“Ways to achieve Taqwa”

 By:  M.A.Virk

    Allah says in the Holy Quran

 Before I start to present my humble submission about rightness, I pray that I act upon    every word that I have to quote today.

Taqwa is a broad word that literally means “to avoid evil things" - the most precise definition of Taqwa according to the Holy Qur'an and the hadiths is "Fear of God"

 The whole Quran states

         “Verily the most honorable of you in the sight of Allah is a one, who is most righteous."

 Allah the all-knowing makes it absolutely clear, that the root of all virtues is Taqwa.

 The word Taqwa mentions more than 250 times in the Holy Quran and integrate with every aspect of human’s life- our prayers, our actions, our relationships, our trade deals, and in all other interactions., Taqwa is the main guiding factor, and that what Allah has continuously reminded us.

In the very beginning of the holy Quran declares loud and clear that;

This is a perfect book; that no doubt in it; it is a guidance for the righteous.

Means having Taqwa even in its very basic form is fundament requirement for seeking the true guidance from this ultimate book.

According to a hadith, The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) was asked:

“What deeds will take people to Paradise?  The Holy Prophet said: "Taqwa and Good character."

 Once someone asked Abu Hurayrah razi allah talah un ho,  about the meaning of Taqwa.

He replied have you ever taken a thorny path? What did you do, He said, " if I saw thorns, I would avoid them, and try not to get entangled in thorns?" Hazrat Abou Hurayrah razi allah un ho said, "This is Taqwa."

Source: al-Zuhd al-Kabīr 963

The Promised Messiah A.S further states;

There are many elements in righteousness. It is righteousness to avoid pride and self-esteem and to refrain from unlawful acquisition and ill manners. A person who displays courtesy and good manners, converts his enemies into friends. Blessed is the one who adopts righteousness in a time of success and prosperity and most unfortunate is one who does not turn to righteousness after stumbling

( Malfoozat, Vol. I, p. 77 ).

Our beloved Imam Hazrat Khalifa tul Mashi Khamis aba.said

Taqwa is to abstain from vanity, selfishness, unlawful wealth and to refrain from unkind habits and to display good morals is also Taqwa [righteousness]. “[Good] Morals does not only mean to speak with a soft tone or using polite language. Instead the attributes such as bravery, generosity and modesty are all moral strengths and using them at the correct time makes they part of one’s morals.”

This is the principal teachings which we must always bear in mind wherein we should exhibit good morals by adhering our every action to Taqwa.

At the last I conclude with a prayer that May Allah enables us to spend our lives according to the teachings of the Holy Quran and enables us to fulfill our promises to make virtuous changes within ourselves in line with righteousness. Ameen