Once, a wealthy man from the Banū Isrā’īl lived a life of indulgence in sin. As his death approached, he instructed his children to cremate him, crush his bones, and scatter his ashes by the sea on a windy day. Following his wishes, his children carried out his instructions. Allah then gathered his ashes and questioned him about his actions. He replied, "Fear of you." Allah forgave him (Bukhārī).
Our relationship with Allah is defined by three core emotions: fear, love, and hope. Fear (khawf) is an integral aspect of faith (īmān). Allah states, "So do not fear them, but fear Me if you are (true) believers" (3:175). Allah praises the Prophets: "...They used to race towards good deeds and invoke Us with hope and fear; and they were humbly submissive to Us" (21:90).
Ibn al-Qayyim (raḥimahullāh) eloquently compares the heart's journey towards Allah to a bird: love is the head, and fear and hope are its wings. When the head is sound, the wings will fly well. Love severed from fear and hope is akin to the bird losing its head.
The fear of Allah stems from a profound awe and humility in His presence. This fear is distinct from worldly apprehensions; it draws us closer to Allah rather than pushing us away. The more we fear Him, the more we seek His proximity. It is coupled with love and respect, making it unique and beautiful.
Khashyah, a reverential fear, is unlike ordinary fears. Just as we quiet down in the presence of an esteemed elder, this fear makes us revere Allah. The senior Companion ʿAmr b. al-ʿĀṣ (raḍiy Allāhu ʿanhu) could not look directly at the Prophet ﷺ due to this deep respect.
Fearing Allah requires knowledge. The more we learn about Him, the more awe we feel. Reflecting on Allah's greatness, His Names, His creation, and the Day of Judgement amplifies this fear. Our beloved Prophet ﷺ and Jibrīl (ʿalayhis-salām) exemplified this fear through their profound knowledge and humility.
Two categories fear Allah: those fearing punishment and those who know Allah through His Names. The latter's fear of His greatness supersedes punishment fears. Recognizing Allah's majesty leads to fearing inadequate deeds. Fear drives righteous actions, allows learning from reminders, and eliminates the fear of worldly matters.
Reflecting on Allah's greatness, the hereafter's stages, sins' consequences, and seeking Allah's awe through supplication cultivates this fear. Fear is a deterrent, prompting us to abstain from sin. Allah uses minor punishments to prompt repentance. The pandemic highlights our indifference compared to the Prophet's ﷺ response to natural signs.
Positive outcomes arise from fearing Allah: performing good deeds, benefiting from reminders, freedom from Hell-fire, and earning Allah's pleasure. Fear, driven by knowledge, propels us towards Allah. Ultimately, the reverential fear of Allah leads to Paradise, where fear gives way to eternal love and bliss.
