in what it has done.

He, glorified be He, has said:

“Indeed, those who stand in awe of their Lord, and those who believe in the signs of their Lord”—up to His words—“because they will return to their Lord.”

It is reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“It is the man who fasts, prays, and gives charity, yet fears that it will not be accepted from him.”

A report—I believe it is from ʿUmar ibn al-Khattāb or Ibn Masʿūd—states: “Whoever says that he is a believer is a disbeliever, and whoever says that he is destined for Paradise is destined for the Fire.”

He also said: “By Him besides whom there is no god, no one has ever been secure against being stripped of his faith at death.”

Abū al-ʿĀliya said: “I met thirty of the Companions of Allah’s Messenger, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, all of whom feared hypocrisy for themselves.”

Abū Bakr al-Siddīq—may Allah be pleased with him—said: “Allah has mentioned the people of Paradise, describing their finest deeds and forgiving their evil deeds. A man therefore says, ‘How could I compare with these people?’—although he is one of them. And He has mentioned the people of the Fire, describing their foulest deeds and rendering their good deeds worthless. A person therefore says, ‘Surely I am not one of these?’—although he is one of them.” These were his words, or something close to them.

Let your heart, then, find relief from the scorching heat of this awareness. It is a well-trodden path followed by servants of Allah whom His witnesses on earth unanimously acknowledged to have held a lofty station with Him. Indeed, a greater measure of this awareness is generally beneficial, so long as it does not lead to resentment of what has been decreed, despair of Allah’s relief, or a weakening of hope. May Allah Most High take you into His care and not leave you in the charge of anyone besides Him.