Taqwa: Meaning & Explanation
As someone who is constantly trying to learn more about Islam, there are many times I’ve come across terms that I don’t understand.
Taqwa is one of those words, and is something I’m still trying to fully understand.
Despite being a Muslim my whole life, I feel that there is a lot of basic understanding/ vocabulary I still do not know.
Sometimes, I get discouraged by it. But I remind myself that the fact that I am actively trying to learn more is a blessing from Allah SWT.
Everything that happens in your life has a reason. Even you reading this post right now is because Allah wanted you to.
So whether you’re a revert just beginning your journey as a Muslim, or a life-long Muslim who is re-learning everything from scratch, do not feel embarrassed or down when everyone knows about something ‘basic’ about Islam and you don’t.
Your willingness and desire to learn more is intervention from Allah for you to succeed – be grateful and proud of that!
I refer to sources that I used for research in numbers in brackets (e.g. (1) (2) ) – all of them will be listed at the bottom of the post if you’d like to know more! 🙂
Related:
How To Learn The 99 Names Of Allah
A Simple Guide On Making Duas In Islam
How To Be A Better Muslim (+ Centre Your Life Around Islam!)
The Five Before Five Hadith: Prophetic Advice That Will Change Your Life
How To Build A Connection With Allah SWT
Taqwa: Meaning & Explanation
What is the meaning of Taqwa in Islam?
A person came to Abu Huraira رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ and asked him ‘what is Taqwa?’ (4)
To this, Abu Huraira رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ asked the man if he had ever crossed a path that was thorny.
The man replied yes, and Abu Huraira asked him what he did in that case.
The man replied that he held his cloak around himself carefully and navigated through the path safely so that his garments would not get tangled up and torn in the thorns.
Abu Huraira said that that was Taqwa.
This analogy clearly demonstrates what Taqwa is and what having it means.
Similar to how you can’t run through a thorny path without expecting to be cut, you also can not run through life, ignoring the principles and values of Islam, without expecting to be cut as well.
To safely pass through the thorny path of life, you must be conscientious, cautious and deliberate about not doing anything that is the disobedience of Allah ﷻ
You need to be aware of what is around you, where the little snags are, how to hold your garment and how to squeeze through the more difficult parts of the path.
Similarly, having Taqwa means being cautious, careful and guarding your Deen from the thorns of the world that will cause you to fall and become one of the losers.
Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ was asked what Taqwa was. He responded that Taqwa is fearing Allah, living according to the Qu’ran, being satisfied and content with a little, and preparing for death and the hereafter. (6)
What is Taqwa in Islam?
Having Taqwa means you have achieved a state of piety where you are conscious of Allah ﷻ at all times. It can also be translated as having fear of Allah. (5)
As a result, having Taqwa becomes a shield, barrier and protection between you and the punishment of Allah ﷻ, as you are constantly aware that Allah is watching at all times.
This knowledge guides you to do the right thing, obey His commands and avoid partaking in sin.
As a result, Allah will make things easier for you if you have Taqwa, and He ﷻ loves those who have Taqwa. (4)
For example, when you are in a situation you are not supposed to be in and you stop from engaging any further because you know Allah is watching, that is Taqwa.
When you hold back your anger for the sake of Allah, or give charity for the sake of Him ﷻ – this is also Taqwa.
Whenever you take an action and think about whether it would be pleasing or displeasing to Allah, that is Taqwa.
There are many ways to achieve Taqwa in life.
In the next part of the Taqwa series, you can find out how to achieve Taqwa, as well as find out if you have the qualities of a person with Taqwa.
Related:
Dunya and Deen – How to Balance Both (Part 2)
Why you MUST stop procrastinating: The Repentance Story of Ka’ab ibn Malik
How To Deal With Overthinking in Islam
How To Be Consistent As A Muslim
KEY TAKEAWAYS – Taqwa: Meaning & Explanation
- Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ was asked what Taqwa was. He responded that Taqwa is fearing Allah, living according to the Qu’ran, being satisfied and content with a little, and preparing for death and the hereafter. (6)
- Having Taqwa means you have achieved a state of piety where you are conscious of Allah ﷻ at all times. It can also be translated as having fear of Allah. (5)
- As a result, having Taqwa becomes a shield, barrier and protection between you and the punishment of Allah ﷻ, as you are constantly aware that Allah is watching at all times.
SOURCES:
- Who Are The People Of Taqwa? – Nouman Ali Khan
- Taqwa: The Islamic Way of Life I Sh Dr Haifaa Younis I Jannah Institute & Miftaah Institute
- True Taqwa: What Does That Mean?
- Taqwa: The Ultimate Solution || Ustadh Wahaj Tarin
- What is Taqwa? – Mufti Ismail Menk
- Show a Little Taqwa — Allah Will Open Closed Doors & Bless You Beyond Imagination | Belal Assaad
- What is Taqwa (Piety) in Islam?
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