Taqwa in Islam: Threads of Light in a World of Shadows

Once, the Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the great companion Ubayy ibn Ka’b (may Allah be pleased with him), “What is Taqwa in islam?“

Instead of offering a complex definition, Ubayy posed a simple, profound question. “O Commander of the Faithful,” he began, “have you ever walked along a path covered in thorns?”

Umar replied, “Yes, I have.”

Consequently, Ubayy asked, “How did you manage it?”

Umar answered, “I gathered my robes, watched my step, and moved with extreme caution so that not a single thorn would prick me.”

With a gentle smile, Ubayy ibn Ka’b said, “That is Taqwa.“

This is precisely what Taqwa is. It is not a dry, academic term or simply the fear of God. Rather, it is the living consciousness of navigating the thorny path of life, carefully guarding your faith (Iman) and deeds (Amal) from the thorns of sin. It is a constant, deep-seated awareness that “My Lord is always watching me.” Indeed, this feeling is the single greatest motivator in a believer’s life and the master key to understanding taqwa in islam.

The promises Allah makes in the Quran and Hadith for His servants who have Taqwa (the Muttaqin) are, without a doubt, enough to light a fire of hope and love in any heart.

1. How Taqwa in Islam Provides Relief from Worldly Worries

As human beings, we constantly worry about the future. For instance, our finances, careers, and families can overwhelm us with anxiety. At times, it feels like we’re trapped with no way out. However, in these exact moments, Taqwa creates a path you never imagined. Allah extends His help to His God-conscious servant in ways they could never expect.

Specifically, Allah the Almighty says:

وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَهُ مَخْرَجًا ﴿٢﴾ وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ

“And whoever fears Allah—He will make for him a way out and will provide for him from where he does not expect.”

(Quran, Surah At-Talaq: 2-3)

This is not just a comforting phrase; it is, in fact, an iron-clad promise from our Lord. In his commentary, Imam Ibn Kathir relates a powerful story that illustrates this. The son of a companion, Awf ibn Malik (RA), was taken prisoner. Distraught and impoverished, he went to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). The Prophet (ﷺ) advised him and his wife to be patient and to constantly repeat, “La hawla wa la quwwata illa billah” (There is no might nor power except with Allah).

Placing their absolute trust in Allah, they did as they were told. Then one day, the unthinkable happened. Their son escaped his captors and returned home, bringing with him a camel from the enemy! Commentators say this very incident led to the revelation of the verse.

Subhan’Allah! This shows that when all worldly options are exhausted, the gates of heaven open for the person who embodies taqwa in islam. As a result, Allah makes their affairs easy and protects them with His divine support.

2. A Path to Forgiveness: Earning Allah’s Love with Taqwa in Islam

We are human, which means we inevitably make mistakes. Our hearts get stained by sin. Yet, Taqwa is the pure water that washes away these stains, making our hearts clean again. When a person of Taqwa sins, they don’t respond with arrogance. Instead, they feel sincere remorse and turn back to their Lord. And surely, Allah loves to forgive those who turn to Him.

The Quran states this clearly:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن تَتَّقُوا اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّكُمْ فُرْقَانًا وَيُكَفِّرْ عَنكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ

“O you who have believed, if you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion (to distinguish right from wrong), remove your misdeeds, and forgive you.”

(Quran, Surah Al-Anfal: 29)

Furthermore, Taqwa doesn’t just bring forgiveness; it is the primary path to earning Allah’s love. And who is more successful than the one whom Allah loves? In a sacred hadith (Hadith Qudsi) from Sahih al-Bukhari, Allah reveals:

“My servant continues to draw near to Me with voluntary works until I love him. And when I love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks.“

[Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith Qudsi No. 6502]

To earn Allah’s love means your entire being operates under His divine guidance. Ultimately, sin becomes foreign to you, and your life itself transforms into a beautiful, living act of worship. This divine love, a core goal of taqwa in islam, is a treasure no worldly gain can ever match.

3. The Promise of Paradise: Ultimate Success in the Hereafter

This worldly life is temporary. Therefore, a believer’s true focus must be on eternal success in the Hereafter. In this journey, Taqwa is the passport that will grant a believer safe passage across the bridge on the Day of Judgment and into the gates of Paradise.

Think of that terrifying Day, when people will flee from their own families. On that Day, the people of Taqwa will feel no fear. Allah promises:

إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي مَقَامٍ أَمِينٍ

“Indeed, the righteous [the Muttaqin] will be in a place of security.”

(Quran, Surah Ad-Dukhan: 51)

That place of security is Jannah (Paradise). So, what will it be like? Its reality is beyond human imagination. Allah has prepared rewards for His righteous servants that “no eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard, and no human heart has ever conceived.” This ultimate success is the true promise of taqwa in islam.

Moreover, the Quran gives us a stunning glimpse:

إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ فِي جَنَّاتٍ وَنَهَرٍ ﴿٥٤﴾ فِي مَقْعَدِ صِدْقٍ عِندَ مَلِيكٍ مُّقْتَدِرٍ

“Indeed, the righteous will be among gardens and rivers, in a seat of honor, near a Sovereign, Perfect in Ability.”

(Quran, Surah Al-Qamar: 54-55)

Ponder that for a moment. All the fame, status, and wealth of this world will fade to nothing. For the people of Taqwa, however, what awaits them is the very presence of the King of all kings, Allah Himself. Without a doubt, what greater prize could there be?

Conclusion: Weave Taqwa into the Fabric of Your Life

Taqwa is not some distant, unattainable goal. Rather, it is the sum of our small, conscious, daily choices.

For instance, when you hear the adhan and choose to leave your work for the mosque; when you lower your gaze to avoid a forbidden sight; when you control your tongue in a moment of anger; or when you remain patient during hardship—each of these is a brick building your Taqwa in Islam, strengthening the fortress of your salvation.

Let’s envelop our lives in this beautiful mantle of conscious piety. Let’s remember Allah in every step we take, so the thorns of this world never tear the garment of our faith. If we do this, Allah will surely open every door of goodness for us, in this life and the next.

O our Lord, plant such fear and love for You in our hearts that we may live as people of Taqwa until our last breath, and be honored with Your closeness in the Paradise You have promised. Ameen.