Question No. 3120 31 August 2022 Official answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat) verified Content level: Intermediate

Is Fear of Anyone Other Than God a Form of Shirk?

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Dear questioner, Master Ali Saei

Tracking code: #Q-3120

Dear teacher, is fearing someone other than God—such as a tyrannical ruler or a person who wields power and wealth—in some way considered shirk?

Subject category: Theology and Creed Theology and creed

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

Fear of people who wield power and wealth exists by God’s permission and will; nothing happens without His permission. We should look to the ultimate source of power—God Himself. All those who possess power hold it in trust. True and genuine fear belongs to God alone, as the Quran also makes clear.

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

Teacher and researcher in the intellectual tradition of wisdom and the Ahl al-Bayt | Soroush Bamdadān Cultural Center

Those who possess power, wealth and might derive their strength by God’s leave, will and decree. Without His permission and sanction, no deed could come to pass through any servant. We must therefore turn our attention to the source and giver of power, authority and strength. All the mighty in this world hold their power in trust; the supreme light of faith grants human beings this insight.

البقره : 40 یا بنی‏ إسرائیل اذکروا نعمتی التی‏ أنعمت علیکم و أوفوا بعهدی أوف بعهدکم و إیای فارهبون

“O Children of Israel, remember My blessing which I bestowed upon you. Fulfil your covenant with Me, and I will fulfil My covenant with you. Fear Me alone.”

النحل : 51 و قال الله لا تتخذوا إلهین اثنین إنما هو إله واحد فإیای فارهبون

“God has commanded: ‘Do not take two gods; there is only one God. Fear Me alone.’”

آل‏عمران : 175 إنما ذلکم الشیطان یخوف أولیاءه فلا تخافوهم و خافون إن کنتم مؤمنین

“It is only Satan who frightens his followers. Do not fear them; fear Me alone, if you are believers.”

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Is Fear of Anyone Other Than God a Form of Shirk?

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

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