The question is, “what does it mean to have Taqwa?”. Taqwa is a central concept in Islam. It means being conscious of Allah in every aspect of life. When someone has taqwa, they act with awareness that Allah sees all things. Their choices reflect both obedience and fear of displeasing Him.
The word taqwa comes from the Arabic root “waqā”, meaning to guard or protect. In practice, taqwa means protecting yourself from actions that displease Allah. It also means striving to follow His commands with sincerity and humility.
Having taqwa transforms your mindset. You don’t just avoid sin; you actively seek what pleases Allah. Every decision, big or small, is made with spiritual awareness. Whether you are alone or in public, taqwa keeps your intentions pure.
The Quran repeatedly praises those with taqwa. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:2), Allah says:
This is the Book! There is no doubt about it—a guide for those mindful [of Allah],
ذَٰلِكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبُ لَا رَيْبَ ۛ فِيهِ ۛ هُدًۭى لِّلْمُتَّقِينَ
Quran 2:2
This verse shows that the Quran benefits those who fear Allah and seek His guidance sincerely. Taqwa opens the door to wisdom, clarity, and peace.
Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
Abu Dharr said: “The Messenger of Allah said to me: ‘Have Taqwa of Allah wherever you are, and follow an evil deed with a good one to wipe it out, and treat the people with good behavior.”
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ بَشَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنُ مَهْدِيٍّ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ حَبِيبِ بْنِ أَبِي ثَابِتٍ، عَنْ مَيْمُونِ بْنِ أَبِي شَبِيبٍ، عَنْ أَبِي ذَرٍّ، قَالَ قَالَ لِي رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “ اتَّقِ اللَّهَ حَيْثُمَا كُنْتَ وَأَتْبِعِ السَّيِّئَةَ الْحَسَنَةَ تَمْحُهَا وَخَالِقِ النَّاسَ بِخُلُقٍ حَسَنٍ ” . قَالَ وَفِي الْبَابِ عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ . قَالَ أَبُو عِيسَى هَذَا حَدِيثٌ حَسَنٌ صَحِيحٌ .
Tirmidhi, Hadith 1987
This hadith reminds believers that taqwa should guide them in all situations. It is not just for prayer or fasting, but for everyday life.
In conclusion, to have taqwa means to live with constant awareness of Allah. Through this awareness, we do what pleases Him and refrain from what displeases Him. It shapes our thoughts, actions, and character. Taqwa builds a life of purpose, humility, and spiritual strength.
