In a world that often defines women by their appearance, titles, or popularity, Allah shifts our focus from superficial standards to something deeper and truly noble: Taqwa .
Are you a woman of Taqwa? Honestly, I hesitate to answer that question. It makes you pause. In Surah An-Najm 53:32, Allah says:
فَلَا تُزَكُّوٓاْ أَنفُسَكُمۡۖ هُوَ أَعۡلَمُ بِمَنِ ٱتَّقَىٰٓ…”
So do not claim yourselves to be pure; He is most knowing of who fears Him.
Taqwa is the awareness and fear of Allah that lives within us, guiding how we think, speak, act, and even how we restrain ourselves. It is what keeps you from crossing boundaries even when no one is watching. There comes a moment in the heart of every sincere Muslimah when she begins to quietly ask herself, “How can I get closer to Allah? How can I live in a way that truly pleases Him?” Our noble Prophet ﷺ once said:
“Taqwa is here,” pointing to his heart three times. (Sahih Muslim)
This powerful hadith reminds us that Taqwa resides within the heart. Those deep questions we ask ourselves are signs that our hearts are still alive with the consciousness of their Creator. Rather than ignoring these thoughts, we can let them shape our choices, refine our character, and anchor our hearts in true servitude and obedience to Allah.
“ إِنَّ أَكۡرَمَكُمۡ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ أَتۡقَىٰكُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلِيمٌ خَبِيرࣱ
Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allāh is the most righteous[1] of you. Indeed, Allāh is Knowing and Aware. Al-Hujurat 49:13
Taqwa IN OUR DAILY LIVES
Worship, Character, and Relationships
While the concept of Taqwa cannot be fully captured in one post, one of the most striking definitions I’ve come across is from Ali ibn Abi Taalib (may Allah be pleased with him). He said:
“Taqwa is to fear [the punishment of] the Greatest, to act upon the commandments, to be satisfied with little, and to prepare for the Day of Travelling.” SubhanaLlah!
From this fear comes the sincere effort to avoid shirk (ascribing partners to Allah) in all its forms, not just major shirk, but also the subtle types that can creep into our intentions. Sometimes it’s placing our hope entirely in people or seeking attention for our good deeds. Other times, it’s forgetting to renew our intentions and acting for reasons other than Allah.
Taqwa is more than a feeling in the heart; it is a driving force that steers our actions. It shows in how we obey Allah in both our public and private lives, using the teachings of the Qur’an and the sayings of the Prophet ﷺ to guide our daily affairs. It reflects in how we fulfill our prayers, how we speak, and how we treat others.
It also encompasses being good to the people Allah has placed around us, our family, our spouse, and our friends. Islam doesn’t separate Taqwa from character and relationships. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ was asked about the deed that most often admits people into Paradise, to which he replied: “Taqwa of Allah and good character.” When asked what causes people to enter the Fire the most, he said: “The mouth and the private parts.” (Tirmidhi)
Ibn ‘Umar said, “Whoever has Taqwa of his Lord and maintains ties of kinship, his life will be prolonged, his wealth will be abundant, and his family will love him.”
Taqwa and Modesty
يَٰبَنِيٓ ءَادَمَ قَدۡ أَنزَلۡنَا عَلَيۡكُمۡ لِبَاسࣰا يُوَٰرِي سَوۡءَٰتِكُمۡ وَرِيشࣰاۖ وَلِبَاسُ ٱلتَّقۡوَىٰ ذَٰلِكَ خَيۡرࣱۚ ذَٰلِكَ مِنۡ ءَايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ لَعَلَّهُمۡ يَذَّكَّرُونَ
O children of Adam, We have bestowed upon you clothing to conceal your private parts and as adornment. But the clothing of righteousness – that is best. That is from the signs of Allāh that perhaps they will remember. — Al-A’raf 7:26
Choose clothing that reminds you of your honor before Allah, and let your outward modesty reflect the inward modesty of your heart. You don’t have to follow every trend; you are a woman of Taqwa. The Qur’an reminds us that the clothing of Taqwa is the best, and that alone dignifies you.
Taqwa and Repentance
We all make mistakes; that’s part of being human. However, it is Taqwa that brings us back after we slip. It’s what keeps us tender enough to say Astaghfirullah and strong enough to do something good right after.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Have Taqwa of Allah wherever you are, and follow up a bad deed with a good one — it will wipe it out.” (Tirmidhi)
Taqwa in Difficult Times
Sometimes the weight of life presses down heavily. But Taqwa reminds us that there is always a way out with Allah.
At-Talaq 65:2-3
وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجۡعَل لَّهُۥ مَخۡرَجࣰا. وَيَرۡزُقۡهُ مِنۡ حَيۡثُ لَا يَحۡتَسِبُۚ
And whoever fears Allāh – He will make for him a way out. And will provide for him from where he does not expect…”
In those quiet moments of struggle, Taqwa teaches us to turn to Allah rather than away. That turning brings provision, ease, and relief from unexpected sources.
Reward of Taqwa = Paradise
The last part of Ali ibn Abi Taalib‘s definition of Taqwa is “to prepare for the Day of Travelling.” This reminds us that this world is a temporary stop, and every step we take leads us to a final destination in the Aakhirah.
And what lies ahead for the people of Taqwa ?
An-Naba’ 78:31-32
إِنَّ لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ مَفَازًا. حَدَآئِقَ وَأَعۡنَٰبࣰا
“Indeed, for the righteous is attainment. Gardens and grapevines.”
Paradise has been promised as the reward for every believer who traverses this world with Taqwa in her heart.
Every action done with Allah in mind strengthens Taqwa. Through Taqwa, obedience is achieved, modesty is nurtured, sins are forgiven, hope is restored, and Paradise is promised. Oh our Lord! Please make us from the people of Taqwa.
رَبَّنَا هَبۡ لَنَا مِنۡ أَزۡوَٰجِنَا وَذُرِّيَّٰتِنَا قُرَّةَ أَعۡيُنࣲ وَٱجۡعَلۡنَا لِلۡمُتَّقِينَ إِمَامًا
“Our Lord, grant us from among our wives and offspring comfort to our eyes[1] and make us a leader [i.e., example] for the righteous”. — Al-Furqan 25:74
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