How to Attain Taqwa

Umar Taqi

Introduction

In the Name of Allah, The Most Kind, The Most Merciful. And salutations and blessings on the best of His creation, Muhammad ﷺ and his family.

The purpose of this report is to shed light on the concept of Taqwa, its meanings and what is found in the Holy Qur’an and Ahadith pertaining to it. In addition, the importance of a believer having Taqwa, and its virtues will be explained. Moreover, the practical steps of how one can attain Taqwa will be detailed along with examples of those people that possessed Taqwa.

As this topic is very deep, it will not be possible to cover the entire scope of it, however, with the will of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, I will try my best to give a beneficial overview of the topic according to my ability.

What is Taqwa?

Taqwa is a ubiquitous term in the Islamic world that we often hear, but do we know what it means? It’s probable that you know it’s meaning to be ‘God-Conscious’, ‘God-Fearing’ or ‘piousness’. The reality is that Taqwa cannot be defined using a word or two in English. It has many deeper meanings and interpretations, so let us explore them in greater depth.

Literal Meanings.

The word Taqwa literally means “to protect”, or “to safeguard” - to protect yourself from that which harms you. In the earlier days during the battles, a shield a person would use in the battlefield would be known as a Waqaayah which also derives from the same root word as Taqwa.

Technical Meanings

So, what does Taqwa mean in terms of the legal (Islamic) meaning? In general, it means to protect oneself from the displeasure of Allah سبحانه وتعالى by refraining from what he has forbidden and desisting from what does not befit a Muslim. Some scholars say that Taqwa is placing a protective shield between Allah’s punishment and yourself. Let us see what the great companions and predecessors said regarding Taqwa. Regarding the following ayah,

“His is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah” [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:2]

Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated:

Muttaqin (those who have Taqwa) refers to “the believers who avoid Shirk with Allah and who work in His obedience.''

He also said that Al-Muttaqin refers to those who fear Allah’s punishment which would occur if they did not adhere to the true guidance which they recognise and know to be from him, and by hoping for his Mercy by believing in what he revealed.

Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) asked Ubay ibn K’ab (RA) regarding Taqwa. Ubay (RA) said to Umar (RA), “Have you ever walked on a pathway that has thorns on it?” Umar (RA) replied “Yes”. Ubay (RA) said “What did you do?” to which Umar (RA) responded, “I raised my garment, and I was cautious as I walked the path to not get caught up with any thorns that would harm me”. Ubay (RA) finally said “This is Taqwa.”

The great Tabi’, Mujahid ibn Jabr said,

The people were circling around the Sacred House when Ibn Abbas was sitting, holding a bent handled walking stick. Ibn Abbas said, The Messenger of Allah (recited) the ayah and then he said “Verily, if a drop of Zaqqum (a tree in Hell) falls, it will spoil life for the people of earth. What about those whose food is only from Zaqqum.''

Talq Ibn Habib, who is also a Tabi’ said:

"Taqwa is that you act in obedience to Allah, and hope in His Mercy, upon a light from him; and Taqwa is leaving acts of disobedience to Allah out of fear of him, upon a light from him." [Sahih by Sheikh al Albani. Related by Ibn Abi Shaybah in Kitabul Imaan]

So, we can see that that the concept of Taqwa has been defined by many great companions and predecessors in different ways. There are many more definitions given by the companions and the salaf, but these will not come to an end. It is important to understand that, to acknowledge the real meaning of Taqwa, we need to consider and combine all these meanings, because as mentioned previously, the term Taqwa cannot be summarised in one or a couple of English words/sentences, it is one of the unique words in Arabic that is multifaceted.

In hindsight after realising what Taqwa is, we must ask ourselves are we amongst those who possess Taqwa and in the Mercy of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, or are we with the transgressors and the ignorant and thus, in the wrath of Allah سبحانه وتعالى. This is a self analysis that we need to do at every time in our lives.

Importance of having Taqwa and its virtues

Taqwa is one of the most important components of faith for a believer, without it one will not be able to gain the pleasure of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, which is the most imperative thing ever. The Holy Qur’an and teachings of the Prophet of Allah ﷺ constantly commands us to observe Taqwa. The Prophet of Allah ﷺ is someone that had the best of Taqwa, and this is something that nobody can deny. Therefore, we must adhere to the teachings and commands of the one who was the best epitome of Taqwa.

