Taqwa is an Islamic term for being conscious & cognizant of Allah, of truth, of the rational reality, “piety, fear of God“.It is often found in the Quran. Al-Muttaqin refers to those who practice taqwa. The word Taqwa has been mentioned 151 times in the Noble Qur`an.
Reality of Taqwa is for Tayaqquz (alertness) to be created in all facets of life. This means that one should ponder upon every step whether this is for Allah or for the Nafs or how much is for Allah and how much is for the Nafs.
Hadhrat Umar (Radhiallaahu Anhu) asked Hadhrat Ka’b Ahbaar (Radhiallaahu
Anhu), ‘What is the reality of Taqwa?’ He said, ‘Have you ever passed a
thorny tree?’ He answered, ‘Yes’. He asked, ‘How did you pass?’ He answered,
‘I passed with such care that I ensured that no thorn got caught into my
hem.’ He said, ‘In the very same way, the reality of Taqwa is for one to
save himself from the thorns of sins and negligence.
The companionship of the pious plays a vital role for inculcating Taqwa.
In Surah 53 An Najm (The Clans), Verse 32 reminds us that:
“Hold not yourself purified. Allah knows best who has Taqwa.”
In Islam there is only one Shari’ah (Divine Law) and one scale of righteousness for everyone and that is measured through a character of Taqwa.
*The Glorious Qur`an illustrates this in Surah 49 Al Hujurat (the Inner Apartments), Verse 13:
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you (Muttaqi). And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”