In a secret garden, nestled amidst towering trees and whispering winds, a vibrant community of plants thrived. Lavender, Amaryllis, Marigold, Aglaonema, Gaillardia, Anthurium, Orchid, Ashoka, Jasmine, Rose, and Bougainvillea—each with its unique hue and fragrance—lived in tranquil harmony, their roots intertwined like threads of an intricate tapestry. Lavender, a serene and wise old sage, Lavender had seen many seasons and offered gentle guidance to the younger plants. Amaryllis, a fiery and passionate plant, Amaryllis was always eager to try new things and challenge the status quo. Marigold, a cheerful and optimistic plant, Marigold loved to spread joy and laughter wherever she went. Aglaonema, a cautious and practical plant, Aglaonema was always prepared for any situation and offered sound advice. Gaillardia, a free-spirited and adventurous plant, Gaillardia loved to explore the world and discover new things. Anthurium, a creative and imaginative plant, Anthurium loved to dream of the future and come up with new ideas. Orchid, a delicate and graceful plant, Orchid is known for her beauty and elegance. Ashoka, a strong and resilient plant, Ashoka has faced many challenges in her life and has emerged stronger than ever. Jasmine, a gentle and caring plant, Jasmine is always there to lend a listening ear and offer comfort to her friends. Rose, a proud and regal plant, Rose is known for her beauty and elegance. Bougainvillea, a vibrant and energetic plant, Bougainvillea loves to be the centre of attention and is always ready for a party.
One balmy evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the dew-kissed petals, the plants gathered for their nightly discourse. Tonight's topic was 'Taqwa', a central concept in Islam, often translated as "consciousness of God", "fear of Allah", or "piety." It encompasses a broad range of moral and ethical behaviours that are considered pleasing to God.Lavender began by saying, "Taqwa signifies a profound awareness of Allah and a commitment to living under His guidance. This concept is deeply rooted in the Qur'an and the teachings of the Prophet (ﷺ), emphasizing its importance for all Muslims.
The term taqwa derives from the Arabic root waqa, which means "to protect" or "to shield." Thus, taqwa can be understood as protecting oneself from the displeasure of Allah by adhering to His commandments and avoiding sin. It encapsulates both fear of Allah and a proactive approach to righteousness, reflecting a state of mind that influences one's actions and intentions.
Taqwa is frequently mentioned in the Qur'an, appearing over 250 times in various forms. It serves as a criterion for righteousness and superiority among individuals. Allah states in Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),
يٰٓاَيُّهَا النَّاسُ اِنَّا خَلَقْنٰكُمْ مِّنْ ذَكَرٍ وَّاُنْثٰى وَجَعَلْنٰكُمْ شُعُوْبًا وَّقَبَاۤىِٕلَ لِتَعَارَفُوْا ۚ اِنَّ اَكْرَمَكُمْ عِنْدَ اللّٰهِ اَتْقٰىكُمْ ۗاِنَّ اللّٰهَ عَلِيْمٌ خَبِيْرٌ
"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 Allāh is the most righteous1 of you. Indeed, Allāh is Knowing and Aware."
This verse highlights that true honour comes from one's level of taqwa rather than lineage or wealth. Taqwa involves constant mindfulness of Allah's presence and attributes, leading to a life characterized by obedience to His commands. It encourages Muslims to restrain themselves from sinful behaviour and to act righteously, even in challenging circumstances. Taqwa is closely linked with good character. The Prophet(ﷺ) emphasized that good behaviour is integral to being a muttaqi (one who possesses taqwa). He (ﷺ) stated, "The most complete believer in faith is the one who has the best character" [Tirmidhi; Hasan Sahih].
Those who possess taqwa are aware of their shortcomings and are quick to repent for their sins, following bad deeds with good ones to seek forgiveness. Taqwa entails fulfilling religious duties such as prayer, fasting, and charity while avoiding prohibited actions. Numerous hadiths reinforce the significance of taqwa. For instance, the Prophet (ﷺ) advised, "Have taqwa of Allah wherever you are, follow up an evil deed with a good one which will wipe it out, and behave good-naturedly towards people" [Tirmidhi; Hasan].
