of Nokounam, may his sacred soul rest in peace, Session Fifty-Nine

Introduction

The phrase Iyyaka Na'budu Wa Iyyaka Nasta'een in Surah Al-Fatiha, like a radiant gem at the heart of the Holy Quran, reveals the profound relationship between the servant and God along two axes: servitude and seeking assistance. Within this context, the concept of khawf (fear) as a spiritual and psychological state assumes a pivotal role in understanding the quality of worship and faith. This book, adopting a mystical and psychological approach, explores the relationship of khawf with worship, faith, and prayer, elucidating this concept in a scientific and exalted language for specialist audiences in academic environments. Like a breeze stirring the branches of the soul, this interpretation illuminates the hidden layers of khawf on the path of spiritual journeying.

Section One: Khawf and Security in the Quranic Perspective

Definition of Khawf and its Contrast with Security

Khawf, as fear, stands in opposition to security. When security is present, khawf dissipates; conversely, the absence of security provokes khawf. This contrast is like the two scales of a balance that measure the equilibrium of the human soul.

أَمَنَهُمْ مِنْ خَوْفٍ
He secured them from fear.
Surah Quraysh, Ayah 4

This verse from Surah Quraysh emphasises Gods role in granting security and removing fear.

Two Unacknowledged Blessings: Health and Security

Health (physical and spiritual soundness) and security (environmental safety) are two unrecognised blessings, the absence of which engenders khawf. Health is like a spring that nourishes the inner life of man, and security is like a shelter protecting him from external storms.

Broad Dimensions of Security

Security extends beyond the absence of great threats such as plunder or tyranny to include avoidance of minor disturbances like the presence of insects (ants or cockroaches). This breadth resembles a network encompassing all aspects of human life and ensuring his tranquillity.

Section Two: Khawf and Worship within the Framework of Faith

The Relationship between Khawf, Worship, and Faith

Khawf, as a psychological state, may act either as a motivator for worship (khawf of God) or as an impediment (non-divine fear). Faith acts as a shield that repels non-divine fears and guides man towards psychological and spiritual serenity.

لَا تَخَفْ إِنَّكَ مِنَ الْآمِنِينَ
Fear not, indeed you are among the secure.
Surah Ash-Shuara, Ayah 90

This verse highlights the role of faith in removing non-divine fear.

Khushu: The Essence of Worship

The essence of worship, especially in prayer, lies in khushu (humble submission). Without khushu, worship is like a hollow shell emptied of spiritual soul, allowing non-divine fears to persist within the heart.

Incompatibility of Worship with Unworthy Traits

Worship is incompatible with traits such as falsehood, oppression, and non-divine fear. These traits act like poison that contaminates worship and neutralises its effects.

Section Three: Critique of Traditional Approaches in Religious Exegesis

The Necessity of a Scientific and Spiritual Approach

Quranic exegesis must be presented with a scientific and spiritual approach that meets the needs of the modern world, even for non-Muslims. This approach is like a bridge linking religious knowledge to the contemporary world.

Criticism of Stereotypical Methods

Traditional and rigid methods of presenting religious knowledge, lacking scientific reasoning, fail to answer contemporary questions. The religious scholar must enter the field as a scientist, not merely as a popular narrator.

Criticism of Humour in the Pulpit

One prominent religious scholar has emphasised that joking and jesting in the pulpit degrade the dignity of the scholar to the level of mere entertainer. The scholar should be like a torch that ignites the light of knowledge in hearts, not an actor producing mere amusement.

Section Four: Objects and Aspects of Khawf

Objects of Khawf

The objects of khawf range widely, from great threats such as tyranny to minor harms such as insects. This variety resembles a spectrum encompassing all facets of human life.

إِنَّمَا ذَٰلِكُمُ الشَّيْطَانُ يُخَوِّفُ أَوْلِيَاءَهُ
It is only that Satan frightens his allies.
Surah Aal Imran, Ayah 175

This verse points to Satans role in generating non-divine fear.

Khawf in Human Relationships

Khawf is also manifest in human relationships, such as marital relations, where it can disrupt family tranquillity.

وَإِنِ امْرَأَةٌ خَافَتْ مِنْ بَعْلِهَا نُشُوزًا
And if a woman fears disobedience from her husband.
Surah An-Nisa, Ayah 34

This verse refers to the complexities of khawf in familial relations.

Khawf of Abel: An Example of Divine Fear

Abel, motivated by divine fear, refrained from sin and became an exemplar of courage founded on faith.

إِنِّي أَخَافُ اللَّهَ رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ
Indeed, I fear God, the Lord of the Worlds.
Surah Al-Maidah, Ayah 28

This verse displays the sublime fear of Abel.

Section Five: Courage versus Cowardice and Recklessness

Distinction between Courage, Cowardice, and Recklessness

Courage is based on knowledge and wisdom, whereas cowardice (jubn) and recklessness (tahur) are blameworthy. Courage is like a pillar that steadfastly defends truth, while cowardice and recklessness are winds that divert one from the path.

Denial of Fear for Prophets

The Holy Quran repeatedly assures the prophets that they are free from fear.

لَا تَخَفْ إِنِّي لَا يَخَافُ لَدَيَّ الْمُرْسَلُونَ
Fear not, indeed the messengers do not fear in My presence.
Surah Ash-Shuara, Ayah 16

This verse refers to the courage of the prophets under the shadow of trust in God.

Section Six: The Serenity of the Believers and the Effectiveness of Worship

Serenity of the Believers in Paradise

Believers, under the shadow of faith, are free from fear and sorrow and attain eternal tranquillity in Paradise.

ادْخُلُوا الْجَنَّةَ لَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْكُمْ وَلَا أَنْتُمْ تَحْزَنُونَ
Enter Paradise; no fear shall be upon you, nor shall you grieve.
Surah Al-Araf, Ayah 49

This verse describes the eternal peace of the believers.

Khawf as a Consequence of Sin

Khawf is the consequence of sin and disobedience, like a garment that envelops the sinful heart.

فَأَلْقَىٰ عَلَيْهِمُ اللَّهُ جُوعًا وَخَوْفًا بِمَا كَانُوا يَصْنَعُونَ
Then God cast upon them hunger and fear because of what they used to do.
Surah An-Nahl, Ayah 112

This verse introduces khawf as the result of reprehensible deeds.

Strategies for the Effectiveness of Prayer

For prayer to be effective, it must be accompanied by khushu, avoidance of unworthy traits, and the strengthening of faith. Pure worship is like clear water that cleanses the heart from the rust of non-divine fear.

Final Summary

The concept of khawf in the phrase Iyyaka Na'budu Wa Iyyaka Nasta'een functions like a key that unlocks the doors of understanding worship and faith. Divine fear motivates worship, whereas non-divine fear obstructs it. Faith acts as a shield freeing the believer from non-divine fears and guiding him towards serenity and courage. Khushu is the essence of worship; without it, prayer loses its effect. Numerous Quranic verses, including those from Surahs Al-Araf, Ash-Shuara, and An-Nahl, emphasise the negation of fear for believers and prophets. This interpretation, through a scientific and psychological approach, demonstrates the capacity of the Holy Quran to generate human knowledge and invites researchers to revisit religious teachings with a global and modern language.

Under the supervision of Sadegh Khademi