TAQWA

A Muslim is supposed to know what actions will please Allah and which one will displease Him.

There are 99 names or attributes of Allah. Aalim or All Knower is one of them. A Muslim should

have the belief that Allah is watching His creatures all the time. That belief should be real and 

should be conscientious at heart. This should not be oral but one should always be careful to think

that Almighty is watching me. Further, one should have a firm belief that he will be answerable

to Allah on the Day of Judgment. Sura AlZalzal, ayat 7 and 8 of the Noble Quran states, “So who

ever does an atom’s weight of good will see it (on the Day of Judgment). And whoever does an

atom’s weight of evil will see it.” In the modern sense, it is like a surveillance camera  recording

every movement of a person.  One step further, the camera may not record beyond the body,

but Allah knows what is in our hearts and minds.

The word Taqwa is used in the Noble Quran 251 times. Taqwa is a shield against wrongdoings,

to develop ones behavior, so as to be cautiously aware in every action, and attain nearness to Him

and in the process perfect himself. Allah says in Noble Quran, Sura Baqara (The Cow) ayat 183

“O You who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, so

that you may attain Taqwa”. Similarly, in Sura Hujarat, ayat 13 Allah says “O Mankind! We

created you from a single pair of male and female and made you into nations and tribes, that you

may know each other. Verily! The most honored one of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is)

the most righteous (Muttaqi) of you, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted” The qualities of 

Muttaqeen have been described in Sura Baqara, ayat 2 to 5 “This is the Book, in its guidance,

 without doubt to those who fear Allah, Who believe in the unseen, and establish prayers, and

 spend out of what we have provided for them. And who believe in the Revelation sent to you,

 and revealed before you, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter. They are on 

(right) guidance from their Lord, and they are successful”.  

Fasting is the fountain-head of Taqwa. Apart from the spiritual benefits, it strengthens our will 

power

 and brings in tranquility of heart. Wealthy Muslims while fasting, also realize the pain of poverty.

Numerous illnesses are inflicted upon because of over-eating and fasting streamlines eating habits. 

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said “Keep fasting so that you are healthy”. He further said “Stomach

 is the house of most of sicknesses”. Ramazan is the most blessed month as the Noble Quran

 was revealed to the Holy Prophet (pbuh) in this month on the Grand Night.