Taqwa is one of the most beautiful and essential concepts in Islam. It’s not just a term… it’s a mindset, a lifestyle, and a spiritual goal that every believer should strive towards.
What is Taqwa?
Taqwa is often translated as “piety” or “God-consciousness” but its depth goes far beyond simple definitions. In the Arabic language, Taqwa comes from the root word waqā, which means to protect or shield oneself. In the Islamic context, it means to protect oneself from the displeasure, anger, and punishment of Allah.
Taqwa is not about living in fear, it’s about being mindful of Allah’s presence in every moment. It is to love Him, to seek His pleasure, and to avoid anything that may displease Him.
“…Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous (muttaqi) of you.”
(Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13)
Taqwa is Personal – Between You and Allah
One of the most comforting aspects of Taqwa is that it is deeply personal. No one can measure or judge how much Taqwa someone has, only Allah knows. It’s a relationship built in secret, nourished by sincerity. It’s a beautiful thing to have something that exists purely between you and your Creator.
This is also why fasting is so closely tied to Taqwa. Fasting is the one act of worship that is almost entirely hidden. No one knows if you’re truly fasting except Allah. It demands a high level of self-discipline and sincerity, qualities rooted in Taqwa.
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqoon (people of Taqwa).”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
Taqwa in the Qur’an
Taqwa is mentioned over 250 times in the Qur’an, a clear sign of its importance. It’s a trait of the most beloved people to Allah. Those who are mindful of Him in private and public, in times of ease and hardship.
It shows up again and again as a quality of the successful:
And the reward of the Hereafter is far better for those who are faithful and are mindful ˹of Allah˺.
(Surah Yusuf 12:57)
Traits of a Muttaqi Heart
While only Allah knows the hearts, there are traits that a Muttaqi Heart has. A Muttaqi Heart is:
- Deeply concerned about Allah’s pleasure: It constantly wonders, “Is Allah pleased with me?”
- Sees everything as a lesson: Even everyday events become reminders of Allah. It finds reasons to reflect in all things.
- Has control over the nafs: A Muttaqi heart never lets emotions, desires, or external situations overpower it’s faith.
- Practices patience and calmness: Even in hardship, the Muttaqi heart remains steady.
- Grateful no matter what: A Muttaqi heart always finds a way to thank Allah even in the times of difficulty.
- Turns back to Allah quickly after sin: A Muttaqi heart doesn’t delay repentance. The heart feels heavy until it seeks His forgiveness.
- Leaves doubtful things: Out of caution, a Muttaqi heart distances itself even from some halal things if they might lead to haram. This could mean leaving a gathering early or limiting screen time to protect the heart.
Abu Dharr said:
“The Messenger of Allah said to me: ‘Have Taqwa of Allah wherever you are, and follow an evil deed with a good one to wipe it out, and treat the people with good behavior.”
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1987
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“A person does not reach the level of the muttaqoon until he leaves what is harmless out of fear of falling into what is harmful.”
(Tirmidhi 2451)
Taqwa Adds Barakah in Life
Ibn ‘Umar said,
“Whoever has taqwa of his Lord and maintains ties of kinship, his term of life will be prolonged, his wealth will be abundant, and his family will love him.”
Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 59
Having Taqwa is a Sunnah
Abdullah bin Mas’ud said:
“When I tell you of a Hadith from the Messenger of Alllah (ﷺ), then think of the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as being the best, the utmost rightly guided and the one with the utmost Taqwa (piety, righteousness).”
Sunan Ibn Majah 19
Taqwa is Your Ticket to Jannah
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.”
Jami` at-Tirmidhi 2004
How to Become a Mutaqqi?
Now you know what Taqwa is, let’s talk about a few things you and I can do to become a Mutaqqi to the best of our abilities:
Observe and reflect on Allah’s signs
Look for the signs of Allah in nature, people, and events around you. Reflect on them, make Dua, and express sincere gratitude for His blessings.
Learn About Allah
Spend time to learn and study about Allah. Get to know Allah better by studying and reflecting on His names and attributes. The more you know about Allah, the easier it will be for you to be mindful of Him.
Live with humility
Be humble in how you speak, walk, think, and act. Never see yourself as better than others. Recognize that every blessing and ease you have is from Allah, and never belittle anyone.
Pray in the quiet of the night
When the world is asleep, spend time with your Lord. Try waking up at least 30 minutes before Fajar to stand in prayer, make Dua, and pour your heart out to Allah. If you’re awake until Fajar, use that time to connect with Him.
Respond to ignorance with peace
When dealing with people who provoke or act without knowledge, don’t lower yourself to their level. Avoid arguments and respond with patience for the sake of Allah.
Avoid wastefulness
Be mindful with your money, time, energy, food, and water. Use every resource as a trust from Allah.
Stay away from sins
Guard yourself against major sins and avoid minor sins as much as you can.
Shield your heart
Actively protect yourself from anything that may lead to Allah’s displeasure. This could mean limiting certain gatherings, content, or habits.
Be grateful in all situations
Even when life doesn’t go as planned, trust that Allah’s wisdom is greater than your understanding. What feels like a setback may be a hidden blessing.
Prioritize your connection with Allah
Build your life around Him, not the other way around. Let your relationship with Allah be at the center of your day.
Never give up on returning to Allah
No matter how many times you fall or how great your sins are, always come back to Him. Don’t let Shaytan convince you it’s too late. Start over as many times as needed. If you drift away, run back to Him, His doors are always open for you.
Taqwa: A Lifelong Pursuit
Taqwa isn’t a checkbox to tick off, it’s a continuous, evolving journey. Every prayer, every struggle against your ego, every private act of goodness brings you closer to Allah. And that’s what it’s all about. May Allah make it easy for us to become a Mutaqqi. Ameen.
