Taqwa. What is Taqwa?
To me, attaining consistent Taqwa is one of the most beautiful goals. Yet what is Taqwa?
To start off, let me give you an example of a Muslim who is exhibiting Taqwa:
Let's say her name is Sarah. Sarah, an aspiring muslima, finds herself in the situation of watching a movie that is clearly haraa'm, as it it displays things that Muslims should not be seeing. She mumbles to her friends that she does not think this is an appropriate movie.
"Aww Sarah, you're such a goody-good. What's the matter with you, it's a great movie."
Cheeks growing red, Sarah doesn't say anything else and continues watching the movie till the very end.
When she goes home, the moment she enters her room she begins sobbing in fear of her Lord, as she has clearly done what is wrong. I should have stood up to them. I could have left the room. I have no excuse before my Lord, she thinks, distressed.
She pleads for His Forgiveness, reads Quran, and prays extra prayers, all in Fear of Her Lord.
Abu Dhar Jundub bin Junadah and Abu Abdul Rahman Mu’adh bin Jabal, radiyallahu anhuma, reported that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam, said:
“Fear Allah wherever you may be; follow up an evil deed with a good one which will wipe (the former) out, and behave good-naturedly towards people.”
This is what Sarah did, the moment she came home, praying, repenting, and making Dua'.
That is an exhibition of Taqwa. Being God-Conscious, always feeling God is Watching you, and Knows everything you are doing. Having that Love and Fear of Allah(SWT), that you do not want to anger Him, you want to please Him.
Ali ibn Abi Talib, radiyallahu anhu, defines it as: “Fearing Allah, adhering to His commandments, being content with what He provides one with, and getting ready for the Day of Judgement.”
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Taqwa. A truly beautiful goal. For that is what Islam is. Beautiful.
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