This is an issue that has been carried forward for centuries, slowly increasing its negative effects on us.
An example of such is seen in our Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s uncle, Abu Talib. His life was filled with every good quality one can think of. He was Prophet Muhammad saw’s guardian, always protected him from the opposition in Makkah, in fact as long as he was alive, he never let anything, or anyone harm him. During the social boycott where Rasool Allah ﷺ’s tribe was sent to a valley, he went with him to the valley leaving everything behind to no basic amenities like food or water and stayed by his side for whole three years. Some scholars have even said that his death was the result of the health deterioration after spending those years in the valley.
Yet he did not accept Islam. He once confirmed with the prophet ﷺ that Islam is the true religion, but I cannot proclaim it. While he was on his deathbed, the prophet ﷺ persuaded him and even said to recite the Shahadah in his ears privately but his reply was that I would say it but what will the Makkans think of me – FEAR OF SOCIETY.
The magnitude of this fear is such that it stopped a man from accepting the truth and coming on the right path.
He once saw that his son Ali RA was praying, and was surprised and asked what are you doing? Ali RA said the prophet Muhammad ﷺ has taught me how to pray and I am praying. In response to this he said, it must be good if the Prophet said it.
Yet his end was such that Muhammad ﷺ was asked not to ask forgiveness for him and was later informed that he would be among the dwellers of hell. SubhanAllah.
We need to diagnose and eradicate this problem from within us and our families. Many innovations in religion can be stopped but do not because people think about society and the fear of society gets to them.
Our sisters suffer in abusive marriages, but we do not help them thinking about the fear of what people would say. Our brothers are stuck in incompatible marriages where there is no understanding between husband and wife, but the relation is dragged for the fear of what people would say. When we marry our daughters, we might not have enough money to run the household, but we give dowry even if it means with a loan because of what would people say if we do not. Our daughters cannot breathe in forced marriages but we ask them to compromise because if a daughter has a tag of a divorcee, what people will say???
People are dying every day in this pandemic but most of us have emotionally died long back due to this fear.
We need to analyze our lives and do the right things to fix and purify this broken and rotten society where we fear Society more than Our creator!
Whereas Allah Azza Wa Jall addresses us with these kalimaat:
اليَومَ يَئِسَ الَّذينَ كَفَروا مِن دينِكُم فَلا تَخشَوهُم وَاخشَونِ
This day those who disbelieve have despaired of [defeating] your religion; so, fear them not, but fear Me.
Surah Al Mai’da:3
فَلَا تَخْشَوُا النَّاسَ وَاخْشَوْنِ وَلَا تَشْتَرُوا بِآيَاتِي ثَمَنًا قَلِيلًا
So do not fear the people but fear Me, and do not exchange My ayahs for a small price.
Surah Al Mai’da:44
فَلَا تَخْشَوْهُمْ وَاخْشَوْنِي وَلِأُتِمَّ نِعْمَتِي عَلَيْكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ
So, fear them not but fear Me. So, I may complete My favour upon you and that you may be guided.
We must make sure that we FEAR only Allah, The creator of heaven and earth and not the creation!
Do not let the fear of this mortal world overtake the fear of the immortal world.
Fear of creation is mazmoom whereas the fear of creator is Mahmood!