Taqwa of a believer is that he goes through life, knowing Allah سبحانه وتعالى is always watching him. Everything he does, he knows that Allah سبحانه وتعالى is monitoring him and due to this fear, he takes precaution. Thus, Taqwa is not fear, it is the action that one takes due to that fear. One could have fear, but if he is not doing anything as a result of the fear, then he does not possess Taqwa. The only thing that can prevent a person from committing evil and wickedness is the infusion of Taqwa. Therefore, this is such a vital quality that a believer must possess.

Taqwa is the ointment we apply to all our rituals of worship, which would not really mean anything without it. Can you imagine performing Salah, bowing, and prostrating without possessing Taqwa in your hearts? The non believers also fast, in fact, it is part of many diet regimens, but what differentiates it with a believer that is fasting? Surely, it is Taqwa; we are doing it not only for the physical benefits available to everyone, but also the spiritual benefits that is available to only the believers, to gain proximity with our Lord. Similarly, in the act of giving to charity, it is Taqwa that makes us want to give even more, as we know it is a beloved act in the sight of Allah سبحانه وتعالى and he will not in any way decrease our wealth by this. During pilgrimage, we run between the hills of Safa and Marwah

which may be difficult for many people, but why do we do it? It is because of Taqwa, and it is something valuable in the sight of Allah سبحانه وتعالى. Therefore, every worship ritual we perform, it is Taqwa that gives it a special sense according to Allah سبحانه وتعالى, so let us ensure our worship is ornamented with Taqwa. Allah سبحانه وتعالى mentions in the Holy Qur’an:

“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for the Muttaqeen.” [Surah Al-Baqarah 2:2]

This means hidayah (correct guidance) is only given to those who have Taqwa. And who does not require the guidance of Allah سبحانه وتعالى. in this day and age? Taqwa has now become very difficult to attain as it is easier to access Haram and there is a lot of fitnah. In the earlier days, people would have to travel to access something haram, however, now we can access haram easily, even at our fingertips. As a result, Zina has become prevalent while marriage has become difficult. Therefore, Taqwa needs to be exercised in the current day and age more than ever, and this can be easy with the help of Allah سبحانه وتعالى. as he mentions

“Unquestionably, [for] the allies of Allah there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve.” [Surah Yunus 10:62]

The fact that the notion of Taqwa has been mentioned numerously in the Holy Qur’an and AHadith should automatically stress its importance. Let us see some of the examples of Taqwa in the Holy Qur’an and AHadith along with its virtues.

Taqwa in the Holy Qur’an

Allah سبحانه وتعالى mentions Taqwa in the Holy Qur’an repeatedly more than 200 times (including its derivatives). But why does Allah سبحانه وتعالى mention it so frequently as compared to other commands such as fasting, which is only mentioned once in the entire Holy Qur’an? We know that if one mentions something very frequently it is due the fact that we do not listen or give enough importance to it. In this way, Allah سبحانه وتعالى is emphasising the importance of a believer having Taqwa which is one of the essences of faith that is often missing from many people. However, by Allah سبحانه وتعالى mentioning the command of fasting once does not lessen the importance of fasting, He mentioned it only once because people typically fast, even those who are in the habit of committing sins throughout the year, when Ramadan arrives, they fast.

Allah سبحانه وتعالى mentions

“O you who have believed, fear Allah. And let every soul look to what it has put forth for tomorrow - and fear Allah. Indeed, Allah is Acquainted with what you do.” [Surah Al-Hashr 59:18]

Scholars of tafseer such as Imam Qurtubi comment on this ayah and say this is referring to obeying his commands, refraining from his prohibitions, fulfilling his obligations, and desisting from sins. Notice how the command ‘Fear Allah’ has been repeated twice in this ayah. This is for emphasis. Some scholars say the first ‘Fear Allah’ command means repenting from past sins and the latter command means abstaining from sins in the future, as stated in Tafseer Al Qurtubi. Ibn Qayyim Al-Jawziyyah also commented on this ayah and said this verse demonstrates the necessity of taking an account of one’s actions, as stated in his Ighathah Al-Lahfan. Allah سبحانه وتعالى mentions

“And to Allah belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And We have instructed those who were given the Scripture before you and yourselves to fear Allah.” [Surah Al-Nisa 4:131]

Ibn Kathir comments on this ayah and says that this ayah means that you have Taqwa of Allah by fearing him alone without partners. Imam Al Suyuti says that ‘Fear Allah’ means fear his punishment by being obedient to him as stated in Tafseer Al-Jalalain.

