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From The Fruits Of Taqwaa

By Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen
Translated by Abu Aneesa Ahmad Shaw

All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of the Worlds. Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Muhammad (saws), his family, his Companions and all those who follow him till the Last Day.

Oh believing brothers!

Indeed the advice which Allah has given to His servants from the time of Adam up until now, has been to have taqwaa (fear out of respect and love) of Him. Glorified and Exalted be He.

The Mighty the Majestic says,

And We have instructed those who were given the scripture before you and yourselves to have taqwaa (fear) of Allah. But if you disbelieve then to Allah belongs whatever is in the Heavens and whatever is on the Earth. And ever is Allah free of need and praiseworthy. 1,2

It is also the advice of the Messenger of Allah (saws) to his nation.

Abee Umaamah Suddee Ibn 'Ujlaan al-Baahilee (R.A.) reports: I heard the Messenger of Allah (saws) giving a sermon in the farewell Hajj, saying, "Fear -your Lord, pray your five prayers, fast the month Of Ramadaan, pay your zakaah, and obey your leaders, in doing so, you will enter your Lord's Paradise."3

Whenever the Messenger of Allah sent a leader of a raiding party on a military expedition, he would advise him, to have a deep rooted taqwaa (fear) of Allah and he would also advise the rest of his military party likewise.

The Pious Predecessors (salat) did not stop giving mutual advice for having taqwaa (fear) of Allah in their sermons, their corresponding letters and their testaments after the Messenger of Allah passed away.

'Umar Ibn al-Khattaab, radiyAllahu 'anhu, wrote to his son 'Abdullaah: "To proceed: Verily 1 advise you to have taqwaa (fear) of Allah the Mighty and Majestic, for whoever fears Him, Allah will protect him, and whoever gives a loan to Him, Allah will reward him, and whoever thanks Him, Allah will increase him."

'Alee, radiyAllahu 'anhu,, gave advice to a man, and he said: "I advise you to have taqwaa (fear) of Allah the Mighty, the Majestic. There is no escape in meeting Him and there is no other to meet you except Him when you reach the Hereafter, for verily Allah owns this world and the Hereafter."

One of the righteous, wrote to his believing brother: "I advise you with taqwaa (fear) of Allah who knows your secrets and sees your open actions, so remember Allah at every time of the night and day, and fear Allah according to His nearness, and the power He has over you. And know that He always sees you. And do not leave His Rule for another rule, nor His Dominion, for another dominion, So glorify Him, by fearing Him immensely."

The meaning of taqwaa is that the servant puts between himself and that which he fears, a guard that will protect him. 4

The meaning of taqwaa regarding Allah's servants is "That the servant puts between him and that which he fears, i.e. gaining the anger and the wrath of his Lord, a guard which will protect him." By obeying Him and abstaining from disobeying Him.

My noble brother, here are some sayings of our Pious Predecessors, in explaining the meaning of taqwaa (fear) of Allah:

Ibn Abbaas, radiyAllahu 'anhu, said: "The ones who fear Allah, they are the ones who are wary of Allah and His Punishments."

The taabi'ee Talq ibn Habeeb 5 said: "If an ordeal appears amongst you extinguish it with taqwaa. " When asked what is taqwaa, he replied, "Taqwaa (piety) is that you act in obedience to Allah, and hope in His mercy, upon a light from Him; and taqwaa is leaving acts of disobedience to Allah out of fear of Him, upon a light from Him."6

Ibn Mas'ood, radi Allahu 'anh , said: "Speaking about the statement of Allah, the Most High,

0 you who believe, have taqwaa (fear) of Allah, as you should have of Him and do not die except as Muslims. 7

is that Allah is meant to b obeyed, and not disobeyed; remembered at all times, and not forgotten; and to be thanked, and we are not to be ungrateful to Him."

So strive 0 my noble brother, in fearing, Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, for He, glory be to Him, is entitled to he feared, revered and Glorified in your heart.

Here are some obvious benefits, which are the results of fearing Allah, in this world:

[1] Verily, fearing Allah causes the general affairs of mankind, to become easy.

Allah, the Most High, says,

And whosoever has taqwaa (fear) of Allah and keeps his duty to Him, He will make his matter easy for him. 8

As for him, who gives (in charity) and keeps his duty to Allah, and has taqwaa (fear) of Him and believes in al-husnaa (a reward from Allah), we will make smooth for him, the path of ease. 9

[2] Taqwaa protects mankind from the harm of shaytaan.

Allah, the Most High, says,

Verily those who have taqwaa (fear) of Allah, when an evil thought comes to them from shaytaan, they remember (Allah), and indeed they then see (aright). 10

[3] Indeed taqwaa is also the cause for opening up the blessings from the heaven and the earth for them.

