Muslims have been commanded to consciously observe (Ittaqulloh) Almighty The-God (Alloh) not to instil fear (Qhauf) which most us claim to be the case. In fact, Muslims are being told in The-Qur'an that they should concentrate upon deeds as per the guidance and fear should not be their worry. Almighty Alloh is categorical in mentioning "Those who follow My guidance will have no fear (Qhauf), nor will they grieve" {The Qur'an – Surah Al Baqarah (Chapter: The Heifer) 02:38}.
"We (Almighty Alloh) do not send the Messengers except as giver of Gladtidings (good news), as well as Warners. Those who believe and reform have nothing to fear (Qhauf), nor will they grieve" {The Qur'an – Surah Al An'am (Chapter: The Livestock) 6:48}.
Belief (Iman) attains its position within a believer when he accepts the six basic tenets of it, in the heart. Such tenets are beliefs in Monotheistic-God, God's Messenger (PBUH), God's Books, God's Angels, God's appointed Day of Resurrection and Divine fate. In order to inculcate such a belief, one must understand the consequence of not believing in the 'tenets of belief'. The consequences are chastisement in this world and the fire of hell in the Hereafter. We as believers in Islam have a duty to inculcate such fear upon the disbelievers and non-practicing Muslims so that they recognize the basic tenets of belief.
After the belief, the process of reform starts in a believer with the Observance (Taquwa) and the Reverence (Qhashiat) of Almighty Alloh. By such an assurance, a believer learns day by day, again and again with continuity about righteous deeds and its commitment in practical worldly life. The process is life long with Consciousness of Mind (CM) and it ends with the end of life.
Those who ignore the fear (Qhauf) live a life of uncertainty, illusion, and are doomed to suffer. The suffrage starts right from this world and it never ends in the Hereafter.
Who should be More Fearful of God?
Muslims by their monotheistic creed recognize One-God as sole deity and follow all instructions of their deeds from the book of God: The-Qur'an. The perception that practicing believers (Mo'mineen) should always fear God against punishment is basically unsubstantiated because The-One Who is Gracious and Merciful should not be only feared but predominantly and consciously observed (Taquwa) and revered (Qhashiat). Yet Qhauf is the primary ingredient to maintain Taquwa and Qhashiat.
It is a fact that the robber because of the fear of being apprehended abstains from robbery; the child because of the fear of punishment abstains from mischief; because of the fear of being fined people refrain from violation of law. When fear is effaced, anarchy is the consequence in the land. Qhauf (fear) severs the roots of all evil while at the same time it is the medium of all obedience.
Qhauf (fear) is the painful condition of heart, which arises as a result of thinking of something reprehensible and the fear of it materializing. The nature of Qhauf consists of the possibility of 'Itaab' (punishment). This possibility extends to every person, for he may be overtaken by punishment. This is the extent of Qhauf which has been commanded and imposed upon the human and Jinn. It is also known as Qhauf-e-Aqlee (intellectual fear). At the behest of sin this faculty (Qhauf-e-Aqlee) has to be put into operation. The warnings and punishments of Almighty Alloh should be recalled and ruminated over so as to be saved from sin. The non-existence of Qhauf (fear) induces and involves one in disbelief and sins. It is the medium of exhorting towards virtue and steering one away from the disbelief in Almighty Alloh.
However, if among the believers if someone is fearful of Almighty Alloh's chastisement, it will compel him / her to be with Taquwa (Conscious Observance of Almighty Alloh) and with Qhashiat (Conscious Reverence of Almighty Alloh with shame of sins) rather than confined to fearfulness only. The fearfulness should be for those who are transgressors, seditious and violators of the commands of Almighty The-God. Such people should be inculcated with the knowledge about the consequence of their evil deeds in the chastisement from the day onwards of their deaths. Fear of chastisement is badly needed to reform the sinful Muslims and revert to the disbelievers to Islam. Such is the stage in human life where fear (Qhauf) opens the door to the recognition of Almighty Alloh. Yet after recognition there will be no fear and no sadness in the life of a believer in Islam.
Almighty Alloh is The-Creator Who is The-Gracious, The-Merciful and His Almighty is not fear (Qhauf) for the believers in Islam. While Almighty Alloh insists upon us to be reverend of Him and with continual and conscious observation of His Almighty, He insists upon us to follow His commands to avoid humiliation on the day of Judgement.
The fear for the people shall be from the punishment in this world and in the world hereafter leading to Hellfire, such is the law of Nature created by Almighty Alloh. In order to avoid such a fear and consequential chastisement, keep revering Almighty Alloh by abiding with dos and by avoiding don’ts as mentioned in The- Qur'an and Ahadith. "Oh you who believe, you shall observe (Almighty) Alloh (Ittaqulloh) and seek the ways and means to Him, and strive in His cause that you may succeed" {The Qur'an – Surah Al Ma'idah (Chapter: The Table Spread) <timew:stonhour17minute35>05: 35}.
"On the Day of Resurrection every eye will be crying except the eye which refrained from gazing at that which Almighty Alloh had forbidden, and the eye which stood guard with Taquwa (Conscious Observance of Almighty Alloh) and with Qhashiat (Conscious Reverence of Almighty Alloh with shame of sins) in the Path of Almighty Alloh, and the eye from which emerged a tear-drop equal in size to the head of a fly, in reverence of Almighty Alloh".
In a Hadith of Mishquat Shareef it is said that Almighty Alloh will make Haram (unlawful) the fire of Gahanna for such a person. In the Hadith it is also stated that on the Day of Resurrection, Almighty Alloh will proclaim to the Angels to remove from the Fire anyone who had at any time or occasion feared the punishment of Almighty Alloh.
Besides, there is another subtle point also in it, which Imam Fakhruddin Razi (1149 – 1209) has pointed out that in Arabic, there are two words Qhauf and Qhashiat which have a difference in their shade of meaning. The word Qhauf is generally used for the fear that a man feels in his heart on account of his sense of weakness as against someone's superior power and strength, and the word Qhashiat is used for the anxiety and awe with which a man is filled and inspired because of somebody's glory and grandeur and greatness. The word Qhashiat is used instead of Qhauf, which is meant to point out that a believer does not fear Almighty Alloh only on account of the fear of His punishment, but it is the sense of Almighty Alloh's glory and greatness that keeps him revering at all times.
Conclusion:
Fearing Almighty Alloh against disbelief is the primary ingredient of faith in Islam. Almighty Alloh respects and loves the believers in Islam by which His Almighty eradicates fear upon them but insists upon believers to attain Conscious Observance (Taquwa) and Conscious Reverence (Qhashiat) of Almighty Alloh. Thus by keeping Qhauf in the back of their mind, they should concentrate overwhelmingly upon Taquwa and Qhashiat. Make commitment to Almighty Alloh, you would never regret.
Fear and fearfulness does not touch anyone except those who are disbelievers, atheists and weak Muslims. Those who are struck with Fear and Fearfulness shall revert to religiosity in Islam and develop Taquwa and Qhashiat. By doing so, Mercy of Almighty Alloh would prevail upon them and they would be exemplary to others.
"Those who follow My (Almighty Alloh) guidance will have no fear (Qhauf), nor will they grieve" {The Qur'an – Surah Al Baqarah (Chapter: The Heifer) 02:38}.
