Attaining Safety in the Hereafter: The Role of Fear and Hope

The Means to Attaining Safety in the Hereafter Through Faith and Good Deeds

THE MEANS TO ATTAINING SAFETY IN THE HEREAFTER

ALLĀH says:

"And those who give that (their charity) which they give ˹and also do other good deeds˺ with their hearts full of fear ˹whether their alms and charities have been accepted or not˺, because they are sure to return to their Lord ˹for reckoning˺"

{Al-Mu’minūn || Verse 40}

Narrated ‘Aishah (may ALLĀH be pleased with her), I asked ALLĀH’S Messenger (ﷺ) about this (above verse (23:40)). She added: “Are those who drink alcoholic drinks and steal?” ALLĀH’S Messenger (ﷺ) replied: “No! O the daughter of As-Siddiq, but they are those who fast, pray, and practise charity, and they are afraid that ˹their good˺ deeds may not be accepted ˹by ALLĀH˺ from them. ‘It is these who hasten in good deeds.'” {Sunan At-Tirmidhi #3225}

Abu Huraira (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) narrated from his Lord Almighty that HE said, “By MY might, I will never combine in MY servant two fears or two securities. If he feared ME in the world, I will make him safe on the Day of Resurrection. If he felt secure from ME in the world, I will make him fearful on the Day of Resurrection.” {S‌ah‌i‌h‌ Ibn H‌ibba‌n #640}

Abdullaah ibn ‘Awn (may ALLĀH have mercy on him) said: “Do not feel secure because of a great number of deeds for you do not know if they have been accepted or not. Do not feel secure about your sins for you do not know if they have been expiated or not. This is because all of your deeds are unseen to you and you have no idea what ALLĀH will do with them.” {The Journey to ALLĀH || Chapter 6}

Fear of ALLĀH in this world leads to safety and security in the Hereafter. The believer’s fear stems from their concern that their good deeds may not be accepted by ALLĀH, despite their efforts in fasting, praying, and charity. This fear is not one of despair, but of humility and awareness of their accountability before their Lord. ALLĀH promises that those who fear HIM in this life will be granted safety on the Day of Resurrection, as mentioned in the hadith. Conversely, those who live in arrogance and feel secure from ALLĀH’S punishment in this world will face fear in the Hereafter. This balance of fear and hope is essential in striving towards righteousness and attaining ALLĀH’S pleasure.