Taqwa is an Arabic word (تقوى) and a specific term used in Islamic theology. Taqwa means forbearance, abstinence, and fear. In Islamic terminology, it refers to piety and fear of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. It is also used in reference to being conscious and mindful of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, in all aspects of life. It involves a profound cognizance of Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى presence, guiding a believer to avoid sin and strive for righteousness out of love, reverence, and fear of displeasing Him. Generally, Taqwa refers to the fear of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى and being pious and righteous, in Islam, with a profound belief in Him.

The Arabic word Taqwa is derived from the root word “waqa”, which means “to protect” or “to shield”. In this context, Taqwa implies guarding or protecting oneself from sins and disobedience of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.

Taqwa is one of the core practices in Islam. Though not directly included in the five pillars of Islam, Taqwa is closely associated with the first pillar, “Shahada or Profession of Faith”. Profession of faith refers to the declaration by Muslims that “there is no God but Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, and Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ is the messenger of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى”, whereas Taqwa is related not only to fear of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى but also being conscious and aware of His existence. Accordingly, those who believe in Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى (monotheism) and avoid shirk (polytheism) and those who act in Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى obedience are referred to as “Muttaqin” (المُتَّقِين). In simple words, those who precisely practice taqwa are called muttaqin. In this context, Taqwa becomes the fundamental prerequisite of the faith.

Taqwa in the Quran

Some careful estimates suggest that the word Taqwa appears in the Quran around 100 times. Another study reflects that the word Taqwa and its other forms and derivatives are mentioned in the Quran more than 250 times. An example of Taqwa’s mention in the Quran is the 2nd verse of surah Al-Baqarah, where the term “لِّلْمُتَّقِيْنَ” is used to refer to Taqwa.

ذٰلِكَ الْكِتٰبُ لَا رَيْبَ۝۰ۚۖۛ فِيْہِ۝۰ۚۛھُدًى لِّلْمُتَّقِيْنَ

Translation

This is The Book free of doubt and involution, a guidance for those who preserve themselves from evil and follow the straight path.

Here, it is mentioned that this book (the Quran) is a guidance for those who are “muttaqin”. Taqwa is also mentioned as the “best provision – فَاِنَّ خَيْرَ الزَّادِ التَّقْوٰى” in 197th verse of Surah Al-Baqara.

Translation

Known are the months of pilgrimage. If one resolves to perform the pilgrimage in these months, let him not indulge in concupiscence, sin, or quarrel. And the good you do shall be known to God. Provide for the journey, and the best of provisions is piety. O men of understanding, obey Me

Similarly, the 183rd verse of Surah Al-Baqara, relates taqwa with fasting, as under:

Translation

O believers, fasting is enjoined on you as it was on those before you so that you might become righteous.

In the 7th verse of Surah At-Tawba, the status of muttaqin is mentioned as “اِنَّ اللہَ يُحِبُّ الْمُتَّقِيْنَ – Indeed Allah is pleased with the pious”.

These are just a few narrations from the Quran that signify the concept of Taqwa. The Quran contains many other references to Taqwa in various verses and contexts, which is why Taqwa is so important in Islam.

Taqwa in Hadith

Several Hadiths appear in different authentic Hadith collections, about the significance of Taqwa, such as Hadith 2004 of Jami Tirmidhi, where it is mentioned that the maximum number of believers entering the Paradise will be those who practiced Taqwa in their life.

Translation

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah was asked about that for which people are admitted into Paradise the most, so he said: “Taqwa of Allah and good character.” And he was asked about that for which people are admitted into the Fire the most, and he said: ” The mouth and the private parts.

Three Levels of Taqwa in Islam

The Islamic scholars have defined Taqwa in different ways. Per a famous tradition, Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ once asked Hazrat Ubayy Ib Ka’b رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, “what is taqwa?”. Hazrat Ubayy Inb Ka’b رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ asked him if he had ever been to a place that had thorns on it. Hazrat Umar رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ replied “Yes”. Hazrat Ka’b asked رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, what you would do then. The answer was “I rolled up my sleeves and tried to avoid thorns”. Hazrat Ka’b رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ said, “That is Taqwa; to protect yourself from sins throughout your life, so that you may successfully complete the journey of life on this earth”.

