For example...

For example, a person fears that a misfortune or punishment may come upon him, or that a blessing may be taken away. In reality, sorrow and fear are two similar inner qualities, but their objects differ: one pertains to the past and the other pertains to the future. Sorrow and Fear of God in Qur’anic Verses and Traditions Given the desirability of fearing God and its constructive role, many Qur’anic verses and traditions speak about these two qualities.

The word khawf (fear) and its synonyms appear numerous times in the Quran. Here we refer to some of them: “And We will surely settle you in the land after their [destruction] (the wrongdoers). This [blessing] is for those who fear standing before Me [for accountability] and fear My warning” . [2] “And the angels fear their Lord who is above them, and they do what they are commanded” . [3] There are also traditions that praise fear and sorrow and highlight their importance.

Some of them include: The Amir al-Muminin (AS) says: “O servants of God! Fear death and its nearness, and prepare the necessary provisions for it” . [4] Imam Sadiq (AS) said to Ishaq ibn Ammar: “O Ishaq! Fear God as though you see Him. And if you do not see Him, He indeed sees you. If you believe that He does not see you, you have disbelieved; and if you know that He sees you, and then you still disobey Him, then you have considered Him the least of all watchers over you” .

[5] The Reason for the Religious Recommendation to Experience Sorrow and Fear In psychology, fear is considered a type of disorder, and physicians believe that fear is the root of many physical illnesses. Today, this phenomenon has become a widespread and dangerous problem. [6] Therefore, in psychological and educational discussions and in public culture, great efforts are made to create joy and liveliness in society.

For example, to combat worry, anxiety, and fear, which are considered abnormal and inhibiting states, festivals and cheerful programs are organized. Based on this, an essential question arises: Why does Islam praise unpleasant states such as sorrow and fear, encourage its followers to adopt them, and even criticize joy and happiness? “God does not love those who exult in arrogance!” .

[7] Repeated Islamic recommendations to adopt states of sorrow and fear may create the misconception, especially among those unfamiliar with Islamic teachings and cultural context, that Islam seeks to produce fearful, depressed, joyless, withdrawn individuals.