IN the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Baqarah, Qur’an 2:197: “Righteousness is not in turning your faces towards east or west; rather, the righteous are those who believe in Allah.” In Surah Al-Ma’un, Qur’an 107:1-3, Allah (SWT) says further: “Have you seen the one who denies the Judgment? That is he who repels the orphan and does not encourage the feeding of the poor.”
The Hadiths of the Prophet (SAW) reiterate the quoted Allah’s (SWT) assertions. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, “Taqwa is here,” pointing to his chest (Sahih Muslim). The Prophet was also quoted as saying, “Righteousness is good morals” (Sahih Bukhari).
From the foregoing, taqwa is taken to be the profound reverence, fear and obedience to Allah (SWT), manifesting in righteous actions, thoughts and intentions. Muslims with taqwa must be seen as recognising Allah’s (SWT) omnipotence and following the Qur’an’s guidelines and Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) teachings. Pious Muslims exhibit modesty, compassion and humility. They are honest in word, intention and action. Muslims with taqwa persevere with patience in times of trial and tribulation. They often reflect on their words and deeds and they always appreciate Allah’s (SWT) benevolence and blessings with profound gratitude.
Taqwa requires a Muslim to observe his salah (prayer) regularly, sincerely and with utmost attention. He must give to the needy voluntarily and gladly through the zakat charity. Fasting in accordance with the Sunnah (practice of the Prophet (SAW) in order to develop self-control and empathy is demonstrated by Muslims with taqwa. Such Muslims are fond of frequent dhikr (remembrance) of Allah (SWT) through constant recitation of the Qur’an, and supplications and praises to the Almighty.
Spiritual rejuvenation with the Hajj pilgrimage also marks taqwa in a Muslim. Piety in a Muslim teaches him or her to let go of anger and grudges. Pious Muslims manage their desires. They learn to seek the forgiveness of Allah (SWT), and even of fellow human whenever they transgress. Mujahada becomes the hallmark of taqwa in a Muslim. Mujahadah entails striving to resist temptations and a conscious struggle against personal ego.
Iman, faith, which strengthens belief in Allah (SWT), His prophets and revelations, is the nucleus that gives life to taqwa that demands the Muslims to consistently strive for righteousness.
Taqwa manifests in the heart. This is sincerity, faith and love for Allah (SWT). Taqwa of the tongue speaks to truthfulness, kindness and restraint from evil speech. Taqwa of the limbs is third. It encourages righteous actions with obedience to the commandments of Allah (SWT).
Muslims who are of very strong taqwa are faced with certain degrees of obstacles which inadvertently become challenges. Nafs is one. This goes with tendencies of ego trip, pride and inordinate desires and ambitions. Temptations, doubts and whispers from accursed Shaytan constitute the second. The urge to submit to personal judgment and persuasions over and above the dictates of Allah (SWT) easily corrode taqwa in a Muslim. Trials and tribulations are also obstacles to taqwa. Worldly affairs can become another form of threat to taqwa in Muslims when they seek to balance material and spiritual pursuits.
Allah (SWT) recognise those who diligently seek taqwa and strive to protect it. A pious Muslim earns Allah’s (SWT) pleasure, love and acceptance. The Muslim with taqwa enjoys tranquility, contentment and inner peace. He or she receives inspirations and wisdom through guidance from Allah (SWT). Here on earth, Allah (SWT) ensures that pious Muslims are safeguarded against sins and temptations, and in the Hereafter, paradise is their ultimate reward.
In the Glorious Qur’an, Allah (SWT) presents to us His prophets as models in the demonstration of taqwa in its best form. Prophet Ibrahim’s (A.S.) unwavering faith and obedience stands him out. Prophet Yusuf (A.S.) demonstrated patience, forgiveness and integrity as hallmarks of taqwa. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was the epitome of piety, compassion and leadership.
Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) with his son, Prophet Islmail (A.S.), faced a monumental test of taqwa from Allah (SWT), who commanded Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.) to sacrifice Prophet Ismail (A.S.) as a demonstration of his devotion. Ibrahim (A.S.) willingly obeyed despite the immense pain and difficulty. He prepared Ismail (A.S.) for the sacrifice, and together they showed unwavering trust in Allah’s (SWT) plan. Surah As-Saffat (Qur’an 37:102-109).
The lessons in this story of Prophet Ibrahim include trust in Allah’s (SWT) designs, obedience to Him and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Prophet Yusuf’s (A.S.) story involving Lady Zulaykhah is a trial of temptation. Prophet Yusuf (A.S.) was exceptionally handsome young man. He was also blessed with an uncommon wealth of wisdom. Zulaykhah, the wife of Potiphar (Aziz) was infatuated with Prophet Yusuf (A.S.) and sought to seduce him. Yusuf (A.S.), despite his youth and vulnerability, demonstrated unwavering taqwa. He said, “I seek refuge in Allah from evil. Indeed, my Lord has been good to me.” (Qur’an 12:23).
Zulaykhah persisted, but Yusuf (A.S.) remained resolute. He said, “O my Lord! Prison is more dear to me than to which they invite me.” (Qur’an 12:33). Yusuf (A.S.) chose imprisonment over succumbing to temptation, demonstrating his commitment to the commands of Allah (SWT). Yusuf (A.S.) was rewarded as Allah (SWT) granted him protection from sin and gave him wisdom and knowledge. He became a leader, even in Egypt, a foreign nation. Surah Yusuf, Qur’an 12:21-35.
The story of Prophet Yusuf (A.S.) is a lesson in morality and prioritising spiritual integrity over worldly comforts.
Taqwa requires continuous efforts, self-reflection and devotion. By embracing taqwa, Muslims can cultivate a profound connection with Allah (SWT), achieve inner peace and attain ultimate success in this life and Hereafter.
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