Fear Is Strength, Not Vulnerability
The past few months were filled with hostilities, first between India and Pakistan and then between Iran and Israel. Not a long time ago, we witnessed India and Pakistan pulling back from the brink of war. Some were experiencing it for the first time, while many had already experienced it, as the countries had fought three major wars and had been at each other’s throats since 1947. The conflict revealed that many people were excited for war, while others genuinely feared its consequences. This raises more questions than answers; amongst all the questions, one is when fearing war or being anxious about it becomes associated with cowardice, and the other is how this is a sign of weak faith or iman.
Before compelling yourself to answer the above question, it would be beneficial to understand what fear and anxiety are in simple terms in the light of psychology. Fear and anxiety are psychological concepts that describe a response to perceived threats and concern for potential danger[Understanding Fear, Anxiety, and Phobias]. They are common in both humans and animals, with moderate to significant levels depending on the situation. It can be considered abnormal if it is disproportionate to the threat, and sanity is considered normal if it is proportionate to a threat, such as a potential war between two nuclear powers. The term ‘war’ can dominate nerves and is not amusing at all, unlike how it often appears on social media in the form of memes, even when it happens.
Fear and anxiety are common during adversity and critical situations, often associated with cowardice or weak faith. However, there is a neurological basis to cowardly behaviour, which is a complex brain mechanism that helps regulate anxiety, fear, aggression, emotion, and memory interaction. The amygdala, a teeny-tiny set of special brain cells, regulates these emotions for safety, acting as a full-time bodyguard. (The Brain’s Scaredy-Cat: Neurological Basis of Cowardice). Without fear and anxiety, it is difficult to sense precarious situations. Journalist and author Nick Cohen emphasizes in their article [When power thrives on unspoken fear, bravery is in saying ‘I am afraid’] that it takes courage to acknowledge fear and feel concerned, and then act accordingly. Acknowledging fear is better than acting indifferent, mocking those who feel anxious, and ignoring future dangers. By understanding and recognizing the neurological basis of cowardice, we can change our perception and improve our ability to act bravely in life.
Following the Pahalgham attack, speculations about potential conflict between India and Pakistan grew. India’s unprovoked rage led to strikes in Pakistan, causing widespread news coverage and a blackout in many locations. People were glued to news channels as blackouts were declared in many areas. Tensions between the two nations were escalating rapidly, turning discussions at home and work into a frightening reality. At home, everyone tried to mask their fear, insisting there was nothing to worry about.
Coping mechanisms varied. One person even searched for a nail cutter, which seemed pointless in the moment. What were we trying to prove? Were we hiding our despair or simply postponing an emotional collapse?
In a society where emotions are often unregulated, there’s pressure to show bravery even when one doesn’t feel strong. This pressure, especially during war, can lead to a jingoistic view of national identity, rooted in fear and a sense of loyalty. The scrutiny of one’s Pakistani identity can be pervasive and harmful.
If I were to sum up my feelings about the situation, I would say that I generally have strong nerves, but I can feel vulnerable and triggered by minor glitches while keeping calm during major challenges. I regrettably mocked my sister when she expressed fear of the jets, despite her earlier enthusiasm for the military. I apologize for my insensitivity, as this made me reflect on how we treat those who are afraid.
After the ceasefire, we returned to the university, where discussions praised the Pakistani army and especially the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). I am grateful for such a strong defense system. Some expressed they were not afraid because they believed in martyrdom. However, I question whether martyrdom necessarily means seeking death or being without fear. I believe that maintaining faith and beliefs while fearing death still aligns with the concept of martyrdom. Fear of dying is a natural human emotion and does not indicate weak faith.
Ultimately, martyrdom should not be seen as a title to boast about; what truly matters are the intentions behind it, known only to the divine.
Recognizing and validating your emotions is a courageous act, not a sign of weakness. It takes bravery to express how you feel instead of hiding it. A colleague mentioned feeling judged for being distressed about a friend living in Lahore during drone attacks. Rather than receiving support, she faced questions like, “What’s causing your concern? We’re not afraid.” This shows how challenging it can be to find emotional support during turbulent times. I’m not here to harshly judge those who make such comments; instead, I find it troubling that such attitudes are ingrained in people, leading them to believe that fear should not be expressed in times of conflict.
In their early years, many faced criticism and ridicule and developed a limited view of cowardice. We learned about courage but were never taught that it also encompasses fear, which made us hesitant to acknowledge it.
It is time to reevaluate how we define bravery and how anxiety and fear have been mistaken for cowardice. We must recognize that courage is not the absence of fear; rather, it involves navigating life’s challenges, reflecting on and regulating our emotions during adversity instead of trying to eliminate fear entirely. This understanding can help us stop mislabelling others. Finally, war is not a joke, and fearing its possibility is not a sign of cowardice—in fact, it is a mark of sanity.
Fajar Noor
The writer is a lecturer at the University of Faisalabad.
