THE PEOPLE OF TAQWA

From a book entitled: LIGHT UPON LIGHT

Author: Kabirat Ahmed Salihs

THE PEOPLE OF TAQWA

Allah created mankind for no other purpose than to serve Him. He sent His prophets and messengers to mankind to direct them on how to serve Him. He gave us the Qur’an as a highly recommended guide to direct us on how to serve Him and attain His pleasure in this world and in the hereafter, Glory be to Allah, the Most High, the Most Merciful and the Most Gracious. Which of the favours and blessings of Allah can we ever deny?

Allah saysin the Qur`an

Deemed ye then that We had created you for naught, and that ye would not be returned unto Us?(Q23:115),

Thinketh man that he is to be left aimless? (Q75:36),

I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me. (Q51:56),

 O mankind! Worship your Lord, Who hath created you and those before you, so that ye may ward off (evil). (Q2:21)

However most of the Muslims today have neglected our core purpose on earth. We have misplaced our priority, we are chasing the world, we are accumulating wealth, we are boastful of the little that we have, we fail to accept the truth, we are arrogant, we criticize those who remind us of our core purpose on earth, we say what we do not practice; we are hypocritical. We have forgotten that Allah sees us from wherever we may be. We have forgotten there will come a day when we will take our last breath. We have forgotten death is inevitable. May Allah SWT forgive us all, accept our repentance and help us live better lives to please Him and gain His love, Aameen.

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

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 universal principle of submission to the Divine Will is beautifully expressed in the character of one who is a servant of Allah, known as an “Abd-Allah” which is an ideal state of Taqwa. Taqwa is profoundly explained in a discussion between ‘Umar and Ka’b who were companions of the prophet Muhammad (SAW). ‘Umar asked Ka’b the meaning of ‘taqwa,’ as Ka’b was renowned for his deep understanding of the Qur’an Al Kareem.

Ka’b (RA) then inquired from ‘Umar (RA), whether he had walked through a thorny bush path with his cloak. ‘Umar (RA) replied that he had done so on numerous occasions. Ka’b (RA) asked ‘Umar (RA) to describe his movements through this thorny path. ‘Umar (RA) replied that he moved very cautiously so as not to tear his clothing. Ka’b (RA) said that was the description and the meaning of Taqwa.

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 one’s self and one’s surroundings, to be disciplined with the correct action and behavior which will help one achieve 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.

Allah SWT says in surah Al-Baqarah ayah 183

“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 two points. Firstly, 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 the rich and the poor, the knowledgeable and the uneducated, the leader and the follower, the ruler and the ruled, the old and the young, the man and the woman. 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. Allaah says in Suratul 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).”

The four verses in Surah 2, Al Bakarah Verse 2-5 summarizes the guiding principle in the Noble Qur`an for the people of Taqwa:

This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear (or are conscious) of Allah (Taqwa). (Q2:2)

Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them. (Q2:3)

And who believe in the Revelation sent to you, and sent before your time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter. (Q2:4)

They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper. (Q2:5)

O mankind! Worship your Lord (Allah), Who created you and those who were before you so that you may acquire Taqwa. (Q2:21)

In surah Al-Imran Allaah says;

And obey Allah and the Messenger that you may obtain mercy. (Q 3:132)

And march forth in the way (which leads to) forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise as wide as the heavens and the earth, prepared for the Muttaqin (the pious). (Q 3:133)

Those who spend (in Allah’s cause) in prosperity and in adversity, who repress anger, and who pardon men; verily, Allah loves the Muhsinin (the good-doers). (Q3:134)

And those who, when they have committed Fahishah (immoral sin) or wronged themselves with evil, remember Allah and ask forgiveness for their sins; and none can forgive sins but Allah, and do not persist in what (wrong) they have done, while they know. (Q3:135)

For such, the reward is forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath (Paradise), wherein they shall abide forever. How excellent is this reward for the doers (of good). (Q3:136)

In surah Al-Imran, 102, “O you believe! Fear Allaah as He is supposed to be feared and die not unless you are in the state of complete submission (Muslimun)”