What is the meaning of Ibn al-Qayyim's saying: "The tyranny of sins is safer than the tyranny of acts of obedience"?
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 Hadith 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.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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