To avoid confusion with other earthly fears, Allah has also described
in the Qur’an the emotions and state of spirituality of a believer
who fears Allah. A believer’s fear of Allah is a fear that does
not resemble any other fear; this fear is extremely deep and full of
awe. This type of fear is unlike other fears and is not intended to
give rise to pain and discomfort. Quite the opposite, it reminds people
of their humility and servitude to Allah and opens and broadens
the awareness and the intellect. This fear enables a person to attain a
very high level of upright conduct.
This fear will increase a believer’s ardent desire for the Hereafter
and incite hope and eagerness. Fear of Allah also increases many
times over a believer’s closeness to and love of Allah; it is an essential
feeling which allows the experience of great spiritual pleasures.
The Qur’an makes mention in many verses of the deep awe that believers
possess:
Those who fear their Lord in the Unseen will have forgiveness
and an immense reward. (Surat al-Mulk: 12)
[People of intelligence are] …afraid of their Lord and fear an
evil Reckoning. (Surat ar-Ra‘d: 21)
[The Garden is for] those who fear the All-Merciful in the
Unseen and come with a contrite heart. (Surah Qaf: 33)
[Prophets are] those who convey Allah’s Message and fear
Him and do not anyone but Allah. Allah suffices as a
Reckoner. (Surat al-Ahzab: 39)