FRIDAY SERMON: Importance of Taqwa (Allah-Consciousness) in Islam
The Foundation of Faith, Noble Character, and Success in This World and the Hereafter
Mohammad Younis Bhat (Zahid)
All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his family, his companions, and all those who follow his guidance until the Day of Judgment.
Today we are going to discuss one of the most important subjects in Islam—the subject that is the soul of Islam, the essence of faith, the beauty of worship, the foundation of good character, and the secret of success in both this world and the Hereafter. That subject is Taqwa (God-consciousness).
When we study the Holy Qur’an, we find that one of the most frequently emphasized qualities is Taqwa. This is because Taqwa is the quality that elevates an ordinary believer to the rank of a beloved servant of Allah.
Allah Almighty says:
“Indeed, the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the one who has the most Taqwa.” (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13)
This verse teaches us that true honour is not based on wealth, race, nationality, language, or social status. The real criterion of excellence before Allah is Taqwa.
What is Taqwa?
The Arabic word Taqwa comes from the root “Wiqayah,” which means:
“To protect oneself from everything that displeases Allah.”
A person with Taqwa obeys Allah, avoids sins, stays away from injustice, falsehood, dishonesty, and always strives to seek the pleasure of Allah.
Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) beautifully defined Taqwa as:
“To fear Allah, act upon the Qur’an, be content with little, and prepare for the Hereafter.”
The Relationship Between Faith and Taqwa
Faith (Iman) and Taqwa are inseparable.
If Iman is the light in the heart, then Taqwa protects that light.
If Iman is a tree, then Taqwa is its fruit.
If Iman is the foundation, then Taqwa is the strong building constructed upon it.
This is why Allah repeatedly addresses the believers in the Qur’an:
“O you who believe! Fear Allah.”
This means that after accepting faith, the first responsibility of a believer is to develop Taqwa.
The Importance of Taqwa in the Qur’an
- Allah Loves Those Who Have Taqwa
Allah says:
“Indeed, Allah loves those who have Taqwa.” (Surah Aal ‘Imran 3:76)
What a great honour it is to become a servant loved by Allah!
- Taqwa is the Solution to Every Difficulty
Allah says:
“Whoever fears Allah, He will make a way out for him and provide for him from sources he could never imagine.” (Surah At-Talaq 65:2–3)
This verse assures us that Taqwa brings relief, guidance, and unexpected blessings.
- Taqwa Leads to Success
Allah says:
“Fear Allah so that you may attain success.” (Surah Aal ‘Imran 3:200)
True success lies in living with Taqwa.
Taqwa in the Teachings of the Prophet ﷺ
Prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him) said:
“Taqwa is here.”
He then pointed towards his chest three times.
(Sahih Muslim)
This Hadith teaches us that Taqwa is not merely about appearance or clothing; it is a condition of the heart.
How Can We Develop Taqwa?
This is the most practical and important question.
- Strengthen Your Faith
The stronger our belief in Allah, the Day of Judgment, Paradise, and Hell, the stronger our Taqwa becomes.
- Build a Strong Relationship with the Qur’an
●Read the Qur’an daily.
●Understand its meanings.
●Implement its teachings.
The Qur’an enlightens the heart and nurtures Taqwa.
- Establish the Five Daily Prayers
Prayer strengthens our relationship with Allah and protects us from immorality and sin.
- Remember That Allah is Always Watching
When a believer realizes that Allah sees him at every moment, he avoids sins even when no one else is watching.
This is true Taqwa.
- Earn Halal Income
Halal earnings purify the heart and bring blessings, while unlawful income hardens the heart and removes blessings.
- Keep the Company of Righteous People
Good company inspires righteousness and increases faith and Taqwa.
- Engage in Dhikr and Seek Forgiveness
Frequent remembrance of Allah and sincere repentance purify the heart.
- Practice Daily Self-Accountability
Ask yourself every day:
■What good deeds did I perform today?
■What mistakes did I make?
■How can I improve tomorrow?
This habit strengthens Taqwa.
Taqwa Through Proper Upbringing
One of the greatest examples of Taqwa in family life is the upbringing of Hazrat Abraham ( AS) and his son Hazrar Ismael ( AS)
When Allah commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son, Ishmael replied:
“O my father, do as you are commanded.” (Surah As-Saffat 37:102)
This remarkable response reflects perfect faith, obedience, and Taqwa.
The Taqwa of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA)
Abu Bakr once ate some food brought by his servant. Later he learned that it had come from a doubtful source. Immediately, he caused himself to vomit it out because he did not want even doubtful wealth to become part of his body.
This teaches us that people of Taqwa avoid not only what is clearly unlawful but also what is doubtful.
Taqwa in Every Aspect of Life
In Worship: Worship sincerely for Allah alone.
In Business: Avoid lying, fraud, deception, bribery, and interest.
In Trusts: Fulfil every trust with honesty.
In Speech: Speak the truth. Avoid backbiting, slander, and abusive language.
In Character: Show patience, humility, justice, kindness, and mercy.
In Food and Drink: Consume only lawful and pure provisions.
In Family Life: Fulfil the rights of parents, spouses, children, and relatives.
The Need for Taqwa in Today’s World
We live in an age of extraordinary technological and material progress, yet moral values are steadily declining.
Falsehood, corruption, dishonesty, interest-based transactions, immorality, misuse of social media, family breakdown, and selfishness have become widespread.
In such a world, Taqwa is more necessary than ever.
Taqwa reminds us:
Even if no one sees me, Allah sees me.
Even if no one praises me, Allah’s pleasure is enough.
Whether I gain or lose, I must stand with truth.
Whether life is easy or difficult, I must choose what is lawful.
If rulers possess Taqwa, justice will prevail.
If businesspeople possess Taqwa, trust will flourish.
If parents possess Taqwa, righteous children will be raised.
If young people possess Taqwa, society will become strong and morally upright.
The Benefits of Taqwa
A person blessed with Taqwa enjoys countless rewards:
The love of Allah.
Inner peace and contentment.
●Blessings in livelihood.
●Ease during hardships.
●Acceptance of prayers.
●Protection from sins.
●Respect in society.
●Success in this world.
●Eternal Paradise in the Hereafter.
Conclusion
If we truly desire peace in our homes, blessings in our wealth, righteousness in our children, acceptance of our prayers, and success in the Hereafter, then we must develop Taqwa.
Let us pledge today to live according to the Qur’an and the Sunnah, to choose what is lawful, avoid what is unlawful, refine our character, fulfil the rights of others, and seek the pleasure of Allah in every aspect of our lives.
May Allah Almighty bless us with true Taqwa, strengthen our faith, accept our righteous deeds, forgive our shortcomings, and grant us success in this world and the Hereafter.
Ameen, O Lord of the Worlds.
And Allah knows best(STRAIGHT TALK COMMUNICATIONS EXCLUSIVE. The author can be reached at Makahmadina11@gmail.com)
