HAVING THE TAQWĀ OF ALLĀH!

 FAJR REMINDER: HAVING THE TAQWĀ OF ALLĀH!

By: Umm Affān

Dhū al-Ḥijjah 28, 1447 (14-June-2026)

Dear brethren! Let us fear Allāh and recognize that He alone deserves our utmost fear above everything else that people may fear. Allāh (ﷻ) says: “O you who believe! Have Taqwā of Allāh as is His Due (i.e. fear Allāh as He should be feared).” [Sūrah Aal-‘Imrān (3): 102)

In this verse, Allāh addresses the believers and then commands them to fear Him. This indicates that there is a distinction between Eemān (Faith) and Taqwā (Fear of Allāh). A person may possess the correct belief, such as knowing that Allāh is fully aware of all his actions, yet fail to fear Him by engaging in major sins like lying, stealing, or fornication. Therefore, in addition to having faith, a believer must also cultivate a genuine fear of Allāh.

Furthermore, we should understand that Taqwā is the foundation of true wisdom. What wisdom is there in neglecting the Commands of Allāh and indulging in what He has prohibited? Indeed, the truly unwise person is the one who worships a fellow creature or an object fashioned by his own hands instead of worshipping Allāh alone. Allāh (ﷻ) says: “Verily, those whom you call upon besides Allāh are slaves like you. So call upon them and let them answer you if you are truthful (i.e. if you have senses and that your natural inclination toward veracity still resides in you).” [Sūrah Al-A’raf (7): 194]

Concerning the response of the inhabitants of the Hellfire when the angels question them about whether a warner came to them, Allāh (ﷻ) informs us: “And they will say: ‘Had we but listened or used our intelligence, we would not have been among the dwellers of the blazing Fire!’” [Sūrah Al-Mulk (67): 10] 

This verse clearly shows that true intelligence and wisdom lead a person to fear Allāh and obey Him. The truly wise, therefore, are those who possess Taqwā.

It is also important to understand that fearing Allāh does not mean depriving oneself of the lawful blessings and comforts that He has bestowed. Rather, true fear of Allāh is demonstrated by fulfilling His Commands and avoiding His Prohibitions (i.e. transgressing the limits He has set). Allāh (ﷻ) says: “And whoever transgresses the set Limits of Allāh, then indeed he has wronged himself.” [Sūrah Aṭ-Ṭalāq (65): 1]

More so, some people mistakenly deny themselves permissible worldly blessings in the name of Zuhd (asceticism). However, this is not the correct understanding of Zuhd. Imām Sufyān ath-Thawrī (Raḥimahullāh) said: “Zuhd (asceticism) is not to eat bad (food) and wear rough (clothes), rather it is to have less hopes (of Dunyā) and (more) expectation of death.” [Siyar A‘lām an-Nubalā’ 2/696]

Therefore, enjoy the lawful blessings that Allāh has provided, ensuring that they are pure and acquired through Ḥalāl means. Use the favours of this world to worship Allāh, draw closer to Him, and remain within the limits He has prescribed. This is the essence of true Taqwā.

I beseech Allāh (ﷻ) to grant us sound intellect, sincere Taqwā, and steadfastness upon His Guidance, and to protect us from all forms of misguidance and destruction. Aameen.