This hadith encapsulates the essence of living with taqwa—maintaining God-consciousness in all aspects of life. The practice of taqwa brings numerous benefits:
- Divine Guidance: Those who embody taqwa receive guidance from Allah.
- Ease in Difficulties: Taqwa provides relief during hardships, as Allah promises support to those who are conscious of Him.
- Forgiveness: It leads to forgiveness for past sins.
- Success in This Life and the Hereafter: Ultimately, taqwa is linked with success both in this world and in the afterlife.
Taqwa is not merely an abstract concept but a practical framework guiding Muslims towards righteousness through conscious awareness of Allah's presence. It emphasizes self-restraint, good character, and adherence to divine commandments as essential components for achieving spiritual success."
"How does taqwa influence daily life and decision-making?" Amaryllis was asking a question.
"Taqwa, or God-consciousness, plays a pivotal role in shaping the daily lives and decision-making processes of Muslims," Lavender replied. "It serves as a moral compass, guiding individuals to align their actions with Islamic principles and values. Here are several ways in which taqwa influences daily life:
1. Moral and Ethical Decision-Making. Taqwa acts as a guiding principle for ethical behaviour. When faced with decisions, individuals with taqwa are more likely to consider what is pleasing to Allah. This includes:
- Honesty and Integrity: In business dealings, a person with taqwa will prioritize fairness and transparency, avoiding deceitful practices.
- Compassion in Interactions: Taqwa encourages kindness and good character in relationships, reflecting the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who emphasized that good character is integral to faith.
- Avoidance of Haram: Those who embody taqwa are vigilant about avoiding prohibited actions (haram) and engage in permissible (halal) activities, ensuring their choices reflect their commitment to Islam.
2. Self-Discipline and Self-Control Taqwa fosters self-discipline, enabling individuals to resist temptations and adhere to Islamic guidelines. This includes:
Regular Worship: Engaging in daily prayers, fasting, and other acts of worship reinforces a Muslim's connection with Allah and enhances their awareness of His presence in all aspects of life.
Mindfulness in Actions: The concept of being cautious—likened to navigating a thorny path—illustrates how those with taqwa carefully consider their actions to avoid sin. This mindfulness extends to all areas of life, including personal conduct and social interactions.
3. Coping with Challenges
Taqwa provides individuals with resilience during difficulties. The Qur'an states that those who are mindful of Allah will find relief from hardships: "And whoever fears Allah—He will make for him a way out" (Surah At-Talaq, 65:2). This promise encourages believers to maintain their faith and seek guidance through prayer and reflection when facing challenges.
4. Personal Growth and Spiritual Development
Cultivating taqwa leads to personal growth by enhancing qualities such as:
- Self-Reflection: Regular self-assessment allows individuals to identify areas for improvement, fostering spiritual growth and accountability.
- Pursuit of Knowledge: A muttaqi (one who possesses taqwa) seeks beneficial knowledge that aligns with Islamic teachings, aiding them in making informed decisions that reflect their faith.
5. Community Engagement
Taqwa also influences how individuals interact within their communities:
- Promoting Justice: Inspired by the example of Umar ibn Al-Khattab, who exemplified justice rooted in taqwa, Muslims are encouraged to advocate for fairness and equity in societal matters.
- Supporting Others: Those with taqwa often engage in charitable acts and community service as expressions of compassion and responsibility towards others.
In summary, taqwa profoundly impacts the daily lives of Muslims by guiding their moral choices, enhancing self-discipline, providing resilience during challenges, fostering personal growth, and encouraging community engagement. By cultivating this God-consciousness, individuals strive to live lives that are pleasing to Allah while positively influencing those around them.
