If I read the verses encouraging hope in Paradise, I am affected, but I am less affected by the verses warning of the Fire. Is there a flaw in my faith because of this?

The questioner : When I read the Qur'an, the verses encouraging hope in Paradise and the verses warning of the Fire pass before me. However, deep in my heart, I am greatly affected by the verses encouraging hope in Paradise, but I am less affected by the warnings of the Fire. Is there a flaw or deficiency in my faith, even though, praise be to Allah, I believe in both and I establish the prayer at its appointed times? Please advise us, may Allah reward you.

The Shaykh : There is no flaw in your faith as long as you believe that what Allah has informed you of regarding reward and punishment is a truth that will inevitably occur. That does not affect your faith. Some people may have some hardness in their hearts, so they do not soften when hearing admonitions. Some people may be affected by some admonitions but not others, depending on the clarity of their mind at that moment, or the manner of the preacher's delivery, or other considerations. The bottom line is that as long as a person believes in what Allah has informed of regarding reward and punishment, and has no doubt about it, then his faith is sound, so he should not be sad or afraid.

The questioner : May Allah reward you.