contagious than miserliness?” (1) Moreover, Allah has made His Book a healing for what lies within the breasts (2).

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, also said, “The only cure for ignorance is to ask questions.” (3) And in his supplication he would say, “O Allah, I seek refuge in You from reprehensible conduct, capricious desires, and every malady.” (4)

A person will not fear anyone other than Allah unless some sickness lurks in his heart. It is related that a man once complained to Aḥmad ibn Ḥanbal about his fear of a certain governor, whereupon he said, “Had your heart been sound, you would not have feared anyone.” (5) In other words, your fear arises because soundness has departed from your heart.

For this reason (6) Allah has obliged His servants not to fear the faction of Satan—in fact, not to fear anyone but Him (7). He says: “That is only Satan who frightens his allies, so do not fear them; fear Me, if you are believers.” (Q 3:175) That is, he frightens you by means of his allies.