What is taqwa? It is the most frequently mentioned concept in the Quran, appearing close to 200 times, and yet many Muslims still do not truly understand or practice it. This thought-provoking talk breaks down taqwa using vivid analogies that make this essential concept accessible to every believer, young and old.
Taqwa Explained Simply
When a companion was asked to explain taqwa, he said: “Have you ever taken a thorny path?” The questioner said yes. “What did you do?” He replied: “I raised my garment and was very careful as I walked through, making sure no thorn would prick me.” That, he said, is taqwa. In modern terms, it is like driving past a speed camera in a school zone: you slow down because your speed is being monitored. Taqwa is living your entire life with that same awareness that Allah is watching everything you say, do, and think.
“Compare taqwa to fasting: Allah tells us to fast only once in the entire Quran because everyone does it. But taqwa He mentions over 200 times because so few truly practice it.” — Taqwa explained
The Connection Between Fasting and Taqwa
- Allah prescribed fasting so that we may attain taqwa: do something physical (abstain from food) and receive something spiritual (God-consciousness)
- When Abu Ad-Darda was asked what three things he loved most in life, he said: sickness, hunger, and death, because sickness removes sins, hunger brings the heart closer to Allah, and death leads to meeting the Creator
- Taqwa is not just avoiding sin but being aware of Allah in every moment, every word, and every action
- The one who develops true taqwa finds that Ramadan is not just a month but a training ground for year-round God-consciousness
Living with Taqwa Year-Round
“Taqwa is knowing, going through life knowing, that Allah is watching you. Everything you speak, everything you say, everything you do, Allah is watching. This is taqwa.” — The Deen Show
If you only slow down for the camera and speed up after passing it, your taqwa needs work. The goal is to live every moment with the awareness that Allah sees all, knows all, and will hold us accountable for all. Develop this consciousness and watch how every aspect of your life transforms for the better.
