Three Pillars of Worship

Al-Ibādah (worship) centers of three things: Fear, hope and love. The worship of Allah, the Mighty and Sublime cannot be regarded as such unless it includes these matters, fear of Allah and hope in Allah’s mercy. It should not be fear alone to the extent that one despairs of Allah’s mercy nor should it be hope alone to the extent that one feels safe from Allah’s plan. Likewise, it should not be made up of love alone devoid of fear and hope. These three things are essential: fear, hope and love of Allaah the Mighty and Sublime.

Consequently, the scholars say, “He who worships Allaah with fear alone is a Khāriji” because this is the way of Khawārij; they are Ashābul-Wa’id (adherents of threat). “Whoever worships Allah with hope alone is a Murji” because this is the way of the Murji’ah; those who do not fear Allaah. They only rely on hope; but Allaah the Mighty and Sublime said: “Did they then feel secure against the plan of Allah? None feels secure from the Plan of Allah except the people who are the losers” [Qur’aan 7:99]

“And whoever worships Allaah with love alone is a Sūfi” because the Sūfis say: ‘We neither worship Allaah desiring His Paradise nor for fear of His Fire. We only worship Him out of love for Him alone.’ This is misguidance; one must worship Allaah with fear, hope and love.

Source: A Gift to the Reader in Annotation of Sharh As-Sunnah, vol. 2, p. 129-130 by Shaykh Saalih al-Fawzaan (may Allah preserve him). Published by Dar Makkah International.

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