content oneself with just one of the two. As the Almighty says, describing His prophets: “Indeed, they were ever quick to do good deeds, and they would call upon Us with longing and with awe” (21:90). “With longing” points to hope, while “with awe” refers to fear. He, exalted is He, also says: “Those whom they invoke themselves seek a way of approach to their Lord—who among them will be closest—hoping for His mercy and fearing His punishment; truly your Lord’s punishment is ever to be dreaded” (17:57). Thus they combine fear with hope.

The Most Sublime likewise states: “Is one who is devoutly obedient during the hours of the night, prostrating and standing, cautious of the Hereafter and hoping for the mercy of his Lord…?” (39:9). Yet together with fear and hope there must also be love of Allah. Therefore these three—love for Allah, fear of Him, and hope in His bounty—are all indispensable.

Whoever limits himself to love alone is a Sufi, for the Sufis worship Allah through love and neither fear nor hope. One of them will say, “I do not worship Him out of desire for His Paradise or fear of His Fire; I worship Him solely out of love.” This is misguidance—Allah’s refuge is sought.

Whoever worships Allah through fear alone belongs to the Kharijites, for the Kharijites seized upon the side of fear and threat only, declaring people unbelievers on account of sins.

And whoever worships Allah through hope alone is from the Murjiʾah, who have taken