What is the meaning of Ibn al-Qayyim's saying: "The tyranny of sins is safer than the tyranny of acts of obedience"?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Obedience may lead to tyranny, self-admiration, hypocrisy, and contempt for others, which incurs Allah's wrath. Conversely, disobedience may lead to remorse, fear of Allah, and humility, which earns His pleasure. This is illustrated by the Qudsi about the man who swore that Allah would not forgive a certain person, whereupon Allah nullified his deeds because he presumed upon Allah's power. How many acts of obedience have engendered arrogance, and how many acts of disobedience have engendered humility! Therefore, those who are obedient must combine fear with hope, while being extremely cautious of disobedience.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- 47907
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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