Ethics

There you are, loving them when they do not love you, even though you believe in all the Books. When they meet you, they say: "We believe." But when they leave, they bite their fingers out of rage against you. (Qur'an, 3:119) Those who conceal what God has sent down of the Book and sell it cheap take nothing into their bellies but the Fire. On the Day of Resurrection, God will not speak to them or purify them. They will have a painful punishment. (Qur'an, 2:174) Torah Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law My servant Moses gave you. Do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may be successful wherever you go. (Joshua, 1:7)

The Believers Fear and Respect God

No doubt, fearing God is one of the common and important qualities of all believers. The Qur'an clearly describes the nature of this fear: a deep and genuine respect for God that causes them to refrain from doing things of which He does not approve and to strive to win His good pleasure and avoid His wrath. Striving to follow such a path shows the level of their fear and respect for God: Fear [and respect] God in the way He should be feared [and respected]. (Qur'an, 3:102) So fear [and respect] God, as much as you are able to... (Qur'an, 64:16) Muslims are required to contemplate God's creation in order to comprehend His infinite reason, knowledge, might, and greatness. This will increase their fear and respect for Him. Such people will be cured or protected from evil deeds and mistakes, and will avoid those things that deny them His good pleasure. As the Qur'an says:

O you who believe! If you fear [and respect] God, He will give you discrimination, erase your bad actions, and forgive you. God's favor is indeed immense. (Qur'an, 8:29)

The Bible reveals that Jesus (pbuh) stated that only God needs to be feared (and respected): I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you Whom you should fear: Fear Him Who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into Hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him. (Luke, 12:4-5) The Bible repeatedly states that people must fear (and respect) God: Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God... (1 Peter, 2:17) … to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice: "Fear God and give Him glory." (Revelation, 14:6-7) The Torah says:

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. (Psalm, 111:10) It also states that the fear of God guides people to the right path: The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. (Psalm, 19:9) Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. (Psalm, 2:11) Blessed are all who fear the LORD, who walk in His ways. (Psalm, 128:1) The LORD Almighty is the One you are to regard as holy, He is the One you are to fear... (Isaiah, 8:13)

The Believers Love God

Every beautiful thing is the gift of God and a reflection of His beauty. All conscientious and thoughtful people submit to God, the true owner of this beauty, with great joy and love. Believers love God more than anything and anybody else, for they know that He created all of the beauty and the beings they love. This love of God is the true source of the believers' happiness and inner peace. Every Muslim who loves God also fears and respects Him and makes a genuine effort to win His good pleasure. Such adds to the beauty of the world, for those who love God also love His creation, feel compassion and mercy for them, and wish to protect them and give them goodness and beauty. Those who forget God and give all of their love to His creation, instead of to Him, and those who disregard His existence and instead feel a deep love only for others, will reap sorrow, unhappiness, and discontent. The Qur'an describes the big difference between such types of love: Some people set up equals to God, loving them as they should love God. But those who believe have greater love for God. (Qur'an, 2:165)

The Torah says:

... The LORD our God, the LORD is One. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be [placed] in your hearts... (Deuteronomy, 6:4-7) The same is stated in the Bible, as follows: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind."(Matthew, 22:37)

Adapted from: "A Call for Unity" by: "Harun Yahya"