TAQWAA OF ALLAAH

Taqwaa of Allaah, in summary, means that one does whatever he is commanded to do, and stays away from everything which he is prohibited  from, in the areas of one’s `aqeedah (belief), `eebaadah (worship to Allaah) and in his methodology and approach to practically manifesting and establishing Islaam (ahkaam, aadaab, aqlaaq and manhaj). In all of this he must have taqwaa of Allaah. Taqwaa of Allaah is the reason (or cause) for every success in this life and the Hereafter.

Qur’an

Allaah says, {And whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make a way for him to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him from (sources) he never could imagine} [at-Talaaq 65:2-3]

Allaah also says, {and whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him.} [at-Talaaq 65:4]

And, {and whosoever fears Allaah and keeps his duty to Him, He will expiate from him his sins, and will enlarge his reward.} [at-Talaaq 65:5]

Ways to achieve Taqwa

It is not possible to attain taqwaa of Allaah without seeking to have knowledge and fiqh (understanding) in the Deen (Religion) of Allaah. Allaah says in the Qur’aan, {Allaah bears witness that Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), and the angels, and those having knowledge (also give this witness); (He always) maintains His creation in justice. Laa ilaaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the All- Mighty, the All-Wise.} [Aal-‘Imraan 3:18]

Likewise, He said, {so be afraid of Allaah; and Allaah teaches you} [al- Baqarah 2:282]

Therefore, the way to achieve taqwaa of Allaah is to have knowledge of this Deen. It is obligatory upon you to know what has been made prohibited for you, so that you may stay away from it. You must also know that which Allaah  loves and is pleased with so that you may do it, and that which angers Allaah, so that you avoid it. There is no way that this can be manifested except by having knowledge.

Asking the people of knowledge

In order for the Muslim to attain beneficial knowledge and righteous actions he must ask those people who possess knowledge. They are the ‘Ulamaa ar-Rabbaaniyeen – those scholars who are known for their ability to cultivate and nurture as well as for their great knowledge. They are the ones who do not deviate from the straight path. They are the Major Scholars – the ones who Allaah has commanded us to return to by His statement, {So ask the people of the Reminder if you do not know.} [an- Nahl 16:43, al-Anbiyaa’ 21:7]

Likewise those are the ones who the Prophet commanded us to return our affairs to, when he said, “Verily knowledge (‘ilm) is not attained except by seeking it, just as having forbearance (hilm) is not achieved except by seeking it.” [Silsihah as-Saheehah]

References

Written by Shaykh Saalih as-Suhaymee, www.albaseerah.org/publication/nl/vol1iss11.pdf