Is repentance motivated by fear of Hell accepted?

In the comprehensive and balanced doctrine of Islam, repentance (Tawbah) is considered one of the most vital spiritual and ethical concepts, signifying a sincere return to God after committing a sin. The Holy Quran repeatedly emphasizes the importance of repentance and the vastness of Divine mercy. The question arises: Is repentance motivated by fear of God's punishment and the torment of Hell accepted by Allah? The answer, based on Quranic verses and Islamic principles, is unequivocally yes, provided that this fear leads to genuine regret and a firm resolve to abandon the sin and make amends. Fear of Hell is, in itself, a powerful and legitimate motivating factor in Islam. The Quran describes Hell and its torments in numerous verses to deter people from committing sins and to guide them towards obedience and servitude to God. These descriptions are not merely for the sake of instilling fear, but rather to awaken conscience and warn against the grave consequences of evil deeds. When a person fears the fire of Hell and its punishments, this fear can serve as a starting point for reevaluating their actions and changing the course of their life. This fear alone signifies the vitality of the divine nature within a person, propelling them towards salvation. If this fear results in sincere regret for past sins, a firm decision to abandon those sins in the future, and an earnest effort to rectify any wrongs that can be remedied, then this repentance is indeed truthful and acceptable. Allah states in the Quran: “And do not cause corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.” (Al-A'raf, 7:56). This verse clearly indicates that supplication to God should be made with both apprehension of His punishment and hope in His mercy. Therefore, fear of Hell is not reprehensible; rather, it can be an essential part of a believer's spiritual motivations. Genuine and complete repentance has specific pillars and conditions that, when met, ensure its acceptance. These conditions include: sincere regret for the sin committed; immediate cessation of the sin and severing all ties with it; a firm and resolute intention never to return to that sin in the future; and, if applicable (e.g., injustice to others or violation of their rights), making amends and seeking forgiveness from those whose rights were infringed upon. Repentance that begins out of fear of Hell, if it fulfills all these conditions and leads to a genuine change in the individual's behavior and intentions, is certainly accepted by the Most Gracious and Most Merciful God. For Allah is aware of intentions and knows what lies within the heart of His servant. He says: “Indeed, Allah accepts the repentance of those who do evil in ignorance and then repent soon after. It is those to whom Allah will turn in forgiveness, and Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.” (An-Nisa, 4:17). This verse indicates that Allah accepts the repentance of those who commit evil out of ignorance and then repent quickly, without making the initial motivation a primary condition, but rather emphasizing the timeliness and outcome of the repentance. On the other hand, it is crucial that repentance is not solely based on fear but is also intertwined with divine hope and love. In Islamic teachings, the optimal state of servitude combines khawf (fear of God) and raja' (hope in God). Fear of punishment deters one from sin, while hope for forgiveness draws one towards Divine mercy and prevents despair. Repentance that is based purely on fear, without any accompanying hope or understanding of the vastness of Divine mercy, might lead to despair and hopelessness in God's mercy, which itself is a major sin. However, if fear of Hell becomes a bridge to reach hope and an understanding of the magnitude of Divine forgiveness, then such repentance is immensely valuable. Allah emphasizes in the Quran that no one should despair of His mercy: “Say, 'O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.'” (Az-Zumar, 39:53). This verse is a universal invitation to repentance, regardless of the extent of sins or initial motivations. Allah knows that humanity is prone to error and needs repentance and return. Therefore, He has opened the doors of His mercy and forgiveness to all who repent, whether their motivation is fear of punishment, hope for reward, or love for the Divine essence. As long as the repentance is genuine and accompanied by internal transformation, it is accepted, and the servant receives the Lord's mercy. Repentance out of fear of Hell can be a blessed beginning that, over time, with a deeper understanding of God and His grace, can transform into repentance motivated by love and gratitude, which is the pinnacle of perfect repentance. Therefore, repentance that begins with the motivation of fearing Hell is not only accepted but can also serve as a prelude to a deeper and more lasting spiritual transformation in a person's life. This fear, provided it leads to genuine regret and a firm resolve to reform and abandon sin, and is accompanied by hope in Allah's boundless mercy, will be a steadfast step on the path of returning to the Almighty God.