The Status and Importance of Taqwa in Islam

Taqwa (God-consciousness or fear of Allah) is one of the fundamental qualities of a believer’s life. Through it, a person refrains from sin in this world and hopes for great reward in the Hereafter. The Prophets and Messengers, as well as the righteous servants of Allah, were adorned with this quality. In reality, no deed of a person is accepted by Allah without taqwa.

Definition of Taqwa

The word taqwa (التقوى) is derived from the Arabic root “waqa” (وقى). Linguistically, it means fear of Allah, piety, righteousness, and religious devotion. In practical terms, it refers to a state in which a person protects himself from harmful or sinful matters.

The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: “Protect yourselves from the Fire, even if it be by giving half a date in charity.” (Sahih al-Bukhari — Hadith: 1417; Sahih Muslim — Hadith: 1016)

In Islamic terminology, taqwa means abstaining from prohibited matters out of fear of Allah and following the path prescribed by Islam. In other words, it is protecting oneself from actions that may lead to Allah’s punishment.

Ali ibn Abi Talib (radiyallahu anhu) explained taqwa as: fearing Allah, acting according to the Qur’an, being content with little, and preparing for the Day of Death.

Once Umar ibn al-Khattab (radiyallahu anhu) asked Ubayy ibn Ka‘b (radiyallahu anhu) about taqwa. He replied with an example: “Have you ever walked on a thorny path?” Umar said, “Yes.” Ubayy asked, “What did you do?” Umar replied, “I gathered my clothes and walked carefully.” Ubayy said, “That is taqwa.”

The Importance of Taqwa

In Islamic law, the importance of taqwa is immense. Allah commanded both previous nations and the present community to adopt taqwa. Allah says:

“And We have instructed those who were given the Scripture before you and yourselves to fear Allah.” (Surah An-Nisa — 4:131)

The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam frequently advised the Companions to adopt taqwa. When he sent Mu‘adh (radiyallahu anhu) to Yemen, he instructed him: “You must adhere to taqwa.” (Silsilah Sahihah — Hadith: 3320)

In another narration, a man sought advice before going on a journey. The Prophet said: “Adopt the fear of Allah and say Takbir whenever you ascend a high place.” (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi — Hadith: 3445; Ibn Majah — Hadith: 2771)

Whenever the Prophet sent a military expedition, he also advised its leader to fear Allah. (Sahih Muslim — Hadith: 1731; Tirmidhi — Hadith: 1408)

In another sermon he said: “I advise you to fear Allah and to listen and obey your leader, even if he is an Abyssinian slave.” (Tirmidhi — Hadith: 2676; Ibn Majah — Hadith: 42)

Taqwa in All Aspects of Life

In Islam, taqwa is not limited to specific acts of worship; rather, it is essential in every aspect of life.

Abu Dharr (radiyallahu anhu) narrated that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said: “Fear Allah wherever you are.” (Tirmidhi — Hadith: 1987)

Therefore, taqwa is also necessary for the acceptance of deeds. Allah says:

“Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous (those who have taqwa).” (Surah Al-Ma’idah — 5:27)

****Taqwa and Guidance

Taqwa opens the path to guidance for a person. Allah says:

“This is the Book in which there is no doubt; it is guidance for the people of taqwa.” (Surah Al-Baqarah — 2:2)

Another verse states:

“As for the one who gives charity, fears Allah, and believes in the best reward, We will make the path of ease easy for him.” (Surah Al-Layl — 92:5–7)

These verses show that taqwa guides a person toward the right path and makes the journey to Paradise easier.

****The Results of Taqwa

Taqwa brings many blessings into a person’s life. Allah says:

“And whoever fears Allah, He will make a way out for him and provide for him from where he does not expect.” (Surah At-Talaq — 65:2–3)

In another verse:

“And whoever fears Allah – He will make his affairs easy for him.” (Surah At-Talaq — 65:4)

Taqwa also leads to the correction of deeds and the forgiveness of sins. Allah says:

“O believers! Fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice. He will correct your deeds and forgive your sins.” (Surah Al-Ahzab — 33:70–71)

Moreover, taqwa gives a person the ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood:

“If you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion (to distinguish right from wrong) and will remove your sins.” (Surah Al-Anfal — 8:29)

****Taqwa and the Love of Allah

Allah loves those who possess taqwa. Allah says:

“Indeed, Allah loves the righteous (those who have taqwa).” (Surah Aal-e-Imran — 3:76)

The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam also said:

“Indeed, Allah loves the servant who is pious, self-sufficient, and hidden from people.” (Sahih Muslim — Hadith: 2965)

Taqwa and True Honor

A person’s true honor is not based on lineage, wealth, or outward status, but on taqwa. Allah says:

“Indeed, the most honorable of you in the sight of Allah is the one who is most righteous among you.” (Surah Al-Hujurat — 49:13)

When the Prophet sallallahu alaihi wasallam was asked who is the most honorable among people, he replied:

“The one who has the most taqwa.” (Sahih al-Bukhari — Hadith: 3353)

Taqwa: The Best Provision

Taqwa is the best provision for a believer. Allah says:

“And take provisions, but indeed the best provision is taqwa.” (Surah Al-Baqarah — 2:197)

In a hadith, when a man sought advice before traveling, the Prophet said:

“May Allah grant you taqwa as your provision.” (Tirmidhi — Hadith: 3444; Ibn Khuzaymah — Hadith: 2532)

Taqwa and Companionship

Islam emphasizes the importance of keeping the company of righteous people. The Messenger of Allah sallallahu alaihi wasallam said:

“Do not accompany anyone except a believer, and let no one eat your food except a person of taqwa.” (Tirmidhi — Hadith: 2395; Abu Dawud — Hadith: 4832)

Umar ibn al-Khattab (radiyallahu anhu) also advised that one should not take anyone as a close friend except a trustworthy person, and true trustworthiness is achieved through taqwa.

Taqwa and Nearness to Allah

Allah is the protector and helper of those who possess taqwa. He says:

“And know that Allah is with those who have taqwa.” (Surah Al-Baqarah — 2:194)

Another verse states:

“Indeed, Allah is with those who fear Him and those who do good.” (Surah An-Nahl — 16:128)

In this way, according to the Qur’an and Hadith, taqwa appears as a quality that ensures success in both worldly life and the Hereafter. Those who possess taqwa attain Allah’s closeness, mercy, guidance, and success, and ultimately they are granted Paradise and eternal peace.