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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Faith and Reason Question 7: Friends of Allah not having Fear Question: The Qur`an mentions the fact that there is no fear or sadness for the friends of Allah (Surat Yunus (10), Verse 62). If this is the case, then why do we read the following prayer in the Du’a of Friday (addressing Imam al-Zaman (ع)): “Peace be upon you O Pure one who is afraid!” Fear is of two types: praiseworthy and blameworthy.

Blameworthy fear, like fearing for ones’ life or fearing people and creatures is meaningless for the friends of Allah (awj). This is why Imam Ja’far b. Muhammad as-Sadiq (ع) has been narrated to have said “A believer fears no one other than Allah.” As the Noble Qur`an says “It is only Satan who frightens his followers. Do not fear him but fear Me if you believe.” Praiseworthy fear is fearing the majesty and greatness of Allah (awj).

In this regard, the Noble Prophet (ص) has been narrated to have said “He who knows his Lord more, fears Him more.” Praiseworthy fear is attributed to high-ranking wayfarers which is caused by feeling the greatness and majesty of the Lord and the manifestation of His attributes.

This fear is a spiritual delight and doesn’t conflict with the verse “Know that the friends of Allah have no fear, nor are they sad.” What’s more, this type of fear is one of the perfections that the perfected individuals obtain. This is why we address the Twelfth Imam (ع) as so: “Peace be upon you O Pure One who fears the greatness of Allah Almighty.” There are two kinds of fear: good and bad. The bad fear does not pertain to the saints and the friends of Allah (awj).

This is the fear of people, the enemy, etc. In short it is the fear of creatures. It has been related from Abu Dharr that he said, “The Noble Prophet advised me saying ‘In the path of Allah, do not fear any one who mocks you or discourages you.”[^1] Also, it has been related from Imam Ja’far b. Muhammad as-Sadiq (ع) that he said, “The believers fear no one but Allah.”[^2] As the Qur`an has said, ‘This is the Devil that scares his friends by means of his rumours.

If you have faith, fear Me, do not fear them.” [^3] The good fear, which is praiseworthy, is the fear of the greatness of Allah (awj). As Imam ‘Ali b.