Significance of Taqwa (Piety) According to the Holy Quran

Taqwa (piety) in Islam is considered one of the most important Islamic ethics. When we look at the teachings of Islam and the acts of worship, we understand that in most cases Islam guides people towards the state of Taqwa. Taqwa is basically fear from Allah Almighty when a person fears Allah (SWT) then he will not commit sins. Taqwa incorporates consciousness and fear of Allah as well as piety. Piety is basically righteousness that can be only obtained by the obedience of Almighty Allah and refrain from His prohibitions.

Taqwa is the key to happiness and success in this life and the hereafter too. Taqwa acts as a channel through which Muslims relate to one another in society and also a medium to link their actions. Taqwa means a lot more than just piousness: it is the combination of our beliefs, self-awareness, and attitudes. It is a reminder to stay on the path of uprightness, decency and knowing the difference between right and wrong. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran: 

“O, you who believe! When you hold secret counsel, do it not for sin and wrong-doing, and disobedience towards the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) but do it for Al-Birr (righteousness) and Taqwa (virtues and piety), and fear Allah unto Whom you shall be gathered.” (Quran, 58:9)

Taqwa is the way to please Almighty Allah. It is the case when one seeks the closeness to Allah (SWT), do the right deeds and keep away from the sins and Riya (showoff).  All the men and women, black or white are equal expect those who acquire Taqwa. So, Salah and virtually all aspects of Ibaadah serve to keep us in a state of consciousness of Allah. When a person is conscious of Him, aware that He is watching, then that person would not do the things which would not be pleasing to Allah Almighty. In the Holy Quran Allah (SWT) says: “And he who obeys Allah and His Apostle, and fears Allah, and is careful of (his duty to) Him, these it is that are the achievers.” (Quran, 24:52)

Taqwa (Piety) is one of the most virtuous characteristics a Muslim can have. Allah says in the Noble Quran: “Verily, the most honorable of you with Allah is that (believer) who has At-Taqwa. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware” (Quran 49:13). In another verse, Allah Almighty says: “Indeed, Allah loves the Muttaqeen” (Quran, 3:76). From the above-mentioned verses, we can conclude that the believers most honored by Allah Almighty are those that have Taqwa. If we want to please Allah and earn Allah’s pleasure, we should strive to have Taqwa in our lives.

Taqwa serves as a divine guard against trials of this world as well as the difficulties of the hereafter. In the Holy Quran it is mentioned that: “And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out” (Quran 65:2). In the Holy Quran, Taqwa is defined as the concept of protecting oneself from the Hellfire by following the orders of Allah Almighty, by doing what He (SWT) has commanded and by avoiding what He (SWT) has forbidden to do. Many Ayahs in the Quran point to this:

 “And unto Allah belong all that is in the Heavens and all that is on Earth. And, verily, We have recommended to the people of the Scripture before you, and to you (O Muslims) that you (all) fear Allah and keep your duty to Him, But if you disbelieve, then unto Allah belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth, and Allah is Ever Rich, Worthy of all praise.” (Quran, 4:131)

In a nutshell, we should develop Taqwa in ourselves and do good deeds to get the blessings of Almighty Allah. May Almighty Allah provide us the courage to follow the teachings of Islam and stay away from sins. Ameen!