Divine Revelation

A blog with an Islamic perspective


Tuesday, October 10, 2006

TAQWA or FEAR of ALLAH
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Taqwa is an internal compass on the path that leads towards Allah. The broader meaning and character of Taqwa is to develop one’s behaviour, so as to be cautiously aware in the worship of Allah and attain nearness to Him and in so doing, perfect oneself.

This consciousness and fear of Allah is understood as a protection and a shield against wrongdoing. The abstention of evil through this fear, consciousness and establishing a cautious awareness of Allah, ultimately develops one’s love of Him.

The path that inculcates and embraces a character of Taqwa is one that must be carefully and cautiously treaded. On this path one must be completely aware of oneself and one’s surroundings, to be disciplined with the correct action and behaviour which will achieve one’s closeness to Allah.

Taqwa is one of the most profound concepts in Islam. It is an avenue by which Muslims relate to one another in society and a means to channel actions for the pleasure of Allah. Possessors of Tawqa are called Al-Muttaqun or Muttaqeen.

The Glorious Qur’an illustrates this in Surah 49 Al Hujurat (the Inner Apartments), Verse 13
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you (Taqwa). And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).

The ideal Islamic society is a Taqwa conscious society, conferring its highest respect on those considered to be high in Taqwa.

In a God conscious or God fearing society, evil forces will be on the run while the forces of virtue will be on the ascent. Penal laws to punish wrong-doers will play second fiddle as people will themselves keep away from sin and committing injustice through the fear of God. Spreading taqwa or fear of God is the only solution to the rising graph of crime and exploitation.

This consciousness and fear of Allah is understood as a protection and a shield against wrongdoing. The abstention of evil through this fear, consciousness and establishing a cautious awareness of Allah, ultimately develops one’s love of Him.

Posted by Arshad on Saturday, February 03, 2007.

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