As Salaam Alaikum,
Taqwa is often translated as “God-consciousness” or “piety.” It encompasses more than mere adherence to rules; it reflects a deep awareness of Allah’s presence in our lives. Taqwa involves being spiritually vigilant and recognizing Allah’s constant watch over us. It’s not a passive state but an active mindfulness of our actions. Those who practice Taqwa are called Muttaqin. They strive to align their lives with divine guidance, seeking to please Allah in all aspects.
ٱلَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱلْغَيْبِ وَيُقِيمُونَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَمِمَّا رَزَقْنَـٰهُمْ يُنفِقُونَ وَٱلَّذِينَ يُؤْمِنُونَ بِمَآ أُنزِلَ إِلَيْكَ وَمَآ أُنزِلَ مِن قَبْلِكَ وَبِٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ هُمْ يُوقِنُونَ
who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and donate from what We have provided for them,and who believe in what has been revealed to you ˹O Prophet˺ and what was revealed before you, and have sure faith in the Hereafter.
(Surah Baqarah, 2: 3-4)
The holy month of Ramadan brings a cascade of blessings. The Purpose of Fasting goes beyond abstaining from food and drink, fasting aims to cultivate Taqwa:
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Self-Discipline: Fasting teaches restraint, self-control, and discipline. It tempers our desires and strengthens our willpower.
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Empathy: Feeling hunger and thirst reminds us of the less fortunate. Compassion and empathy grow within us.
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Awareness of Allah: Fasting heightens our consciousness of Allah. Every moment without food or water becomes an act of devotion.
During Ramadan, we engage in additional prayers called Taraweeh. These nightly prayers allow us to connect more intimately with Allah. We seek forgiveness, guidance, and closeness.
Ramadan encourages introspection:
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Life Assessment: We ponder our life’s purpose, our deeds, and our intentions. Are we living in alignment with Taqwa?
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Repentance: Recognizing our imperfections, we seek forgiveness. Ramadan is a time for sincere repentance.
Giving Zakat during Ramadan reinforces Taqwa:
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Responsibility: Zakat reminds us of our duty toward others. It’s not charity; it’s a right that the less fortunate have over our wealth.
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Purification: By giving, we purify our wealth and hearts. It’s a cleansing process that aligns with Taqwa.
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Compassion: Zakat fosters compassion. We empathize with those in need and share our blessings.
أَلَمْ يَعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ يَقْبَلُ ٱلتَّوْبَةَ عَنْ عِبَادِهِۦ وَيَأْخُذُ ٱلصَّدَقَـٰتِ وَأَنَّ ٱللَّهَ هُوَ ٱلتَّوَّابُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ
Do they not know that Allah alone accepts the repentance of His servants and receives ˹their˺ charity, and that Allah alone is the Accepter of Repentance, Most Merciful?
(Surah Tawba, 9: 104)
This article is inspired by the Khutba given by Dr. Mohammed Kaiseruddin, Chairman of Downtown Islamic Center and a member of Zakat Chicago. To read his entire Khutba on Taqwa and Muttaqin, please click on the link below.
Zakat Chicago is happy to collaborate with three prominent Ulema in the US to provide insights on Zakat. Please register for the upcoming webinars.
