Understanding the Importance of Sincerity in Worship: Fear of Allah Over People

The Significance of True Fear of Allah in Our Actions

ALLAH HAS MORE RIGHT THAT YOU FEAR HIM

ALLĀH says: “They may hide ˹their evil intentions and deeds˺ from people, but they cannot hide ˹them˺ from ALLĀH…” {An-Nisā’ || Verse 108}

“And you feared the people, while ALLĀH has more right that you fear HIM.” {Al-Ahzāb || Verse 37}

Thawbān (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “I certainly know people of my ummah who will come on the Day of Resurrection with good deeds like the mountains of Tihaamah, but ALLĀH will make them like scattered dust.” Thawbān said: O Messenger of ALLĀH, describe them to us and tell us more, so that we will not become of them unknowingly. He said: “They are your brothers and from your race, worshipping at night as you do, but they will be people who, when they are alone, transgress the sacred limits of ALLĀH.” {Ibn Mājah #4245}

The Messenger of ALLĀH (ﷺ) said: “A man may do what may seem to the people as the deeds of the dwellers of Paradise, but he is of the dwellers of the Hell-Fire…” {Al-Bukhārī #4207 and Muslim #112}

Ibn Rajab (may ALLĀH have mercy on him) said: The words _“what may seem to the people”_ indicate that what is hidden may be different from what is apparent to people, and that a bad end is because of a hidden problem in a person that people are not aware of, whether it is a bad deed and the like, so that hidden quality may lead to a bad end at death.” {Jāmi’ al-‘Ulūm wa’l-Hukam || 1/57}

Ibn Qudāmah Al-Maqdasī (may ALLĀH have mercy on him) said: “Know, that most of the people are only destroyed due to their fear of the blame of the people and loving to be praised by them. As a result, all of their movements become in agreement with that which pleases the people hoping for their praise and fearing their blame. That is from the things which destroy ˹a person˺, therefore, it is obligatory to remedy it.” {Mukhtasir Minhāj Al-Qāsidīn || Page 212}

These carry a stern warning and indicate that good deeds and refraining from prohibited deeds, whether hidden or apparent, should be undertaken solely for the sake of ALLĀH. ALLĀH is most knowing of the affairs of HIS slaves and will require each soul for their hidden and apparent deeds. You should realize that people have no power over life or death, reward or punishment, nor can they solve any problem for you—only ALLĀH does. So, why this facade?