Crying out of fear of Allah, known as "Khushu' al-Qalb" in Arabic, is a deeply significant aspect of Islamic devotion and spirituality. Here are some insights into the significance of tears in Islamic devotion:
1. Expression of Sincerity: Tears shed out of fear and awe of Allah are a manifestation of sincerity and humility before the Creator. They signify a deep awareness of one's own shortcomings and sins, as well as a profound reverence for the greatness and majesty of Allah.
2. Sign of Repentance: Tears of fear and remorse indicate genuine repentance and a desire to seek forgiveness from Allah. When a person reflects on their sins and shortcomings, it can evoke feelings of sorrow and regret, leading to tears as a sincere expression of repentance and turning back to Allah in humility.
3. Evidence of Faith and Love: Tears shed out of fear of Allah are a testament to the strength of one's faith and love for Him. They reflect a sincere desire to please Allah, obey His commands, and avoid His displeasure, demonstrating a deep sense of devotion and attachment to the Creator.
4. Means of Purification: Shedding tears out of fear of Allah is considered a means of purifying the heart and soul from spiritual impurities. It signifies a cleansing of the inner self from negative emotions, worldly attachments, and distractions, allowing for a deeper connection with Allah and a heightened sense of spirituality.
5. Source of Spiritual Healing: Tears of fear and humility have the power to purify the soul and provide spiritual healing and solace. They serve as a means of seeking Allah's mercy, compassion, and forgiveness, and they can bring comfort and peace to the heart of the believer.
6. Reminder of the Hereafter: Tears shed out of fear of Allah serve as a reminder of the Day of Judgment and the accountability that awaits every soul. They reflect an awareness of the temporary nature of this worldly life and the eternal consequences of one's actions, motivating believers to strive for righteousness and obedience to Allah.
7. Connection with the Prophets and Righteous: Shedding tears out of fear of Allah is a practice that has been observed by the Prophets, companions, and righteous individuals throughout Islamic history. It is a reflection of their deep spirituality, piety, and devotion to Allah, serving as a source of inspiration for believers to emulate their example.
To achieve this great attribute of fearing Allah (SWT), we can do the following:
- Remembering the previous sins we have fallen in.
- Being wary of not fulfilling the obligations.
- Thinking of what will happen on the day of judgement.
- Pondering upon Allah’s (SWT) greatness and ability.
- Looking at how Allah (SWT) speaks about the successful ones and their attributes.
- Pondering upon Allah’s (SWT) words and those of His messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم).
- Pondering upon death and about its inevitability.
- Pondering upon what comes after death in our graves.
- Pondering upon what will happen when we are resurrected.
- Remembering what Allah (SWT) said about hellfire.
- Pondering upon how we have forgotten our sins but Allah (SWT) has not and will not forget them.
- Knowing that death can approach us suddenly before we have time to repent.
- Remembering the stories of those who have died before us and have had a bad death.
In summary, shedding tears out of fear of Allah is a profound and deeply spiritual experience in Islam. It signifies sincerity, repentance, faith, and love for Allah, and it serves as a means of purification, healing, and spiritual elevation for the believer. It is a practice that is encouraged in Islam as a way to strengthen one's connection with Allah and deepen one's devotion to Him.
Indeed, reflecting on our shortcomings and the uncertainty of our deeds being accepted by Allah can evoke a sense of fear and humility in our hearts. We should also remember the hadeeth of the prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) when he said “Two eyes will not be touched by the fire, an eye that cried from the fear of Allah, and an eye that stayed awake guarding for the sake of Allah” Reported in Tirmidhi.
May Allah grant us the ability to sincerely repent for our sins, to constantly strive for righteousness, and to shed tears out of fear and awe of Him. May He accept our efforts and grant us steadfastness on the path of Quran and Sunnah. All praises are due to Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.