Allah, the Most High, says,

And, if the people of the towns, had believed and had taqwaa, certainly We would have opened (bestowed) for them blessings from the heaven and the earth.' 11

[4] Taqwaa, causes the servant of Allah to be successful in distinguishing the truth from the falsehood, and to have knowledge of each one of them.

Allah, the Most High, says,

0 you who believe, if you have taqwaa (fear) of Allah, He will give you a Furqaan (criterion to judge between right and wrong). 12,13

0 you who believe! (in Moses (Jews) and Jesus (Christians))! Fear Allah, and believe too in his Messenger, (Muhammad (saws)) He will give you a light, in which you shall walk straight. 14

[5]If a believer is in difficulty, indeed having taqwaa, enables him to come out of it, and to attain provisions and ease from Allah, the likes of which he could never imagine. Allah, the Most High, says,

And whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him (has taqwaa), He will make a way for him, to get out (from every difficulty). And He will provide him (sources) he could never imagine. 15

[6] Indeed taqwaa is a means of attaining guardianship of Allah's Deen. For verily, the guardians of Allah's Deen are the ones who fear Him.

Allah, the Most High, says,

Its (true) guardians are not but the muttaqoon.16,17

And Indeed the wrongdoers are friends and protectors of one another; but Allah is the Friend and Protector of the miittaqeen (righteous and God fearing). 18

[7] Taqwaa causes a believer not to be frightened by any harm caused by the disbelievers or by their plots.

Allah, the Most High, states,

And if you are patient and have taqwaa (fear) of Allah, their plot will not harm you at all. Indeed Allah is encompassing of what they do.19

[8] It is also the reason, for which Allah sends help from the heavens at the time of adversity, and meeting the enemies of Allah.

Allah, the Most High, says,

And already had Allah given you victory at the Battle of Badr while you were a weak little force. Then have taqwaa of Allah, so that you may be grateful. Remember when you (Muhammad S.A.W.) said to the believers, "Is it not sufficient for you that your Lord should reinforce you with three thousand angels sent down?" Yes, if you remain patient and have taqwaa of Allah and the enemy comes rushing at you in rage, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels, having marks (of distinction). And Allah made it not except as a glad tiding for you and to reassure your heart; And victory is not except from Allah, the Exalted in Might, the Wise. 20

The descending of help becomes a glad tiding for the believer, an assurance for the hearts and an attainment of help froiii the Most Powerful, the Most Wise.

Allah, the Most High, says,

Allah made it not, but as a message of good news for you, and as an assurance to your hearts. And there is no victory except from Allah, the All Mighty, the All Wise. 21

[9] Taqwaa causes a lack of enmity or grievance between the servants of Allah.

Allah, the Most High, says,

Help you, one another in al-birr and at-taqwaa (virtue, righteousness and piety) but do not help one another in sin and transgression. 22, 23

Allah has stated in the story of Mary,

Then We sent to her our angel (Gabriel), and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects. She said, "Indeed - 1 seek refuge with the Most Merciful (Allah) from you, (so leave me), if you do fear Allah.',24

[10] Indeed taqwaa, causes a believer to honour the symbols of Allah (the sacred places).

Allah, the Most High, says,

And whosoever honours the symbols of Allah, then it is truly from the taqwaa of the heart. 25

[11] It is also a means by which a believer does good actions, and a cause for them to be accepted by Allah. Likewise it is a forgiveness of sins.

Allah, the Most High, says,

0 You who believe! Have taqwaa (fear) of Allah and always speak the truth. He will direct you to do righteous and correct actions and will forgive you your sins and whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger has indeed attained a great achievement. 27

[12] Indeed taqwaa causes a believer to lower his voice in front of the Messenger of Allah (saws) whether that was during his life time or after his death.

Allah, the Most High, says,

Indeed those who lower their voices in the presence of Allah's Messenger (saws) they are the ones whose hearts, Allah has tested for taqwaa (piety), for them is forgiveness and a great reward. 28

The scholars have said: It is disliked to raise ones voice, by the Prophet's grave just as it was disliked to raise ones voice in front of him while he was alive. So just as he was respected while he was alive, he is to be respected while in his grave.

[13] Indeed taqwaa causes a believer to attain Allah's Love, and this love which Allah bestows upon the believers is for this life and the Hereafter.

The Messenger of Allah said that Allah said: "There is no better way in which my servant comes close towards Me, except by the things I have made obligatory for him. And my servants who do the optional actions, keep on coming towards Me, until I Love him,, and if I Love him, I become his hearing by which he hears, and his sight by which he sees, and his hand, by which he grasps with, and his feet by which he walks with, and if he asks Me, indeed 1 will grant him, and if he seeks protection in me, I will indeed protect him."29

Allah, the Most High, says,

Yes, whosoever fulfils his pledge and has taqwaa (fear) of Allah much, then indeed, Allah loves those who are muttaqoon (righteous and God fearing. 30

[14] Taqwaa causes a believer to attain knowledge, and it is the key to knowledge.