Accordingly, the scholars have defined three levels of Taqwa as under:

  1. Basic Taqwa – This is considered the lowest level of Taqwa, where a person refrains from disbelief (kufr) and embraces faith (Iman). All Muslims fall into this category of Taqwa.
  2. Intermediary Taqwa – This is the second level of Taqwa, a bit higher than the basic taqwa. It is the level of taqwa, where a person follows the basic conditions of being a Muslim, i.e., refraining from disbelief and embracing faith. Additionally, he/she also avoids prohibited deeds and actions. A person who avoids small or big sins would fall into this category. It is generally believed that the term “Taqwa” primarily refers to this category.
  3. Taqwa of Ascetic Persons – This is the highest level of taqwa, which ascetic persons practice. While practicing the first two levels of taqwa, as mentioned above, a person would fall into the highest level of taqwa, if he/she also refrain from and abandon everything that may create doubt in their mind or distract them from the Will and Command of Allah, سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.

Different Types of Taqwa in Islam

Apart from defining the three levels of Taqwa, the scholars have further classified It into different types. This further elaborates on the three levels of Taqwa. Accordingly, the following are the various types of Taqwa.

· Refraining from Disbelief (Kufr)

Refraining from Disbelief (Kufr) is the basic and mandatory requirement of being a Muslim. Hence this is the basic form of taqwa, every Muslim must observe. The concept is clearly defined in Hadith 16 of Sahih Al-Bukhari.

Translation

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Whoever possesses the following three qualities will have the sweetness (delight) of faith:

  1. The one to whom Allah and His Apostle becomes dearer than anything else.
  2. Who loves a person and he loves him only for Allah’s sake.
  3. Who hates to revert to Atheism (disbelief) as he hates to be thrown into the fire.

· Refraining from Heresy (Bid’at)

The second category of Taqwa is “refraining from Heresy (bid’at). While following the basics of the Islamic teachings, i.e., refraining from Disbelief, avoiding heresy is the second type of Taqwa. Hadith 7 of Sahih Al-Mulsim, narrates it as under:

Translation

There will be in the end of time charlatan liars coming to you with narrations that you nor your fathers heard, so beware of them lest they misguide you and cause you tribulations’

· Refraining from Major Sins

The third type of taqwa is to avoid committing major sins, often referred to as “al-khatiyat al-kubra” in Islamic theology. It is mentioned in the Quran in the 31st verse of Surah An-Nisa as under:

Translation

If you keep away from the deadly sins that have been forbidden, We shall efface your faults, and lead you to a place of honour.

· Refraining from Minor Sins

Avoiding committing minor sins, commonly known as “al-khatiyat as-sughra”, is the fourth type of taqwa. Minor sins are so often in the life of a person, which one even don’t know while committing such a sin. Therefore, refraining from such minor sins is very important, as mentioned in Hadith 4244 of Sunan Ibn Majah. It also refers to the 14th verse of Surah Al-Mutaffifeen

Translation

When the believer commits sin, a black spot appears on his heart.If he repents and gives up that sin and seeks forgiveness, his heart will be polished. But if (the sin) increases, (the black spot) increases. That is the Ran that Allah mentions in His Book: “Nay! But on their hearts is the Ran (covering of sins and evil deeds) which they used to earn.” [83:14]

· Refraining from Things That Create Doubt in the Mind

Although the concepts of Halaal and Haraam (Permissible and non-permissible) are very much clearly defined in the Islamic jurisprudence, some things might create doubts in one’s mind, whether it is Halaal or Haraam. Refraining from all such ambiguous matters and things is yet another type of Taqwa. This subject is clearly defined in Hadith 52 of Sahih Al-Bukhari.

Translation

Both legal and illegal things are evident but in between them there are doubtful (suspicious) things and most of the people have no knowledge about them. So whoever saves himself from these suspicious things saves his religion and his honor. And whoever indulges in these suspicious things is like a shepherd who grazes (his animals) near the Hima (private pasture) of someone else and at any moment he is liable to get in it. (O people!) Beware! Every king has a Hima and the Hima of Allah on the earth is His illegal (forbidden) things. Beware! There is a piece of flesh in the body if it becomes good (reformed) the whole body becomes good but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt and that is the heart.

