Fear of Allah – Taqwa

Taqwa is an Arabic word which is explained as a shield against wrongdoing and further expounded as to be “conscious of Allah” or to have “fear of Allah” or to be “cautiously aware of Allah”.

Taqwa is an internal compass on the path that leads towards Allah. The broader meaning and character of Taqwa is to develop one’s behavior, so as to be cautiously aware in the worship of Allah and attain nearness to Him and in so doing, perfect oneself.

This consciousness and fear of Allah is understood as a protection and a shield against wrongdoing. The abstention of evil through this fear, consciousness and establishing a cautious awareness of Allah, ultimately develops one’s love of Him.

The messenger of Allah said in a Hadith, reported in the Sahih Muslim that, “Taqwa is here”, and he pointed to his chest.

The path that inculcates and embraces a character of Taqwa is one that must be carefully and cautiously treaded. On this path one must be completely aware of oneself and one’s surroundings, to be disciplined with the correct action and behavior which will achieve one’s closeness to Allah.

Taqwa is one of the most profound concepts in Islam. It is an avenue by which Muslims relate to one another in society and a means to channel actions for the pleasure of Allah. Possessors of Tawqa are called Al-Muttaqun or Muttaqeen.

The word Taqwa has been mentioned 151 times in the Noble Quran. Allah has taken us through the various aspects of His Guidance and Blessings in the Glorious Quran. The Quranic descriptions of Taqwa are so precise and distinct that it is an indication of the importance of the involvement of this concept in the life of Muslims.

The following Ayahs of the Quran Surah Al Bakarah,  Ayah 183 confirms that Taqwa is for everyone and not for a select group:

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.”

This verse confirms that fasting is for everyone and secondly, that the development and attaining of Taqwa is an essential part for all who aspire for tranquility and a contented heart.

To establish Taqwa is for everyone.  All must develop and enhance Taqwa.

The most honored in the sight of Allah is the believer with the most Taqwa, i.e. the most conscious and aware of Him.

The Glorious Qur`an illustrates this in Surah Al Hujurat Verse 13:

“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you (Muttaqi). And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”

Taqwa is a state of the heart, we cannot judge the Taqwa of others, but many aspects of Taqwa will have a reflection in their character and behavior. The Quran though, prohibits anyone from claims of self-purity.

In Surah An Najm Verse 32 reminds us that:

“Hold not yourself purified. Allah knows best who has Taqwa.”

In Islam there is only one Shari’ah (Divine Law) and one scale of righteousness for everyone and that is measured through a character of Taqwa.

The four verses in Surah Al Bakarah Verse 2-5 summarise the guiding principle in the Noble Quran for the people of Taqwa:

2. This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear
(or are conscious) of Allah (Taqwa).

3. Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;

4. And who believe in the Revelation sent to you, and sent before your time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.

5. They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.

The Muttaqun are those that believe, fear Allah and look to what He has ordained in carrying out His actions to avoid His displeasure and sadness.

These people are involved and active in his/her life with the Ummah (the Muslim community), concerned with the affairs of humanity, whilst at the same time praying , fasting, spending in Allah’s cause, having good morals, are forgiving and just. All these descriptions can be attributed to a person who has Taqwa and will be assured and successful in the Hereafter.

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