Allah سبحانه وتعالى mentions

“O mankind, indeed, we have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted.” [Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13]

In this verse we can acknowledge that Taqwa is the most honourable characteristic a believer can have since Allah سبحانه وتعالى loves the muttaqin as He states

“But yes, whoever fulfils his commitment and fears Allah - then indeed, Allah loves those who fear Him.” [Surah Al-Imran 3:76]

Also, a person with Taqwa is honoured by people in society because Allah سبحانه وتعالى loves such people, so his creation loves them too. Thus, through this ayah we come to know, if we want to gain the pleasure of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, we should endeavour to attain Taqwa.

Allah سبحانه وتعالى mentions:

“And whoever fears Allah - He will make for him of his matter ease.” [Surah Al-Talaq 65:4]

So, one who has Taqwa and is facing difficulties, Allah will certainly make his affairs lenient for him in this world and the hereafter, and will soon grant relief and a swift way out, as mentioned in Tafseer ibn Kathir and Tafseer Al-Jalalain. The person with Taqwa may still face difficulties in the form of tests, but he will have the blessings of Allah سبحانه وتعالى and therefore will be able to withstand these difficulties with strong faith and hope in Allah سبحانه وتعالى..

Taqwa in Ahadith

The Prophet of Allah ﷺ said:

“The servant will not acquire the status of the Muttaqin until he abandons what is harmless out of fear of falling into that which is harmful.” [Jami’ Al-Tirmidhi and Sunan Ibn Majah]

In this Hadith, it is clear that a quality of a person that has Taqwa is that he refrains from what is harmless and permissible in Islam as a precaution of falling into what is harmful and impermissible in Islam. This may mean that this person will be different as compared to other people and may conflict with the “norm” due to his Taqwa, Allah سبحانه وتعالى, will reward him in the hereafter.

The Prophet of Allah ﷺ said:

“Have Taqwa of Allah wherever you may be, and follow up a bad deed with a good deed which will wipe it out, and behave well towards the people” [Jami’ Al-Tirmidhi]

In this Hadith, the Prophet of Allah ﷺ is instructing us to have Taqwa at all times, places, and situations. This means one should always be cautious, and cognizant of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, in what they are doing; whether it pleases or displeases Allah سبحانه وتعالى,

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah was asked about that for which people are admitted into Paradise the most, so he said: “Taqwa of Allah, and good character.” And he was asked about that for which people are admitted into the Fire the most, and he said: “The mouth and the private parts.” [Jami’ Al-Tirmidhi]

Every Muslim wants to be admitted to Jannah, but this is impossible without the obedience of Allah سبحانه وتعالى,. And we cannot be obedient to Allah سبحانه وتعالى, without Taqwa. Thus, we can realise that Taqwa is a ticket to Jannah in the hereafter, and this is one of the biggest rewards for a Muslim.

Abu Sa`id Al Khudri (RA) narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺwas asked: “Which of the people are most virtuous?” He said, “A man who takes part in Jihad in Allah’s cause.” They said, “Then whom?” He said, “Then a believer who stays in one of the mountain paths out of Taqwa for his Lord, leaving the people secure from his evil.” [Jami’ Al Tirmidhi]

In this Hadith, the Prophet of Allah ﷺ makes clear that those who possess Taqwa are the most virtuous of people after those who partake in Jihad in the path of Allah سبحانه وتعالى.

How to attain Taqwa?

So now that we know what Taqwa is and its importance and virtues in the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah, how do we get it and put it within ourselves? Taqwa is an abstract concept, it is not for sale, we cannot go to a store and purchase it. That is the beauty of our religion, it takes these abstract concepts and then Allah سبحانه وتعالى. and his Messenger ﷺ give us practical ways to implement it within ourselves.