Marigold inquired, "How does taqwa affect one's perception of success and prosperity?" Lavender replied, "Taqwa significantly influences one's perception of success and prosperity by redefining these concepts in light of Islamic principles. Here are the key points illustrating how taqwa shapes understanding and pursuit of success and prosperity:
Redefining Success
From an Islamic perspective, success is not solely measured by material gains or external achievements. Instead, it encompasses both worldly accomplishments and spiritual fulfilment. Taqwa guides individuals to focus on righteousness and obedience to Allah, thereby ensuring that their endeavours contribute to their overall spiritual health and alignment with divine will. As Allah says in the Quran, "Have Taqwa of Allah so that you might succeed" [Surah Al-'Imran (3):200]
And also: "And indeed, this is My path, which is straight, so follow it, and do not follow [other] ways, for you will be separated from His way. This has He instructed you that you may become righteous" [Surah Al-'An'am (6):153]
Emphasis on Divine Pleasing
Individuals with taqwa understand that true success lies in pleasing Allah. This mindset shifts the focus from mere earthly successes to enduring rewards in both worlds—the present life and the hereafter. The Quran underscores this point,
اِنَّ الَّذِيْنَ قَالُوْا رَبُّنَا اللّٰهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوْا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلٰۤىِٕكَةُ اَلَّا تَخَافُوْا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوْا وَاَبْشِرُوْا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِيْ كُنْتُمْ تُوْعَدُوْنَ
"Indeed, those who have said, "Our Lord is Allāh" and then remained on a right course - the angels will descend upon them, [saying], "Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised." [Surah Fussilat (41):30]
This verse emphasizes that those who affirm their faith in Allah and maintain steadfastness (istiqamah) will receive divine support and reassurance, particularly from the angels. This reflects the idea that taqwa—being conscious of and obedient to Allah—leads to guidance and protection during life's challenges. The key points are First, affirmation of faith. The verse begins with a declaration of faith in Allah as the Rabb, which is foundational to taqwa. Second, steadfastness: It highlights the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and good deeds, which is a central tenet of taqwa. Third, Divine reassurance. The promise of angels descending with messages of comfort indicates the spiritual support provided to those who embody taqwa. Fourth, the promise of Paradise. The mention of receiving good tidings of Paradise reinforces the ultimate reward for maintaining taqwa.
Thus, this surah encapsulates the relationship between taqwa and divine guidance, emphasizing that true success and reassurance come from a steadfast commitment to faith in Allah."
"How does taqwa differ from concepts like fear and obedience in Islam?" asked Gaillardia.
"Taqwa in Islam differs from concepts like fear and obedience in several distinct ways, highlighting its unique characteristics and multifaceted nature," replied Lavender. "While fear of Allah is an aspect of taqwa, it alone does not encompass the full scope of this concept. Fear typically connotes a negative emotion aimed at avoiding punishment, whereas taqwa involves a broader range of actions and attitudes designed to please Allah.
Taqwa goes beyond mere fear by incorporating adherence to Allah’s commandments, contentment with what He provides, and preparation for judgment day. This holistic approach makes it a more comprehensive concept compared to isolated fear.
Obedience focuses primarily on compliance with rules and regulations. In contrast, taqwa involves active participation in virtuous deeds and avoidance of vice. It necessitates a dynamic interaction with Allah’s guidance, aiming to develop a state of consciousness that permeates all aspects of life.
Obeyance tends to concentrate on outward actions, whereas taqwa aims for an internal transformation. It seeks to shape one’s character and motivations so that they align with Islamic values, resulting in a more profound change within the individual.
There are three dimensions or integral components of Taqwa: faith in Allah, fear of Allah and love for Allah. Faith is foundational to taqwa. It involves believing in Allah’s existence, unity, prophethood, revelation, books, messengers, resurrection day, reckoning day, paradise, hellfire, predestination (qadar), decree (qada'), and the will of Allah. Fear is an intrinsic component but not exhaustive. It pertains specifically to avoiding Allah’s wrath and disobedience. Love represents a deeper dimension where one genuinely cherishes Allah’s benevolence and grace. This love inspires actions that please Him without expectation of reward or fear of consequence.
"How does taqwa contribute to emotional well-being?" Amarilis wanted to know."
