TAQWA
(Wao-Qaf-Ya).
Waqa means to protect something, to look after and protect it from harmful and injurious things. So, when a horse is taking steps very cautiously and carefully whether it is due to absence of horse shoes, injury or pain or very rough ground, they used to say Waqal Farso Minul Hafa (Taj).
Wiqaya means a preservative (Lane). Sarjun W'aqin is the saddle that fits the back of the horse and does not hurt it (Lane).
W'aqin has been used in the Quran for a person who protects, or safe-guards (13/37).
W'aqin has been used in the Quran for a person who protects, or safe-guards (13/37).
In verse (2/24) it has been used for saying "protect yourself from fire" - Fattaqun Nar.
Ittaqullah has been used in the Quran many times and means to look after the Divine Laws, follow them, live according to the Divine Guidance, and to remain in harmony with these Laws.
In verse (5/2) Taqwa has been used as antonym of Udwan, which means rebellion and disobedience. So Taqwa would mean to obey and follow the Laws of Allah.
In verse (5/2) Taqwa has been used as antonym of Udwan, which means rebellion and disobedience. So Taqwa would mean to obey and follow the Laws of Allah.
Verse (3/101) explains it further by saying that, "O Jama'at-ul-Momineen, follow the Laws of Allah in their true spirit."
In verse (6/90-91) word Gh'aween has been used opposite to Muttaqeen. Gh'aween are those who leave the Divine Laws and adopt a different course. In verse (38/28), Fujjar has been used as an antonym of Muttaqeen. F'ajir is one who breaks out of the pattern of life devised
by the Laws of Allah. So Muttaqi is a person, whose personality remains integrated and in harmony with the Laws of Allah.
by the Laws of Allah. So Muttaqi is a person, whose personality remains integrated and in harmony with the Laws of Allah.
Verse (91/8) is very important as it explains the process of integration as well disintegration of human personality. Both these qualities are built in the Nafs or personality of a person. Fa-alhamaha Fojooraha wa Taqwaha. So it is up to a person either to develop, integrate and crystallise his personality by following the Laws of Allah, or have it disintegrated.
Surah Al-Muhammad says that there are some people who follow their own ambitions, feelings or desires, and others who follow the Laws of Allah - this second category gets or attains their Taqwa (47/17) Atahum taqwahum.
Surah Al-Muhammad says that there are some people who follow their own ambitions, feelings or desires, and others who follow the Laws of Allah - this second category gets or attains their Taqwa (47/17) Atahum taqwahum.
Therefore Muttaqeen are those people who keep away from things that are harmful to their personalities, by remaining in harmony with the Laws of Allah, and thus get their personalities developed. Therefore, one of the ways to remain safe from the harmful results of destructive forces is to remain in harmony with the Divine Laws.
The very opening verses of the Quran says that this Book provides guidance but to those who follow the Laws of Allah and keep away from the pitfalls and "thorny bushes" of the tread-path of life. But if a person walks on the dangerous path knowingly and deliberately there is no use to caution him or give him the right direction. He would never listen to the warnings or accept the correct advice (2/6).
One has to study carefully and see as to when this word has been used for protecting oneself or keeping away, and where it has been used for following the Laws of Allah. For instance in verse (2/201) "Waqina Az'aban-Nar", in verse (66/6) "Qoo Anfusakum" or in verses (59/6) and (40/9), the word has been used to protect oneself. But in verse (59/1) "Wattaqullah" would not mean "keep away from Allah." This means, as explained above, obey the Laws of Allah and do not violate them. This is called Taqwa. And whoever observes these Laws most is most worthy of respect in the sight of Allah (49/13).