· Refraining from Personal Desires and Wishes

This is yet another type of Taqwa: refraining from the wishes or desires of one’s inner self, commonly referred to as “Nafs” in Islamic theology. A person’s inner self is often a source of temptation to commit things that are not allowed in Islamic teachings. So, refraining from personal desires and wishes is an important type of Taqwa, as also mentioned in the Quran, in verses 40 and 41 of Surah An-Naziyat.

Translation

  1. But he who feared standing before his Lord, and restrained his self from vain desires.
  2. Will surely have Paradise for abode

· Refraining from Diverting Attention from Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى

A true believer, or more specifically, an ascetic person, would ideally be striving to get as close to Allah, سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى, as possible. For this they dedicate their life and death, seeking the pleasure of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى. They would refrain from diverting their attention to anyone other than Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.  It is the topmost type of Taqwa.

There are quite a few references in the Quran about this type of Taqwa, as mentioned below:

8th Verse of Surah Al-Muzzammil narrates that one should refrain from diverting their attention other than to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى

Translation

But recite the name of your Lord withdrawing yourself from everything, devoting yourself exclusively to Him

162nd Verse of Surah Al-An’am. Here, the devotion of a Muslim towards Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is described.

Translation

Tell them: “My service and sacrifice, my life and my death, are all of them for God, the creator and Lord of all the worlds.

207th Verse of Surah Al-Baqara, where the highest level of devotion of a person is described, where they are willing even to sell their soul to please Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى

Translation

And there is a man who is willing to sell even his soul to win the favour of God; and God is compassionate to His creatures

These are the different types of Taqwa, as explained by the Scholars. According to the research work of other scholars, there might be some other types of Taqwa.

The Practice of Taqwa in the Islamic Faith

Practicing Taqwa is the most essential subject matter in the Islamic faith. Attaining at least the lowest level of Taqwa is the basic requirement and condition of being a Muslim. To earn a higher status on the Day of Judgement, one has to strive to attain the next levels of taqwa, which should be the ultimate goal of every Muslim.

Here are some main acts that may lead to attaining a higher level of taqwa:

  • Obedience to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى is the basic condition of practicing taqwa. It includes unconditional faith and trust in the Oneness of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى and following His Commands and Will.
  • Unconditional faith on the Prophethood of the Prophet Muhammad صَلَّى ٱللَّٰهُ عَلَيْهِۦ وَسَلَّمَ. One needs to follow his Sunnah and sayings to live a righteous way of life.
  • Strictly follow the norms and parameters set by the Quran and Sunnah in all aspects of daily life, including worship and beliefs.
  • Avoid committing all types of Sins, whether major or minor.
  • Refrain from matters where there is a doubt in your mind.
  • Avoid shirk (polytheism), which includes looking for help from anyone other than Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى.
  • Practice frequent Dhikr (remembrance of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى). Keep connected with Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى through Dhikr, prayers, supplications and gratitude.
  • Practice sincerity and protect yourself from arrogance.
  • Refrain from jealousy and hatred.
  • Honoring the rights of others while upholding honesty, justice, and fulfilling your obligations towards others.
  • Practice the habit of self-accountability. Always think about your actions and repent for anything done wrong.

Benefits of Taqwa

  • Helps get you close to Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى and attain His pleasure.
  • Taqwa brings forgiveness and mercy of Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى
  • Regular practice of Taqwa makes life hereafter easy, by bringing rewards.

Conclusion

Taqwa is the core Islamic practice, which is directly associated with the first pillar of Islam, known as “Confession of Faith or Shahada”. Taqwa is simply defined as following the Divine Command and Will and refraining from sins and evils. The basic or the bare minimum level of Taqwa is to refrain from Disbelief (Kufr) and embrace Faith (Iman). This is the basic condition of being a Muslim. Anything beyond that would be an additional quality of being a better Muslim. One should try to attain the higher levels of Taqwa to ensure their place among the most blessed persons on the Day of Judgement.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR