Taqwa is the greatest and the best investment, which a true believer can make. Its benefits and advantages not only cover him but also his family members. You can call the best provision through which a Muslim can gain the Good Pleasure, Bounties, Blessings and the great Promises of Allah, both in this life and in the Hereafter.
We must fear Allah and have taqwa, as we are created for it. All bounties and favors that Allah granted us and all things that Allah created and subjected for us are to help us achieve righteousness.
Check out the complete list of our e-Books
Meaning and Context of Taqwa:
Literally speaking, taqwa means: to protect and preserve. Its root verb is waqa which means: he protected or saved himself from that which harms him. According to the Islamic terminology, it means: to train ourselves by keeping away from everything that may lead us to Allah’s curse, wrath and His torment.
This can be achieved by abiding by Allah’s commandments, and keeping ourselves away from His prohibitions. We should prepare ourselves to do what Allah likes. Ali bin Abi Talib defined taqwa and said:
“Taqwa is to fear Allah, the Almighty; to abide by or act upon the Revelation; to be content with little (of provision) and to be ready for the departure (death).”
Benefits of Taqwa:
- With taqwa, we can achieve Allah’s love. He says: “Nay, whoever fulfils his pledge and fears Allah much; verily, then Allah loves those who are Al-Muttaqun” (Al-‘Imran 3:76).
- It is the source of drawing close to Allah and obtaining His Mercy. He says: “And My Mercy embraces all things. That (Mercy) I shall ordain for those who are the Muttaqun” (Al-Araf 7:156).
- Those who practice righteousness, Allah takes care of them, gives them support and helps them to prevail over their enemies and opponents. He says: “Truly, Allah is with those who fear Him (keep their duty unto Him), and those who are Muhsinun (good-doers). (An-Nahl 16:128). And He says: “And fear Allah, and know that Allah is with Al-Muttaqun (the pious).” (Al-Baqarah 2:194).
- Whosoever has taqwa and becomes righteous; there will be no fear upon him and he shall not grieve. Allah says: “Then whosoever becomes pious and righteous, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” (Al-Araf 7:35).
- With taqwa, the servants of Allah will attain high ranks, degrees and status in the Day of Resurrection. Allah says: “Beautified is the life of this world for those who disbelieve, and they mock at those who believe. But those who have taqwa will be above them on the Day of Resurrection.” (Al-Baqarah 2:212).
- The reward of those who have piousness is better than all joys of this world. Allah says: “Say: “Shall I inform you of things far better than those? For Al-Muttaqun there are Gardens (Paradise) with their Lord, underneath which rivers flow. Therein (is their) eternal (home) and Azwajun Mutahharatun (purified mates or wives) [i.e. they will have no menses, urine, or stool, etc.], And Allah will be pleased with them. And Allah is All-Seer of the (His) slaves” (Al-‘Imran 3:15).
- Every pious and God-fearing person is a friend of Allah and he will receive great rewards and glad tidings in both worlds. He says: “Those who believed (in the Oneness of Allah – Islamic Monotheism), and used to fear Allah much (by abstaining from evil deeds and sins and by doing righteous deeds). For them are glad tidings, in the life of the present world (i.e. righteous dream seen by the person himself or shown to others), and in the Hereafter.” (Yunus 10:63, 64).
- Allah accepts only from those who have piousness (fear Allah in their actions). Abu Ad-Darda (May Allah Be Pleased with him) said: “If I become certain that Allah has accepted even one prayer from me, it will be better for me than this life and all that in it.” This is because Allah says: “Verily, Allah accepts only from those who are Al-Muttaqun.” (Al-Maidah 5:28).
We pray to Allah SWT to Guide us towards the right path and Help us become pious and righteous Muslims. Ameen!
Darussalam Publishers has a range of books/ebooks on the subject. Some of them are Be Steadfast, Islamic Guidelines and Fortress of Muslim.
