The Path to Piety: The Virtues of Taqwa in the Qur’an
Tariqa Muhammadiyya (One): The Virtues of Taqwa in the Qur’an
Taqwa is the concern within one to refrain from what is displeasing to Allah and preserve what is pleasing to Him. It manifests itself upon our limbs, but it begins from the heart.
This article series—based upon Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s course The Path of Muhammad: Birgivi’s Manual of Taqwa Explained—provides an overview of what Muslims must concern themselves when seeking the attainment of taqwa. This article will focus on the verses of the Qur’an which relate to the virtues of taqwa.
There are over one hundred fifty verses of the Qur’an that relate to taqwa and over forty verses that have explicit commands that call to taqwa. This article will cover ten of these verses, arranged thematically by Imam Birgivi. Some of these verses are accompanied with a brief commentary and advice for you to follow.
One.
Allah Most High says in the Holy Qur’an:
“The most noble of you in the sight of Allah [in station, closeness, reward, and virtue] are the most mindful.” (Qur’an 49:13)
“And Allah is the Guarding Friend [and Patron, and Supporter, and Carer] of the mindful.” (Qur’an 45:19)
“Do not [falsely] deem yourself good, for it is Allah alone Who truly knows who is mindful [of Him].” (Qur’an 53:32)
Look inward, for taqwa can only be found in your heart! Always question the sincerity of your actions and ask yourself, “Am I truly mindful of Allah when I do good acts?” Perhaps it is a facade you put up when other people are around, and once they leave, your good action goes with them.
Two.
“And the mindful people will certainly have a good return.” (Qur’an 38:49)
Remind yourself that there is something after the insanity of this world—something to yearn for and look forward to.
Three.
“And rush towards forgiveness from your Lord and a Garden vaster than the heavens and the earth, prepared for those mindful [of Allah].” (Qur’an 3:133)
Allah has invited you, so come! If you miss this opportunity—despite constant spiritual and existential reminders—you are the one who declined the invitation. You’d have nobody to blame but yourself, for paradise is already prepared and waiting for you.
Four.
“And those who were mindful of their caring Lord will be taken to paradise in groups until they arrive at its [already] open gates. And the guardians of the gate greet them with “Peace be upon you! You have done so well, so come in, to stay forever.” (Qur’an 39:73)
True taqwa is not merely doing ritual action because you’re “supposed to”, because this would entail being mindful of a worldly thing (your action), but not to Whom it’s for.
True taqwa is recognizing the Omnipotence, Mercy, Care, Beauty, and Awesomeness of your Lord! It is having careful restraint in this world because you’re perpetually aware of your Creator and Sustainer.
The reason it is mentioned that we enter Paradise “in groups” is because this is an emphasis on the importance of keeping good company. Cultivate taqwa by spending time with, emulating, and serving righteous people.
Five.
“And truly the [eternal] abode is far better for those who are mindful [of Allah]. Will you not then understand?” (Qur’an 12:102)
Which do you prefer: a fleeting, whimsical pleasure or an eternal abode of ease? Pause and reflect that your desires are fleeting and refraining from them has eternal consequences. Be clear about the reality of this world.
The honored servant of Allah is one who considered the consequences of matters. If a person doesn’t pause to reflect, they’re no different than an animal.
Six.
“…And Allah shielded them (the people of taqwa) from the punishment of Hellfire—As a complete bounty from your lord. That is [truly] the ultimate triumph.” (Qur’an 44:51–57)
The word shield has the same Arabic root as the word taqwa. You are shielded from Hell in the afterlife because you shielded yourself from the displeasure of Allah in this world.
Seven.
…And be mindful of me, O people of reason!” (Qur’an 2:197)
Reflect and reason with yourself: Allah is telling us that He is the One Who created everything from nothingness. You didn’t have to exist! The fact that He took you out of absolute nothingness into existence is a gift.
Someone remaining in Hell is better than non-existence in the first place (in an existential sense)! The One Who took you out from nothing and then sustained you, is calling and warning you. So reflect O you who have a reason!
Eight.
“The best garment is mindfulness.” (Qur’an 7:26)
In a time when many are worried about their appearances and outfits, we forget that we’re meant to be cloaked with the garment of taqwa. The garment of taqwa is the best and there is no goodness outside of its protection. If you beautify yourself with the garment of something outside the standard of taqwa, you won’t find any good in it.
Nine.
“Whoever venerates the distinguishing signs of Allah, that is indeed from mindfulness that is in hearts.” (Qur’an 22:32)
Respect for any symbol of our religion is respect for Allah due to its relationship with Him. Scholars have the guidance of Allah. The Prophet is the emissary of Allah. The Qur’an is the book of Allah. The Ka’ba is the house of Allah. Increase and cultivate your mindfulness of Allah through the veneration of these symbols.
Ten.
“My Mercy encompasses all things…
All of creation is an expression of Divine Mercy. Our mere existence is mercy, life is mercy, being human is mercy, and every moment we live in is a mercy. And there’s the potential for attaining even more mercy. How do we get it? The remainder of the verse tells us.
…And I shall write it for those who remain mindful.” (Qur’an 7:156)
Make mindful choices, even in the seemingly trivial things. And even if you mess up, Allah’s mercy encompasses it if you respond with mindfulness. From sin, repent. From temptation, turn away. From heedlessness, return to consciousness. From whims, refrain. From folly, desist.
The Path to Piety: Birgivi’s Tariqa Muhammadiya
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