Title: What does it Mean to Fear God? Question: I have a fear of heights. I got scared when I saw "The Exorcist". I get scared in traffic accidents. I never liked this kind of fear and would like to avoid feeling it. Keeping this in mind: The Quran tells us to fear Allah. What is the nature of such fear? Atif Rehman Pakistan Answer: Fear of God is generally not comparable to any other fears and phobias that human beings experience. This includes but is not limited to the experiences you have mentioned. The concept of "Fear of God" can be understood as the fear of losing the Blessings, Love and Mercy of an All Knowing, Just and Wise God. It is the realization of the Creator's Benevolence and the potential loss, due to our own actions, of this Grace that renders us in a state of 'fear' and utmost caution. In other words, the practical implication of "Fear of God" is a person's complete submission to God's directives. It has to do with the influence our beliefs have upon our actions. Believing in an Omnipotent and Omniscient God should affect our behavior and persuade us to follow His path as closely as we possibly can. Thus, it is one's willingness to submit to the directives of God, in letter and spirit and in the best of manners - even when one could easily have avoided them. It is this choice to follow God's rules, in our utmost obedience and our sincerest attempts, which develops a deep sense of reverence for the Almighty. Thus, Fear of God, in fact, is the attitude of piety and adherence to God's laws in letter and spirit. I hope I have clarified the issue. God knows best. Ronnie Hassan March 2, 2003