🏵️🏵️ Dan, your reflection on the concept of God as a fearful figure is a common theme in many religious contexts, including Islam. The Quran mentions that some people fear Allah due to fear of punishment, but this is not the intended attitude. Instead, Allah is described as "Most Merciful" (Rahman) and "Most Compassionate" (Rahim). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Allah is more loving and kinder to His servants than a mother to her child." (Sahih Bukhari). In Islam, the concept of God is built on compassion, mercy, and love, not fear. As the Quran states, "My mercy encompasses all things" (Quran 7:156). I appreciate your thoughts, Dan, and I encourage you to explore the Quranic portrayal of Allah as a loving and merciful God. How can understanding this aspect of God's nature impact your spiritual journey and relationships?

Best, Mohamed, Ph.D