1. Fasting: this is one of the most powerful ways of attaining Taqwa as Allah سبحانه وتعالى. mentions in His Book. When we fast, we are controlling our actions, sayings and desires and engaged in things that only please Allah سبحانه وتعالى.. One should not only restrict themselves to fasting in the month of Ramadan, but they should also fast outside of Ramadan, as this will increase a person in Taqwa (as long as they do it correctly and with sincerity) as Allah سبحانه وتعالى. states in His Book.

2. Refrain from sins: the essence of Taqwa is to avoid sins, whether minor or major, because we know Allah سبحانه وتعالى.is watching us and He will be displeased with us. If you fall into a sin, then quickly make repentance, and follow it with a good deed as instructed by our Prophet ﷺ.

3. Increase your worship: this will allow you to be busier in the worship of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, therefore, it will be easier to bypass obstacles which may hinder a person attaining Taqwa.

4. Try to increase the recitation of Holy Qur’an daily, night prayers, giving charity, and supplications.

5. Self-assessment: perform a self assessment every night to check the level of your Taqwa, and how you can improve it. Use the powerful tool of Dua to ask Allah سبحانه وتعالى to increase you in Taqwa as you can turn to Him anytime.

Exemplary incidents of those that possessed Taqwa

There are numerous figures that possessed a high level of piety in the past and, there are still people in this world with great piety. These are people who we should follow as role models. These people, due to their piety, advanced and dominated in the world.

It is only befitting to start with the one who is the best epitome of Taqwa, the Prophet of Allah ﷺ The Best of Mankind. He ﷺ used to perform Qiyam until both his feet or legs would be swollen, and he would weep in fear of Allah سبحانه وتعالى. He was asked why he would offer such an unbearable prayer when Allah سبحانه وتعالى has forgiven his past and future sins, to which he responded, “should I not be a thankful slave?” This was the Taqwa of our beloved Prophet ﷺ, and he would do this frequently.

Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (RA), the first Caliph of Islam also possessed great Taqwa. Once his servants came to him with some food, and he ate some of it with the Name of Allah سبحانه وتعالى as he was very hungry. It was customary for Abu Bakr (RA) to ask his slave each time about the source of food before consuming it, but in this instance he did not. So, the slave said, “Why did you not ask me where I got the food from today?” So, Abu Bakr (RA) responded, “I am sorry, so from where?”. The slave said, “In the Jahiliyah (pre-Islam) period, I practised some witchery, and the people liked it, and in return they gave me some food, and you’re eating it.” Upon hearing that the origin of this food came from Haram, Abu Bakr (RA) inserted his finger into his mouth and forced himself to vomit out the food, until nothing remained in his stomach. Then he remarked “By Allah, if getting this piece of bread out of my body meant my death, I would have got it out.” Abu Bakr (RA) was among those who were promised Jannah, but he possessed so much Taqwa and fear of Allah سبحانه وتعالى that he did not want to displease his Lord.

Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA) had great Taqwa in Allah سبحانه وتعالى Once he heard a companion reciting the verse “The Day they are thrust toward the fire of Hell with a [violent] thrust.” On reflecting on this ayah, Umar (RA) became ill for three days and people visited him. In addition, in another instance he once read the verse “And stop them; indeed, they are to be questioned.” In this occasion he fell ill for an entire month and people visited him. From this we can understand the level of Taqwa Umar (RA) had and although, he was the most feared by people, he feared Allah سبحانه وتعالى the most.

These people possessed such a high status in the sight of Allah سبحانه وتعالى due to their Taqwa and we should aspire to be like these individuals so we can also be successful. There are many other examples of people with Taqwa, however, only a few have been detailed.

Conclusion

To conclude, we have defined what Taqwa is and what it means for a person to possess Taqwa. We have also outlined some of the importance of Taqwa and its virtues given by the Glorious Holy Qur’an and Ahadith. We acknowledged that it is such an important trait every believer should have and without it, lies destruction. Furthermore, we have learned some practical steps to attain and improve our Taqwa with our Lord. Finally, some examples were given of those who possessed immense Taqwa.

Umar Taqi,

Alimiyyah graduate, IT Technician,

Student of Shaykh Faizulhaq Abdulaziz حفظه الله