In the opening verses of Surah Al-Baqarah, Almighty Allah describes distinct qualities of the believers who have Taqwa.
What is Taqwa?
Taqwa is defined as fearing Allah, keeping that continuous awe of Allah and reverence in the heart.
1. EASE IN MATTERS
“And whoever fears Allah, He will make for his ease in his matter.” (Quran 65:4)
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Almighty Allah mentions the above verse in Surah At-Talaq where the guidelines of the worst of permissible deeds that are divorce are discussed. The Quran in its majestic style and wisdom alternates these injunctions with the virtues of Taqwa. Whoever has Taqwa, Allah makes matters easy for him in this world as well as the next.
2. A way out of problems and difficulties
“And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out.” (Quran 65:2)
Taqwa serves as a divine guard against trials of this world as well as the difficulties of the hereafter. We see an example of this in the Quran where, in the story of Khidr (alayhissalam), it was the righteous nature of the father that saved his sons from loss even after his death.
The Quran says: “As for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the town; and there was under it a treasure belonging to them, and their father was a righteous man, and their Lord intended that they should attain their age of full strength and take out their treasure as a mercy from your Lord (Quran 18:82).
3. UNEXPECTED SUSTENANCE
“And He will provide for him from sources he could never imagine.” (Quran 65:3)
Almighty Allah is the creator, sustainer and nourisher of the universe. Whatever a person requires and desires of sustenance can be found in His vast treasures.
The divine promise is that the God-fearing will be sustained from sources they would never perceive to receive sustenance from.
4. ABILITY TO DISTINGUISH TRUTH FROM FALSEHOOD
“O you who believe! If you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion (furqan).” (Quran 8:29)
When a believer sees to it that his obedience to Allah and love for him stay above everything else, he is gifted by Allah with furqan (such insight that leaves no doubt between truth and falsehood).
Every matter becomes clear in his mind and when he is faced with confusing situations of the heart, he will be guided to the light.
5. TRANQUILITY
“It is He (Allah) who sent down tranquillity into the hearts of the believers.” (Quran 48:4)
Calmness and tranquillity are sought after states in the daily rat-race of life. These are bounties from Allah which are specifically focused on the hearts of the true believers.
When a servant attaches his heart, actions, longings and aspirations to Allah, Almighty Allah sees to his affairs and keeps him in a state of peace which even those with abundant worldly wealth envy. The Quran says: “Those who believed and whose hearts are assured by the remembrance of Allah. Unquestionably, by the remembrance of Allah hearts are assured.” (Quran 13:28).
Mr Suleiman is the director Darul Arqam.
