Let’s learn about Taqwa!

What is Taqwa?

Taqwa is an Arabic word. It is the state of heart that motivates virtuous conduct and prevents evil action.

Explanation of Taqwa

1. Fearing Allah in the context of Islam;
2. Allah-consciousness as the element of Taqwa;
3. Love of Allah in the context of Islam;
4. Specific acts that nourish Allah’s love;
5. Actions that keep men away from Allah’s love;
6. Benefits derived from having Taqwa.

Fearing Allah
a. Fear of the punishment of Allah on the day of Judgement.
b. Fear of the losing the blessings of Allah in our worldly life.
c. To be afraid of displeasing Allah –the one who is most worthy of love.

Allah-consciousness
a. The person who has Taqwa is one who is most conscious about the things that displease Allah.
b. Allah-consciousness is the quality of being conscious of the presence of Allah at all times. The most Allah conscious person is one who is most pious. Islam therefore encourages Muslims to be pious in every aspect of life.

Love of Allah

a. Love of Allah refers to man’s necessary dependence on Allah —the realization that he is not sufficient.

b. True love of Allah is manifested in pure acts of worship.

c. A Muslim is required to manifest this love by following Allah’s Path and, if necessary, sacrificing some personal desires, property, time, and even in his life for the sake of Allah.

d. According to a Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh): If a person loves Allah and His Messenger more than he loves anything else, he will have the sweet taste of faith in his heart.

(Note: pbuh – peace and blessings upon him (i.e. Prophet Muhammad)

In addition, Allah will reciprocate his love (Sura Ale Imraan, 3 Verse 31: Say if you do love Allah, follow me, Allah will love you and forgive your sins. For Allah is off-forgiving and most merciful.)

Specific acts that nourish Allah’s love
a. Have Taqwa.
b. Constantly repent to Allah.
c. Engage in self-purification.
d. Do good.
e. Place trust in Allah.
f. Be steadfast.
g. Act with justice.

Actions that keep men away from Allah’s love
a. Aggression.
b. Corruption and mischief.
c. Ungratefulness.
d. Rejection of faith.
e. Oppression.
f. Betrayal.
g. Waste.
h. Arrogance.

Sura An-Nisa 4, verse 36: Allah loves not the arrogant, the vainglorious.

Benefits derived from having Taqwa
Taqwa assists a man in his journey to the Hereafter through this earthly life to successful conclusion.

a. He will receive Guidance from Allah.
b. He will have proper vision, knowledge and wisdom.
c. His affairs will be easier.
d. He will receive forgiveness for his sins.
e. He will receive mercy from Allah.
f. He will achieve ultimate victory and bliss in this life and in the Hereafter. Allah (SWT) also said, Sura Al-Anfal, 8.verse 29: O you who believe; if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion, remove (all) evil deeds and forgive you for Allah is the Lord of grace unbound.