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The importance of Taqwa or piety in Islam can be understood by the fact that it has been mentioned in Holy Quran in as as many as 60 places even as it’s derivatives finding mention at more than 190 in the Glorious word of Allah the Almighty. We hear it being mentioned all the time at the beginning of every Jummah (Friday Prayer). So the question that often arises, “What is Taqwa?” and “How can I attain Taqwa?” There are many meanings and understandings of the word Taqwa. Often, it is translated as “Fear of God”, and while fearing Allah is part of Taqwa, its meaning is deeper than this. The linguistic meaning of Taqwa is “a shield, or protective barrier”. It is to protect oneself from what angers Allah. Some scholars define Taqwa as placing 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. An incredible example that demonstrates this, is when Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) asked Ubay Ibn Ka’ab (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, “So how did you travel along this thorny path?” Umar replied, “I rolled up my garment and was cautious as to where I would tread to avoid being pricked by the thorns.” So Ubay responded and said, “This is Taqwa.”
This example explains the meaning of Taqwa. It illustrates how a person of Taqwa is cautious and careful with where they tread, not out of fear of stepping on a thorn, but out of fear of stepping into what Allah SWT has prohibited. They are aware of Allah SWT with every action and step they take. 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 honored by Allah are those that have Taqwa. If we want to please Allah and earn Allah’s pleasure, we should strive to have Taqwa. Taqwa leads to guidance from Allah: “This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for the Muttaqeen” Quran 2:2. It 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.
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