The fountainhead of all good morals and bulwark against all evil is the fear of Allah, and it is the remedy for all ills and evils. Besides the Holy Quran, the Sunnah of the Prophet also outlines the importance and the benefits of this topic. It is apparent from the following reported accounts that we will need such provision for our journey to allow us to reach our final destination (Paradise), enjoy living there and achieve the Good Pleasure of Allah.
Advice of the Prophet (PBUH) to have Taqwa:
It is narrated from Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said to me: “Have taqwa (fear) of Allah wherever you are.” (At-Tirmidhi 1987).
Al-‘Irbad bin Sariyah narrated: “One day after the morning prayer, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) exhorted us to the extent that the eyes wept and the hearts shuddered with fear. A man said: ‘Indeed this is a farewell exhortation. [So what] do you order us O Messenger of Allah (PBUH)?’ He said: “I order you to have taqwa of Allah, …” (At-Tirmidhi 2676).
The foods and feasts must be presented to pious persons:
A believer’s mixing and socializing should only be limited to the believers. Invitation to share the meals out of the sentiments of love and affection should only be extended to persons of taqwa and virtue. It is narrated from Abu Saeed (May Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Do not accompany except a believer, and do not serve your food (meals) to one with taqwa.” (At-Tirmidhi 2395).
Asking Allah for granting Taqwa:
A Muslim should ask Allah to grant him taqwa, because the Prophet (PBUH) himself used to do so. Abdullah ibn Masud narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) used to say: “O Allah I ask you for guidance, taqwa (piety and fearing Allah), abstinence and independence of means.” (Muslim 2721).
Taqwa is the basic means of entering Paradise:
By the help of taqwa one can enter Paradise as it is mentioned in a hadith, which is narrated from Abu Umamah and included in Jami At-Tirmidhi, that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “Have taqwa (fear) of your Lord, and pray your five (prayers), and fast your month, and pay the Zakat on your wealth, and obey those who are in charge of you, you will enter the Paradise of your Lord.” (At-Tirmidhi 616).
Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was asked about that for which people are admitted into Paradise the most, so he said: “Taqwa (fear) of Allah, and good character.” (At-Tirmidhi 2004). Taqwa (fear) of Allah means fulfilling one’s duty towards Allah, namely, doing what Allah commands and abstaining from what He prohibits.
Taqwa is a means of Honour:
Having taqwa is a sign of honourable person, as it is mentioned in the hadith of Prophet (PBUH). Once he (PBUH) was asked: “Who is the most honourable amongst people?” He replied: “The one who fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him.” (Al-Bukhari 3383). So, the honourable rank and position can only be gain on account of taqwa. It cannot be deserved by family lineage. This hadith is also a confirmation for the verse, in which Allah says: “Verily, the most honourable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa.” (Al-Hujurat 48:13).
It is because of its importance and great benefits and advantages that the Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) were preoccupied with taqwa and used to exhort one another to have it. And because they realized that the best provision for both worlds is taqwa.
Umar ibn Al-Khattab advised his son Abdullah and told him: “I advise you to fear Allah, because whosoever fears Him will be protected.”
We ask Allah, the Exalted with the supplication of those who feared Him and used to ask Him: “Our Lord! We have indeed believed (in You, Your Book and Your Messenger). So, forgive us our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire (Hell).” Ameen
Darussalam Publishers has a range of books/eBooks on the subject. Some of them are Be Steadfast, Social Ethics in Islam, and Fortress of Muslim. You can find the complete list of our e-books here.
