How can the moderation of fear and hope be achieved in the heart of the believer during his lifetime?

Scholars have differed regarding what is most befitting for a servant in a state of good health. Some have favored strengthening the aspect of fear over hope to encourage action and prevent reliance [on mercy alone], while others have seen the balance between them as ideal.

Ibn al-Qayyim said: "The heart, in its journey to Allah, the Almighty and Majestic, is like a bird. Love is its head, and fear and hope are its two wings." The Salaf preferred to strengthen the wing of fear during good health and the wing of hope at the time of departing this world.

Strengthening fear is achieved by contemplating Allah's attributes of majesty and the severity of His punishment, and by reflecting on one's own shortcomings and the servant's deficiencies. Strengthening hope is achieved by reflecting on Allah's attributes of beauty, the vastness of His mercy, and the greatness of His generosity and blessings.

If one of the two aspects predominates, the servant should bring to mind the meanings that strengthen the other aspect to achieve balance. If the aspect of fear is strong, it is a good state that encourages action and prevents reliance [on mercy alone].