A true Muttaqoon is a person who strives to possess a solid understanding and knowledge of the rulings of Allah (swt) through the Qur’an and Sunnah. Without proper knowledge of the Islamic rulings, a person would not know what is asked of him/her. Therefore, it is a must to understand Islam properly as well as to have the proper intention of pleasing Allah (swt) in carrying out these actions.
Imam Ahmad mentions a Hadith, narrated by a Sahabi, whereby a person once asked, “Oh Messenger of Allah, give me some advice.” The Prophet (saaw) responded, “I advise you to fear Allah (swt) because it is the head of everything.” In another occasion the Prophet (saaw) replied, “Fear Allah (swt) because it is the collection of all goodness.”
The Sahabah, may Allah be pleased with them, demonstrated this on many occasions. This can be demonstrated through the incident of Abu Dharr Ghaffari and Bilal al-Habashi.
Abu Dharr was once engaged in an argument with Bilal. In the heat of the disagreement, Abu Dharr addressed Bilal as “You son of a black woman!” Bilal’s response was not to insult Abu Dharr as some Muslims might do today. He immediately went to Rasullallah (saw) and relayed what Abu Dharr had said. The Prophet addressing Abu Dharr said “You have exceeded the limit O Abu Dharr ! You still have traces of Jahilliyah in your mind. There is no difference between an Arab and a non-Arab except by Taqwa “
Upon hearing this Abu Dharr (ra) immediately placed his head on the ground and urged Bilal (ra) to stamp Abu Dharr’s face in the ground with his own Abyssinian feet. Bilal did not do so.
Thereafter, Allah revealed the verse: “O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).” [49:13]
Allah (swt) also promises to be with those who have Taqwa. Allah (swt) says,
Truly, Allah is with those who fear Him (have Taqwa), keep their duty unto Him, and those who are Muhsinun (doers of good for Allah’s sake only.) “[An-Nahl 16: 128]
Also Taqwa constitutes a reason that Allah (swt) has provided in order to help one who is experiencing hardship and distress. Allah (swt) promises,
“Whoever fears Allah, Allah will grant him a way out of hardship.” [At Thalaaq 65: 2]
Allah (swt) had also promised forgiveness of sins to those people who are Muttaqoon.
“And whoever fears Allah, and keeps his duty to Him, He will forgive his sins from him and will enlarge his reward.” [At-Thalaaq 65: 5]
Allah (swt) has given the glad tidings for those who have Taqwa. The news of paradise is assured to such people, giving hints at the vast rewards to those who take Allah (swt) as their Lord in their actions.
“Verily those who are fearful of Allah (have Taqwa) are the people who, when an evil thought comes to them from Satan, they remember Allah and indeed they then see aright.” [Al-Araf 7: 201]
Hence, from what Allah (swt) has outlined through the Wahi, we can see that a person who possesses Taqwa is not one who lives an isolated life, only praying, fasting, and maintaining good character alone. Instead, the Muttaqoon are those who fear Allah (swt) and look to what Allah (swt) has commanded in carrying out his actions to avoid His (swt) displeasure and anger. These people are involved with the Ummah, active in his/her life, concerned with the affairs of the Muslims, while at the same time praying, fasting, spending in Allah’s cause, having good morals, and are forgiving. All these descriptions can be attributed to a person who has Taqwa.
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