Worship Allah Between Hope And Fear
Abu Uwais Abdullah Ali (rahimahullaah)
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One of the most beautiful this about the concept of worship in Islaam is the truly unique way in which it incorporates the feelings of love, fear and hope within the hearts of the worshippers of Allah. Understanding how to combine these three qualities into the worship (‘ibaadah) of Allah is one of the most essential things that every Muslim must grasp
And our Righteous Predecessors used to say:
“He who worships Allah with hope only is a Murji’ee. He who worships Him in fear only is a Harooree [Khaarijee]. And he who worships Allah in love only is a Zindeeq [e.g. Soofees, Christians]. But he who worships Allah in fear, love and hope is a Muwahhid Mu’min [a believer upon Tawheed].” [4]
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The fear and hope should be in equal proportions[6] but as for love, then that should be uppermost, As Fudayl ibn Iyyaad (d.187H) said: “The love is better than fear. The fear checks us from sinning, and the love makes us to do what is prescribed with an open heart.”[7]
(Read the below link for further understanding of the above statements)
Foot Notes:
[4] Quoted by ibn Rajab in at-Takhweef minan-Naar as the saying of one of the Salaf.
[5] Saheeh – Reported by Aboo Hurairah & collected in Aboo Daawood (eng. trans. vol.3 p.1365 no.4883). Authenticatd by al-Albaanee in Saheehul-Jaami (4455).
[6] This was the opinion of most of the Salaf. Al-Fudayl ibn ‘Iyyaad said that when one is healthy and well, then fear should predominate, but when terminally ill then hope should predominate – so that one should strive to do good when well and not despair of Allah’s Mercy when terminally ill. [At-Takhweef minan-Naar].
[7] Reported in at-Takhweef minan-Naar of Ibn Rajab. Note that some scholars hold that fear is better than love. Allah knows best.
Further Reading :
- Worshipping Allaah out of Love, Fear and Hope – Source: Ad-Dawah ilalLaah Magazine
AbdurRahman.Org 