The word Taqwa is a derivative of the word ittaqa from the root word "waqa", which means "to be protected from the harmful." Essentially, this is what Taqwa is: a protection from that which harms a person. One who practices Taqwa is called Muttaqi, and plural is Muttaqeen. The example of Taqwa is like that of thorny path. When you see a thorn, you keep away from the thorns because of the fear of getting pricked by it. Similarly when you see a Gunaah, you keep away from it because of the fear of Allah. Taqwa's meaning is fear, clinging to obedience to Allah and abandoning disobedience to Him. In short, it is the sum of all good.
There are several benefits of Taqwa mentioned in the Qur'an. It provides with guidance because Allah says that there is "guidance for the muttaqeen.� It provides a believer with help because it says in the Qur�an, "Truly, Allah is with the people who have Taqwa." Taqwa provides a believer with the friendship of Allah because it says, "Allah is the close friend of the muttaqeen." It provides a believer with the love of Allah because it says, "Truly Allah loves the muttaqeen." If a person has Taqwa, Allah forgives his wrong doings, covers them up, and magnifies his rewards exponentially because it says, "Whoever has Taqwa of Allah He will cover over his wrong actions and magnify a reward for him" Taqwa provides a way out from unhappiness, and provision from the sources that one does not expect. Allah eases matters of a Muttaqi person, and grants him success. Allah accepts the actions and deeds of a Muttaqi person. Allah gives the Muttaqi person the good news of entering into the Jannah, and saving from the H.ell Fire.
The people of Taqwa are described by having a true speech, their garments are of moderate nature and their walk is that of humility. They lower their gazes when they see something that Allah has forbidden them to see and they listen to beneficial knowledge. They maintain integrity in both adversity and prosperity. They observe patience for a few days in the duniya and experience lasting comfort in the aakhira. During nights they stand in rows and read portions of the Qur'an. They are strong in Islam and Eemaan, firm in their belief. They seek knowledge and are knowledgeable. They are moderate natured and have a good akhlaaq / conduct.
What awakens Taqwa? How does a believer attain that state of devotion in which he always remembers that even if he can�t see Allah, Allah can surely see him? Remembering death, fearing punishment in the grave and in Aakhira makes a person fear Allah and strive to become a Muttaqi, a pious person. Fear of punishment in the life makes a person strive to become a Muttaqi. Hope of rewards, both in duniya and aakhira makes a person strive to become a Muttaqi. The fear of facing Allah and being ashamed to face Allah because he is a big sinner makes a person strive to become Muttaqi and avoid those sins. A person becomes a Muttaqi by Praising Allah and by being obedient to Him, fearing Him because indeed He holds a person responsible and accountable, and by loving Him and showing gratitude for the blessings that Allah has granted him.
Dua: Oh Allah, guide us towards what is right, and help us resist what is wrong. Help us become the Muttaqeen, the righteous. Allow us to become better Muslims,the Khairul Ummati. Indeed without your guidance, we are lost. Aameen.
P.S. Pass it on to friends, family, neighbors, Muslims and Non Muslims alike.
