Taqwa (Fear of Allah)

 What is Taqwa (piety) in Islam.

Taqwa (piety) has been mentioned in the Holy Quran in more than 60 locations and the derivatives, have been mentioned in more than 190 locations. 

What is the meaning of taqwa?

Often it is translated as fear of Allah and while fearing Allah is part of taqwa, it has a deeper meaning than this.

The linguistic meaning of taqwa is shield or protective barrier. It is to protect oneself from what angers Allah. Taqwa is placed as a protective barrier between yourself and Allah's punishment. Taqwa also means doing that which Allah has enjoined and avoiding that which He has forbidden.

When Umar Ibn Al -Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) asked Ubay Ibn Kaab (May Allah be [pleased with him) about taqwa: 

Ubay said " Have you ever taken a thorny path" Umar replied " yes I have."  Ubay then asked " How did you travel along this thorny path". Umar replied " I rolled up my garment and was as cautious as to where I would tread to avoid being pricked by the thorns" So Ubay responded and said " This is taqwa".

This example illustrates how a person of taqwa is cautious and careful with where he tread, not out of stepping into thorn but by refraining from everything that Allah has prohibited. they are aware of Allah with every action and step they take.

The virtues and benefits of having taqwa:

Taqwa is one of the most virtuous characteristics a Muslim can have. Allah says:

“Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.”
Quran 49:13.

“Indeed, Allah loves the Muttaqeen.”
Quran 3:76

Through these verses, we understand that the believers most honoured by Allah are those that have taqwa. if we want to please Allah and earn Allah's pleasure, we should strive to have taqwa.

Abu Sa`id Al Khudri narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was asked, “Which of the people are most virtuous?” He said, “A man who takes part in Jihad in Allah’s cause.” They said, “Then whom?” He said, “Then a believer who stays in one of the mountains path out of Taqwa for his Lord, leaving the people secure from his evil.”
Al Tirmidhi.

Taqwa leads to guidance from Allah:

“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for the Muttaqeen”

Taqwa grants us the ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood:

“O you who have believed, if you have Taqwa of Allah, He will grant you a criterion and will remove from you your misdeeds and forgive you.”
Quran 8:29

When facing difficulties, those who have Taqwa will be granted a way out by Allah SWT and will be granted ease in their affairs:

“And whoever has Taqwa of Allah – He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect.”
Quran 65:2-3

“And whoever has Taqwa of Allah – He will make for him of his matter ease.”
Quran 65:4

Comments

  1. NayyarJanuary 23, 2021 at 8:38 PM

    Ma Shaa Allah.
    May Allah SWT keep us steadfast and pious for rewards in both the worlds

    ReplyDelete

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