Dear Islamic brothers! After listening to the blessed verses and narrations, if only the veil of negligence is removed from our hearts and, whilst being hopeful of the mercy of Allah, we are blessed with possessing the true fear of Allah. We should be cautious at all times not to commit sins and, if only, we become those who always tremble at the remembrance of the difficulties on one’s deathbed, the bitterness of death; the darkness and horrors of the grave and the exposure of every small matter on the day of Judgment.

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                                                                 صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

The three stages of Fear

Dear Islamic brothers! The fear of Allah is a state of the heartand this feeling is different for everyone, just as Sayyiduna Imam Muhammad Ghazali رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَـلَيْه writes, in light of his research, the 3 stages of fear:

1.   ‘ضعیف’ (meaning weak), this is that fear that cannot assist one to adopt a good deed and leave a sin. For example, upon listening to the punishments of Hell, becoming inspired and fearful to leave sin. But then he goes back to negligence and sin.

2.   ‘مُعْتَدِل’ (meaning moderate), this is that fear that has the power to aid one in performing a good deed and leaving a sin. For example, upon listening to the punishments and warnings of the Hereafter, physical efforts are made to refrain from sin. This is found with having hope in Allah’s mercy.

3.   ‘قوی’ (Meaning strong), this is that fear that causes one to despair, fall ill and fall unconscious. For example, upon listening to the punishments of Allah, becoming hopeless about receiving forgiveness.