What is taqwa in Islam?
Taqwa means to be conscious of Allah in your actions out of respect for Him. In the Islamic religion, taqwa refers to considering Allah (the Islamic God) in everything you do out of respect, devotion, and fear of him. Also known as “god-consciousness,” taqwa involves being careful of the things that you do because Allah is watching. For example, if you’re trying to build taqwa, you’d avoid anything that is haram, as Allah forbids it. People who practice taqwa are called muttaqin.
What are the three stages of taqwa?
The first stage of taqwa is complete piousness and devotion to Allah. A person who has reached the first stage of taqwa regularly excels in good deeds, avoids anything that is prohibited by Allah, and fulfills any obligations or responsibilities they may have. They are devout Muslims who do everything in their power to ensure that they are being conscious and respectful of Allah.
The second stage of taqwa is characterized by a lack of voluntary good deeds. A person who is in the second stage of taqwa is still relatively righteous, as they fulfill their obligations and avoid things that are prohibited by Allah. But, their main focus is on ensuring that their responsibilities are met and that prohibitions are avoided. They tend not to focus on completing good deeds or voluntary acts of kindness. People who are in the second stage of taqwa are known as “the moderate” or “the righteous.”
The third stage of taqwa is the oppression of oneself. Someone who is in the third stage of taqwa generally has fear and respect for Allah, but not enough to prevent them from avoiding bad deeds and things that Allah prohibits. They avoid shirk (deifying anything that isn’t Allah), but still partake in things that may be considered haram. In Qur’an, Surah Al-Fatir, 32, those in the third stage of taqwa are referred to in the verse “among them there are oppressors to themselves.”
Taqwa In the Quran
Taqwa appears in the Quran over 250 times. Pious devotion towards Allah is regularly encouraged throughout the Quran, with plenty of verses being dedicated to taqwa, from the practice of building it to its benefits. In verse 64:16, you’re encouraged to “Fear Allah as much as you can,” because when you do your best to guard against evil, taqwa will stand fulfilled. Other mentions of taqwa in the Quran include: “Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly all-knowing, all-aware.” “When facing difficulties, those who have taqwa will be granted a way out by Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala and will be granted ease in their affairs” “O believers! If you are mindful of Allah, He will grant you a decisive authority, absolve you of your sins, and forgive you. And Allah is the Lord of infinite bounty.” “Surely Allah loves those who are mindful of Him.” “Avoid committing sin, whether openly or in secret, for those who commit sin will be repaid for what they do.” “You who believe, be steadfast, more steadfast than others; be ready; always mindful of God, so that you may prosper.” “This is enjoined on whoever has faith in Allah and the Last Day. And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for them.” “This is the Book in which there is no doubt, guidance for the muttaqin.” “So whoever gives charity and practices taqwa and verifies and believes in the good. We make easy for him the easy path.” “And whoever is miserly is miserly and careless or istighnaah and disbelieves in good things and disbelieves, I make him an easy way to the things of hardship.”
How to Build Taqwa
Perform good deeds. Whether it’s helping an old person cross the street, helping your family around the house, or even buying someone a meal when they’re down on their luck, good deeds are a great way to build taqwa. Consistently performing good deeds and being mindful of how Allah would guide you to perform them can increase your taqwa, so give back to the world in any way you can. Perform these deeds out of the goodness of your heart, rather than with the expectation of being rewarded.
Practice fasting. Fasting can help increase your fear of Allah by holding your mortal desires in his hands. By fasting and forbidding yourself from food and water, whether it be during Ramadan or in search of a more personal relationship with Allah, you will increase your taqwa and receive guidance from Allah. In Al-Baqarah 2:183, it’s said that “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”
Aim to live a life of kindness and adherence to Allah’s teachings. Being kind to those around you and following Allah’s teachings as outlined in the Quran and other religious texts is a surefire way to build taqwa. Avoid anything that’s considered haram, reflect on your place in the world and hereafter, and strive to adhere to Allah by doing things like salat (praying five times a day) and zakat (donating your wealth when able). Imam Mekaeel Mohsin says the best way to be a good Muslim is to get closer to Allah and connect with him. Do this by practicing your 5 daily prayers and worshiping Allah.
Benefits of Taqwa
Life gets easier. In Quran 65:4, it’s stated that “whoever fears Allah, He will make for his ease in his matter.” Allah will make the lives of anyone who has taqwa easier. You may discover hobbies or activities that make your life easier, find it easier to make connections, and life may feel less burdensome as you find yourself building taqwa.
You gain sustenance. In Quran 65:3, it’s stated that “He will provide for him from sources he could never imagine.” The almighty Allah is the creator, the sustainer, and the nourisher of all. When you build taqwa, Allah rewards you with sustenance. Whatever sustenance you need or want can be found in Allah’s treasures, as long as you fear Him.
You’re able to distinguish truth and lies. In Quran 8:29, it’s stated that “O you who believe! If you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion (furqan).” Furqan refers to insight that leaves no doubt between truth and lies. When you practice taqwa and remain obedient to Allah above all else, He rewards you with a clear mind in confusing situations, guiding you down the right path.
You find a way out of your problems. In Quran 65:2, it’s stated that “whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out.” This means that when you build taqwa, you will receive divine protection from the difficulties of the world and beyond. This is proven throughout the Quran, like during the story of Khidr when his father’s righteousness saved his sons from loss, even following his death.
You receive tranquility. In Quran 48:4, it’s stated that “It is He who sent down tranquility to the hearts of believers.” By believing in Allah and adhering to his teachings by putting your heart into building taqwa, He will reward you with peace and tranquility. In Quran 13:28, it’s said that “Those who believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.
How are taqwa and Ramadan related?
Ramadan builds taqwa, as you’re obeying Allah’s prohibition of sustenance. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast during the day and break fast at night, as instructed by Allah. Fasting helps learn and build taqwa, as every time you refuse to eat or drink, you’re being conscious of Allah and respectful of His word. Fasting teaches control and discipline, too, which are essential traits for building taqwa.
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