Muslims have been advised to fear Almighty Allah and have respect for humankind as Islam binds respect to peace, love and compassion alongside all attributes of the God.

Islamic clerics have emphasized the need to have the fear of Almighty Allah and give respect to mankind. Over time, fear and respect have been intertwined when it comes to who to fear and whom respect should be given. CEOAfrica thereby, brings the Islamic panorama on fear and respect.

The fear of Allah (taqwâ) is the path to forgiveness, salvation, and the attainment of Allah's mercy.

 According to the Holy Quaran, Allah says:
“Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who do good.” [ Sûrah al-Nahl : 128]
“And My mercy encompasses all things, and I shall decree it for those who fear Me.” [Sûrah al-A`râf : 156]
“And whoever fears Allah – He will pardon him his sins and grant him a great reward.” [Sûrah al-Talâq : 5]
“Indeed, those who fear Allah will be among gardens and rivers, in a seat of truth near an All-Powerful Sovereign.” [ Sûrah al-Qamar : 54-55]

On the other hand, Islam states that it is the responsibility of each individual to treat all of creation with respect, honour and dignity.  He regards the most deserving of respect to the Creator Himself. 

 Respect begins with loving and obeying the commandments of God and from this, respect flow all the manners and high standards of morality that are inherent in Islam.

Quran 24:52 states that “and whosoever obeys God and His Messenger, fears God, and keeps his duty (to Him), such are the successful ones.”

To be one of those who are successful, Islam requires that each individual learn to obey the Creator and thus treat humankind, our environment, the believers and ourselves with respect. 

Imam Taofeek Balogun of Felele Central Mosque, while speaking on the concept and implication of these awesome words, said that respect paid to elderly ones in the society should not be in proportion with the reverence  shown to Allah, stating that anyone, who does such has committed shirk, which implies associating other gods with Allah.

According to Imam Balogun, shirk is an unpardonable sin in the sight of Allah and anyone, who commit such sin would find his or her abode in the pit of hell.

He emphasized the need to show respect to ones parents and elders in the society.

“Allah welcomes the idea of giving respect to ones parent, but one must not go to the extent of worshipping them.

“When you appreciate people more than your creator, it is an act of committing shirk and God only, should be given the honour.”

He however advised muslims to be more steadfast in prayers and studying the holy Quran to foster the adequate knowledge of Almighty Allah’s laid down principles.