What is the relationship between the fear of God and peace of heart in the Quran?

Understanding the relationship between the 'fear of God' and 'peace of heart' in the Holy Quran is one of the deepest and most fundamental spiritual concepts in Islam. This relationship is not contradictory; rather, it is complementary and interdependent, such that true fear of God serves as a pathway to lasting and profound inner peace. To grasp this, we must first correctly define 'fear of God.' In Quranic and Islamic discourse, 'fear of God' (khawf Allah) does not mean a blind, debilitating terror of a tyrannical or unpredictable entity. Instead, this 'fear' signifies awe (khashyah), reverence (haybah), apprehension of God's majesty and glory, and a profound awareness of His infinite power, absolute justice, and boundless knowledge. This apprehension does not stem from enmity or ill-will on God's part, but rather from the understanding of human accountability before the Creator of the universe and apprehension of the consequences of one's actions on the Day of Judgment. In essence, this fear is a deep respect and vigilance regarding the Lordship of God, which compels a person to not transgress divine limits and to tread the path of obedience and servitude. This is precisely what 'Taqwa' (God-consciousness or piety) refers to in the Quran, meaning self-restraint and guarding oneself against divine prohibitions. On the other hand, 'peace of heart' or 'tranquility of the heart' (itmi'nan al-qulub) denotes inner stability (sakinah), spiritual security, and freedom from anxiety, worry, and worldly distress. This peace is a state where the human heart finds refuge in divine truth, becoming unaffected by the fluctuations and hardships of life. The Quran explicitly addresses the importance of peace of heart and the ways to achieve it in numerous verses. One of the clearest examples is Surah Ar-Ra'd (13:28): "Those who have believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured." This verse clearly states that the remembrance of Allah is the primary source of peace for the heart. However, this 'remembrance of Allah' is not merely verbal; it signifies a constant presence of God in one's thoughts and actions—that very 'fear' and 'Taqwa' that imbue the remembrance with meaning. Now, how does the fear of God lead to peace of heart? This relationship can be examined from several perspectives: Firstly, the fear of God motivates an individual to abstain from sins and destructive behaviors. Sins are the primary source of inner anxiety and restlessness. When a person is apprehensive of divine punishment and of losing God's pleasure, they avoid lying, injustice, envy, malice, and other moral vices that destroy peace. This avoidance of transgressions leads to spiritual purity and clarity of heart, which are themselves wellsprings of tranquility. Secondly, the fear of God propels an individual towards obedience to divine commands. By fulfilling religious obligations and recommendations, and by respecting the rights of others, a person feels they are walking on the right path and are in accordance with the Creator's will. This sense of self-contentment and proper connection with God brings about the highest level of inner security and peace. How can one be anxious knowing that God loves them and is pleased with them? Thirdly, the fear of God liberates a person from worldly fears. Many of our fears in life stem from attachment to worldly possessions, status, wealth, or fear of an uncertain future. However, a person who truly fears God (i.e., has comprehended His majesty and sees everything in His control) fears nothing else but Him. They know that all affairs are in God's hands, and if He is pleased, no power can harm them. This deep reliance on God (Tawakkul), which stems from knowledge and awe of Him, is the greatest source of peace. Surah Al-Anfal (8:2) states: "The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts tremble [with awe], and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith; and upon their Lord they rely." This trembling of the heart is the fear mixed with awe that leads to reliance and peace. Fourthly, the fear of God is always accompanied by 'Rajaa' (hope in divine mercy). These two are the wings of a believer. A person not only apprehends divine justice, which deters them from sin, but also hopes in God's boundless mercy, which encourages them towards repentance and good deeds. This balance between fear and hope provides a realistic yet optimistic outlook on life, saving individuals from despair (a major cause of anxiety) and instilling peace in their hearts. A person who maintains this balance knows that God is merciful and that if they fulfill their duties, they will have the best outcome. Finally, the fear of God provides a strong moral and spiritual framework for an individual. This framework gives meaning to life and directs human actions. When a person lives with a clear purpose, based on divine principles, they are saved from aimlessness and emptiness, which is a great source of inner peace and stability. A person who fears God is responsible, trustworthy, truthful, and treats others with kindness. These good qualities not only enhance their social relationships but also make them feel content and peaceful from within. Therefore, the fear of God is not an obstacle to peace; rather, it is the fundamental key to entering the realm of true tranquility and assurance of heart, originating from the divine bounty and manifesting in one's individual and social life. This is the divine promise to the pious (muttaqin) that they will have a life filled with peace and goodness in this world and the hereafter, as Surah Az-Zumar (39:10) says: "Say, 'O My servants who have believed, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world is good, and Allah's earth is spacious. Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.'" This Taqwa, or fear of God, leads to patience, immense reward, and ultimately, eternal peace.