Taqwa is an Islamic term which means “the fear of Allah.” It means the protection and barrier between you and Allah’s anger. So, if you have it you will be saved from the wrath of Allah because it keeps you in the right track. Usually we refer the fear of Allah or fearing Allah to the meaning or concept of Taqwa in Islam.
It has been mentioned in Holy Quran in more than sixty places. The meaning of Taqwa can be explained by the following example in which Hazrat Umar (RA) asked Hazrat Ubay (RA) abiut Taqwa;
Hazrat Ubay (RA) asked, “Have you ever taken a thorny path?” Hazrat Umar (RA) answered, “Yes I have.” Hazrat Ubay (RA) then asked, “So how did you travel along this thorny path?” Hazrat Umar (RA) answered, “I rolled up my garment and was cautious as to where I would tread to avoid being pricked by the thorns.” So Hazrat Ubay (RA) said, “This is Taqwa.”
The above mentioned example shows that it enables a man to be cautious that he must not commit a thing which is prohibited by Allah.
Having the fear of Allah keeps a person on the right path. He or she doesn’t want to displease Allah. Thus, there are many benefits and rewards of having taqwa which are as follow;
Allah loves those who are muttaqin:
Muttaqi is the person who has taqwa. Allah loves those people who are muttaqin which is a great reward for those who fear Allah. Being loved by Allah is surely the greatest reward.
“Truly Allah loves the Muttaqin.” (Quran, 3:76)
The benefits of being muttaqi are many and one of them is being guided. Only the fortunate ones get the blessing of guidance.
“This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for the Muttaqeen.” (Quran 2:2)
If you have taqwa, then you will be taken out of your difficulties and hard times. This is indeed a great benefit of being muttaqi. Every person wants to get out his/her hard times and Allah will make a way out of difficulties for those who fear Him.
“And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out.” (Quran, 65:2)
Those who fear Allah will have benefit that their matters will be eased and their affairs will be made easy for them.
“And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him ease in his matter.” (Quran, 65:4)
The deeds and actions of muttaqin will be accepted:
It is another benefit and reward of being muttaqi that his/her deeds will be accepted.
“Allah only accepts from the people of taqwa.“ (Quran, 5:27).
Thus, there is a great importance of Taqwa in Islam. The benefits of being muttaqin are also many and people who have it can distinguish truth from falsehood and they are calm and will be successful as it is stated in Quran,
“Have taqwa of Allah in order that you might succeed.” (Quran, 3:200)
