Fearing only God

Submitters go through tests. These tests are designed to separate those who worship God alone under all circumstances from those who do not (Quran 29:2). Fear is one of Satan’s tools and a test. Satan tries to put fear in our hearts or to trick us into doubting God’s Omniscience and Omnipotence. To help us pass the test, God provided us with guidance in the Quran. God tells us:

Fear: The Devil’s Tool

[3:175] It is the devil’s system to instill fear into his subjects. Do not fear them and fear Me instead, if you are believers.

Submitters fear only God, because God is the only One we are accountable to. Consider the following example: suppose I’m afraid that asking for an adjustment to my schedule to do Friday Prayers will be seen poorly by my boss or co-workers. And let’s say I don’t ask permission to go pray because I’m afraid of how they will see me or how it will affect my chance for progressing at work.

If I think about it – God is the One I am trying to please. God is the only One who possesses all power.

 

It does not matter therefore if my asking permission to do something good (pray) will be looked down upon by my boss or annoy my co-workers. Instead, what matters is whether what I’m doing is pleasing to God. God controls the boss, the job, the provisions, and the hearts of co-workers.

On the one hand, fear of someone else’s reaction is not helpful to the growth of my soul. It can prevent me from making the right choice or cause me pain. Instead of helping me in this situation, fear causes irrational action or inaction. On the other hand, trusting in God and imploring God—actually helps.

Happiness Now, and Forever

[22:15] If anyone thinks that GOD cannot support him in this life and in the Hereafter, let him turn completely to (his Creator in) heaven, and sever (his dependence on anyone else). He will then see that this plan eliminates anything that bothers him.

[2:277] Those who believe and lead a righteous life, and observe the Contact Prayers (Salat), and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), they receive their recompense from their Lord; they will have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

[2:38] We said, “Go down therefrom, all of you. When guidance comes to you from Me, those who follow My guidance will have no fear, nor will they grieve.

[41:30] Those who proclaim: “Our Lord is GOD,” then lead a righteous life, the angels descend upon them: “You shall have no fear, nor shall you grieve. Rejoice in the good news that Paradise has been reserved for you.

God reassures  the steadfast that they deserve His blessings and mercy.

[2:155-157] We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast. When an affliction befalls them, they say, “We belong to GOD, and to Him we are returning.” These have deserved blessings from their Lord and mercy. These are the guided ones.

 

Even when the odds seem insurmountable, we can trust that God can help His servants. Consider the following verses.  [3:159-160] … Once you make a decision, carry out your plan, and trust in GOD. GOD loves those who trust in Him. If GOD supports you, none can defeat you. And if He abandons you, who else can support you? In GOD the believers shall trust.

[5:22] They said, “O Moses, there are powerful people in it, and we will not enter it, unless they get out of it. If they get out, we are entering.”  [5:23] Two men who were reverent and blessed by GOD said, “Just enter the gate. If you just enter it, you will surely prevail. You must trust in GOD, if you are believers.”

[9:40] If you fail to support him (the messenger), GOD has already supported him. Thus, when the disbelievers chased him, and he was one of two in the cave, he said to his friend, “Do not worry; GOD is with us.” GOD then sent down contentment and security upon him, and supported him with invisible soldiers. He made the word of the disbelievers lowly. GOD’s word reigns supreme. GOD is Almighty, Most Wise.

[3:173] When the people say to them, “People have mobilized against you; you should fear them,” this only strengthens their faith and they say, “GOD suffices us; He is the best Protector.”

When God says He sends shifts of angels to be with us, should we be afraid? God’s reassurance is perfect. [13:11] Shifts (of angels) take turns, staying with each one of you―they are in front of you and behind you. They stay with you, and guard you in accordance with GOD’s commands. Thus, GOD does not change the condition of any people unless they themselves make the decision to change. If GOD wills any hardship for any people, no force can stop it. For they have none beside Him as Lord and Master.

When Satan whispers and tries to put fear in our hearts, we should seek refuge in God, remember Him and implore Him.

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