Do not fear them!

[Abu Hafs]

بسم الله الرحمان الرحيم

السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته

الحمد الله

All Praise is due to Allah سبحانه و تعالى, may Peace and Blessings be upon Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه و سلم, his progeny and his companions رضي الله عنهم

After 11th September and 7/7 attacks, many Muslims have developed fear of the disbelievers so much that many of them have changed their names from Muhammad to Moe and Bilal to Billy just avoid being arrested by the police. Is this way we are commanded to be? Are we allowed to be fearful of the disbelievers when we are on the Truth whilst they are misguided?

Allah سبحانه و تعالى categorically tells us that it is only shaytaan, who wants us to fear his allies so do not fear them,

إِنَّمَا ذَ*ٰلِكُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ يُخَوِّفُ أَوْلِيَاءَهُ فَلَا تَخَافُوهُمْ وَخَافُونِ إِن كُنتُم مُّؤْمِنِينَ

“It is only Satan that suggests to you the fear of his allies. So, do not fear them, and fear Me if you are believers.”[1]

Al Haafidh Ibn Kathir رحمه الله writes in his Tafsir, “Shaytaan threatens you with his friends and tries to pretend they are powerful and fearsome.” [2]

Al Hasan رضي الله عنه and Al Suddi رحمه الله comment on this ayah by saying, “The meaning of the fear of his (shaytaan) allies means the hypocrites who forsake and sit (in their homes) and do not fight the disbelievers. As for the Friends of Allah, they do not fear when they are told to fear them (allies of shaytaan).” [3]

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[1] Surat `Al ‘Imran, ayah 175

[2] Tafsir Ibn Kathir

[3] Tafsir Al Qurtubi