Barrister Olori-Aje Adams
Fear and faith share a fundamental principle: they both require belief in something unseen. Human fear often revolves around the unknown—mysterious forces and the uncertainty of his sustenance. Faced with these uncertainties, people go to great lengths to seek security and solutions to their concerns over their sustenance.
In his fear, man acknowledges the existence of unseen powers, believing that he must seek their favor to ensure his sustainace (well-being) and protection from harm. This fear drives many to pursue various means, sometimes even compromising their faith, in search of stability and provision.
However, faith, unlike fear, requires only one thing: sincere worship of the One who created the universe, including the very deities that people fear. In the path of faith, Allah reassures mankind in the following terms:
“O mankind, I am the Supreme Sovereignty, and as long as My Sovereignty, which never ceases, exists—do not fear any other power or authority.”
“O mankind, do not fear scarcity, for the source of your sustenance is My treasury, which will never be empty or depleted.”
Allah further declares;
“I am the Sovereign who created you and provided for you even before sending you into this world. I created you solely to recognize and worship Me as your Lord, and I have already allocated your share of sustenance even before your birth. Therefore, do not let your heart be burdened with worry over any power or provision. Worship Me, even through your daily work, and trust in My decree over your sustenance.”
Allah then makes these profound statements:
“By My Glory and Might, if you choose to worship Me and be contented with what I have decreed for you, I will bless you and grant peace to your heart and body.”
“However, if you choose to be discontented with My decree, then by My Glory and Might, I will unleash the world upon you. You will keep running chasing after sustenance like an animal in the wild, yet in the end, you will not obtain more than what was originally ordained for you.”
“O mankind, why the endless struggles and worries? Do you not understand that I created the seven heavens and the earth effortlessly? How then would it be difficult for Me to provide you with your sustenance?”
“You need not ask Me for tomorrow’s sustenance, just as I have not asked you for tomorrow’s deeds.”
“O mankind, I created you out of love, and I love you. Therefore, it is My right over you that you love Me in return by worshipping none but Me.”
From these divine assurances, we must reflect on these essential questions: where does our belief truly lie? Do we live under the shadow of fear, shaped by worries of unseen forces and sustenance? Or are we guided by unwavering faith in Allah’s promises?
In answering these questions, let us ponder upon the provisions of Surah An-Nur (24:39) where Allah says:
“The struggles of disbelievers are like a mirage in the desert. The thirsty person sees it as water, but when he reaches it, he finds nothing. Instead, he finds Allah before him, who will fully repay him for his disbelief. And Allah is swift in taking account.”
May we all be strengthened in our faith, trust in Allah’s divine provisions, and free ourselves from the chains of fear.
