, or even let hope alone fill his heart.

Some scholars have also said: when a person is engaged in acts of obedience, he should let hope predominate, trusting that Allah will accept his deeds; but when he has fallen into sin, he should allow fear to prevail, so that he does not persist in the sin.

A person ought to play the physician for his own soul: if he notices that he feels secure from Allah’s scheme, continues in disobedience, and contents himself with idle wishes about Allah’s mercy, he must leave that path at once and walk the path of fear. Conversely, if he finds himself beset by misgivings and afraid without due cause, he should turn away from that path and strengthen the side of hope until fear and hope are once again in balance.

The author (may Allah have mercy on him) then cites verses in which Allah couples what evokes fear with what evokes hope—verses that mention the people of Paradise and the people of the Fire, and verses that speak of His own attributes, affirming that He is severe in punishment yet All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.

Reflect on His words: “Know that Allah is severe in punishment, and that Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. The Messenger’s duty is only to convey the message” (al-Maʾidah 5:98–99). In this context of threat and warning He puts the severity of the punishment first: “Know that Allah is severe in punishment, and that Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”

When, however, He speaks about Himself and the perfection of His attributes, He says: “Inform My servants that I am indeed the All-Forgiving, the Most Merciful, and that My punishment is the truly painful punishment” (al-Hijr 15:49–50). Here forgiveness precedes punishment, for He is introducing Himself, His perfect attributes, and the mercy that outstrips His wrath.

The author then cites hadiths on this theme, showing that it is incumbent upon