“The heart, in its journey towards Allāh, is like a bird.
Mahabbah (Love) of Allāh is its head; Khawf (Fear) and Rajaa (Hope) are its two wings.
If both the head and wings are sound, the bird will be able to fly properly.
Some of the Salaf recommended a healthy person to give precedence to Fear over Hope, and when leaving this Dunya (i.e. during illness) a person should give precedence to Hope over Fear. This was the way of Abu Sulaymān.
Alternatively, others said: It is befitting for the heart to lean towards Fear; if it favours Hope it will corrupt.
Others said: the most perfect state is a balance of Hope and Fear, with a heavy reliance upon Love.
Love is the transport; Hope is the guide and Fear is the driver.
And Allāh takes a person [to the destination] through His kindness and generosity.”
- Ibn Qayyim (Rahimahullāh)