Well, most -- like 90% -- people don't have any contact with God or Its teachings and, therefore, have no interest in learning the principles It has laid down f

Well, most -- like 90% -- people don't have any contact with God or Its teachings and, therefore, have no interest in learning the principles It has laid down for how we should live our life. As such, fear is a great way to get people to jump start entering the Path of Love. No one should be comfortable living their life in ignorance to the gentle lovingkindess we should be working to transform ourself into. It certainly kick-started my reestablishing my connection with God in my late 20s. As to Rabia Basri's quote, I don't get that from my Sufi Murshid's teachings. Though he has passed away now, our fundamental command is: Always love. Teach to always love. Never hate. Teach to never hate. But I think the gist of what Basri is saying is that we should desire to self-evolve ourselves towards the beauty best exemplified by the Unfathomable beauty of our Creator, for love's sake, for our neighbors' sakes. In that vein, I don't even know if we're Sunni or Shi'ite, because it doesn't matter. We are to not divide into sects, and that extends to all of humankind, where one's religious path and even lack thereof should not be a divisive factor in our love for one another. Love is our responsibility alone, not that of those we encounter. We are merely to exemplify love and then teach it as best we can, to those who care to learn. > Conversely, many Eastern religions encourage individuals to understand fear's root causes and work towards overcoming them through mindfulness and insight. There is great wisdom in tackling fear's causes and unsavory effects, as much of fear's causes and results are due to the internal enemy's (nefs, selfish ego) urgings and justifications. The Quran says of those who love God with all their being: On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. That is a person who has both "mindfulness and insight", because they have not only put their entire life in God's hands, but understand that the past is in the past, and all we can do is keep doing God's loving work going forward. Thanks you for this loving conversation this morning. Peace be with you, friend. I love you, and am at your service.