Why Do I Fear Divine Judgment?

The question, "Why do I fear divine judgment?" is a profound and insightful inquiry that delves into the essence of faith and the human being's relationship with the Almighty Creator. This feeling of fear, in many instances, is not merely a natural human reaction, but rather a sign of awareness and a awakened conscience regarding the grandeur of the Creator and the seriousness of our responsibilities in this worldly life. The Holy Quran elucidates this fear within a broader concept known as "Taqwa." Taqwa is not merely about being afraid; rather, it signifies self-restraint, piety, and constant vigilance over one's actions and intentions in the presence of God. This fear, unlike ordinary fears, is not a paralyzing or despair-inducing one; instead, it is a constructive fear that propels a person towards good deeds and deters them from evil, guiding them towards perfection and divine pleasure. It is, in essence, a profound respect and continuous mindfulness of God's omnipresence and absolute knowledge. One of the primary reasons for this fear is a deep understanding of the concepts of "accountability" and the "Day of Judgment." The Quran repeatedly refers to the Day of Judgment, a day when no one except Allah will rule over another's destiny, and every soul will witness the consequence of its own deeds. On that day, all actions, whether small or large, even the weight of an atom, will be accounted for, as stated in Surah Az-Zalzalah: "So whoever does an atom's weight of good will see it, and whoever does an atom's weight of evil will see it." (99:7-8). The awareness of this reality—that nothing is hidden from God's sight and every action, whether good or bad, will have a just consequence—naturally instills a sense of legitimate concern and fear in the human heart. One ponders: Have I fulfilled my duties towards God, myself, and others? Have I refrained from forbidden acts? Have I respected the rights of others? These fundamental questions and the anxieties stemming from them are the core roots of the fear of divine judgment. Furthermore, humanity is acutely aware of its inherent weaknesses and shortcomings. We know that we are fallible beings, and committing sins and mistakes is, to some extent, an inevitable part of our lives. When confronted with God's absolute justice, in which there is no oppression and no error remains hidden, one wonders how they can possibly account for their deeds. This sense of imperfection, sin, and vulnerability, especially when combined with God's infinite grandeur, His absolute knowledge of the deepest intentions of hearts, and His power to punish, can create a profound fear in the believer's heart. Many verses in the Quran indicate that humans are in this world undergoing a trial and test, and everything they do is recorded to be presented on the Day of Reckoning. This precise recording of actions and words intensifies the feeling of accountability, and consequently, the fear of the Day of Judgment emerges, ultimately compelling individuals to reflect on how to prepare themselves for that significant day. However, this fear is only one side of the coin and should not lead to despair and hopelessness. The Holy Quran, while emphasizing justice and accountability, also speaks of God's boundless mercy and forgiveness. In fact, the fear of divine judgment must always be balanced with "hope" in God's pardon and mercy. This delicate and vital balance between "khawf and raja'" (fear and hope) is one of the main pillars of faith in Islam. Allah introduces Himself as "Arhamur-Rahimin" (the Most Merciful of those who show mercy) and "Ghafur-Rahim" (the Forgiving, the Merciful). In verses like, "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), Allah opens a door of hope to His servants. It is these divine promises that instill hope in humans and transform the fear of judgment into an impetus for repentance, rectifying errors, and moving along the righteous path. Fear of God is not a fear of an "enemy" who intends harm, but rather a fear of "truth" and "absolute justice." This fear compels a person to tread more carefully in life, protect the rights of others, adhere to divine obligations, and refrain from forbidden acts. It serves as a protective mechanism that helps the believer remain on the straight path and avoid deviations. In other words, the fear of divine judgment is a driving force for performing righteous deeds and avoiding sins. When we know that every moment and every action is under God's supervision, we strive to be our best selves, act ethically, and walk in the path of goodness. This mindfulness and self-restraint yield numerous positive outcomes in this world and the hereafter, contributing to one's spiritual and moral upliftment. The conclusion is that the fear of divine judgment is a completely natural and even essential phenomenon on the path of faith, provided it is accompanied by hope in God's infinite mercy and forgiveness. This fear guides humans towards repentance, self-improvement, and striving for God's pleasure, rather than towards despair. Instead, it reminds them that every action, no matter how small, holds significance on the Day of Reckoning, and the only way to find peace on that day is to strive in this life to earn God's pleasure and forgiveness. This balance between fear and hope ensures the spiritual and emotional well-being of the believer, enabling them to move towards their Lord with confidence and hope, yet also with prudence and caution. This approach not only lessens fear but transforms it into a powerful tool for spiritual growth and drawing closer to God. Ultimately, whoever fears God fears nothing else, for they know that their true and ultimate refuge is in the hands of their Lord, and by relying on Him, they can overcome all hardships.