Ibn Rajab (may Allâh have mercy on him) said[1]:
“The foundation of taqwâ is that, a slave should place between himself
and what he is afraid and cautious of, a shield that would protect him from it.
At times taqwâ is attached to the name of Allâh like the statement of Allâh: “And fear Allâh…”[2]
So if taqwâ is attached to the name of Allâh, the
intended meaning is to fear His anger and displeasure. The intended meaning is
not to beware of seeking nearness to Him nor avoid His Law. However, it means
that one should beware of His punishment and displeasure as His punishment in
this world and in the Hereafter originate from such as stated by the Most High:
“And Allâh warns you against Himself (His Punishment)…”[3]. Allâh – blessed be He – said: “He
(Allâh) is the One, deserving that mankind should be afraid of…”[4]
Meaning He is the One worthy of being feared, revered,
venerated and exalted, and He should be considered great in the hearts of His
slaves so that they would worship Him and obey Him because He deserves glory
and honour; and He is the owner of grandeur, exaltedness and power. Sometimes taqwâ
is attached to Allâh’s punishment or place of punishment like the Fire as in
the word of Allâh: “And fear the Fire…”[5]
It may also be attached to the period of punishment
like the Day of Resurrection: “And be
afraid of the Day when you shall be brought back to Allâh…”[6]
Complete taqwâ includes performing the obligations, abandoning
the prohibitions and doubtful matters. Performing the recommended duties and
avoiding the disliked and unclear matters may also be included. This is because
the word of Allâh the Exalted: ‘Alif-Lâm-Mîm. [These letters are one
of the miracles of the Qur’ân and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their meanings].
This is the Book (the Qur’ân), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those
who are Al-Muttaqoon [the pious and righteous persons who fear Allâh
much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and
love Allâh much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)],’[7] includes all of
that
Jazaakumullaahu Khayran for the Taqwa piece. May He strengthen us to uphold His Taqwa openly and secretly.
ReplyDelete