Taqwa (Piety)

18-10-2003 | IslamWeb

Question:

What is Taqwa (piety)?

---

Answer:

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and may His blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions. Talq Ibn Habib was once asked about Taqwa (piety) he replied: Taqwa is to act in obedience to Allah, with a light from Allah hoping for the Reward of Allah and to avoid and give up the disobedience of Allah with a light from Allah fearing the punishment of Allah. it is reported that Ali described Taqwa as: Fearing the Almighty, acting according to Qur'an, being sufficient with the least and getting prepared for the day of departure (death). It is also reported that Umar Ibn al-Khattab asked Ubay Ibn Kaab about Taqwa (piety). The latter said: Have you walked through a thorny path? Umar answered: "Yes, indeed". Ubay then asked him: "What did you do?" Umar replied: "I tucked up (my garment) and did my best (to avoid thorns)". Thereupon Ubay said: "That is Taqwa". Allah knows best.