Allah, the Most High, says,

So have taqwaa of Allah, and Allah teaches you, and Allah is the All-Knower of each and everything. 31, 32

[15] Taqwaa causes a believer to become strong. A person who has taqwaa will be protected from deviation, and straying from the Right Path, after Allah has bestowed the guidance upon him.

Allah, the Most High, says,

And verily, this is My Straight Path, so follow it, and follow not other paths, for they will separate you away from His Path. This He has instructed for you, that you may become al-muttaqoon.33

[16] Indeed taqwaa causes a believer to attain Allah's Mercy and this Mercy is for this life and the Hereafter.

Allah, the Most High, says,

And My Mercy embraces all things, that (mercy) 1 shall ordain for those who are the muttaqoon, and give zakaat; and those who believe in our Signs. 34

[17] Taqwaa causes the believer to attain Allah's company, and this is of two types:

(i) The first is general for all of His servants, where Allah accompanies them by His Hearing, Seeing and Knowledge for verily, Allah, the Most High, is the All-Hearer, Seer, and Knower of all His servants condition.

Allah, the Most High, says,

And He is with you wherever you may be.35

Allah, the Most High, says,

Have you not seen that Allah knows whatsoever is in the heavens and the Earth! There is no secret counsel of three, but He is their fourth (with his knowledge, while He Himself is over the throne, above the seventh heaven) nor of five, but He is their sixth not of less then that or more, but He is with them wheresoever they may be.36

(ii) As for the second type, it Is a specific type of accompanying which includes Allah's help, support and aid.

As Allah, the Most High stated,

Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allah is with us. 37

Allah, the Most High, says,

He (Allah) said Fear not Verily 1 am with you both (Moosaa and Haaroon), Hearing and Seeing.38

There is no doubt that this specific type of accompanying is for those who fear Allah.

Allah, the Most High, says,

Truly, Allah is with those, who have taqwaa (fear) of Him, and those who are the doers of good. 39

And know that indeed Allah is with those who fear him (muttaqeen).40

[18] Indeed they will have a good outcome on the Day of Judgement due to their taqwaa of Allah.

Allah, the Most High, says,

And the good end (Paradise) is for the muttaqoon. 41

And verily, for the muttaqoon is a good final return. 42

So be patient. Surely the good end is for the muttaqoon.43

[19] Indeed it causes the believer to have glad tidings in this life, either by it being a righteous dream or by the love and praise, which the people have for him.

Allah, the Most High, says,

Those who believed and used to fear Allah, for them are glad tidings, in this life of the present world, and in the Hereafter. 44

Imaam Ahmad reported, from Abu Dardaa that the Prophet (saws) said with regards to Allah's statement,

For them are Glad tidings

That it is the true good dream (that conveys glad tidings) which the Muslim will see, or he will be seen in it by someone else". 45

Abu 'Umar al-Ghafaarce, radiyAllahu 'anhu, reported that he asked the Messenger of Allah "O Messenger of Allah! What about the man who does deeds ' which the people praise and commend him for?" The Prophet (saws) replied: "That is the good news this life for the believer." 46

[20] Taqwaa prevents a woman from speaking softly, thus stopping a man who has a sickness in his heart (i.e. an evil desire for adultery).

Allah, the Most High, says,

0 Wives of the Prophet! You are not like any other women. If you keep your duty (to Allah), than be not soft in speech, lest he, in whose heart is a disease, should be moved with desire, but speak in an honourable manner. 47

[21] Indeed, it prevents injustice in matters of wealth (e.g. a will, testament etc.)

Allah, the Most High, says,

It is prescribed for you, when death approaches any of you, if he leaves wealth, that he make a bequest to parents and next of kin, according to reasonable manners, this is a duty upon the muttaqoon (the pious).48

[22] It causes the believer to give the divorced woman her prescribed compensation.

Allah, the Most High, says,

And for the divorced women, maintenance (should be provided) on a reasonable (scale), this is a duty on the muttaqoon (the pious) 49

[23] Indeed it causes a believer not to lose good rewards, which he has gained, for this life or the Hereafter.

Allah, the Most High, says - after He had bestowed His blessings upon Yoosuf, 'alayhis-salaam, by uniting him with his family:

Verily, he who fears, Allah with obedience to Him, and is patient, then surely, Allah makes not the rewards of the good-doers to be lost. 50

[24] Indeed it causes a believer to gain guidance.

Allah, the Most High, says,

Alif Laam Meem. This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are the muttaqoon. Who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them.51

Those are upon (right) guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are successful. 52

The Benefits Which A Believer Can Attain In The Hereafter Due To Having Taqwaa Of Allah

[1] Indeed it causes a believer to become noble in the sight of Allah.

Allah, the Most High, says,

Verily, the most honourable of you in the sight of Allah is that (believer) who has taqwaa. 53

[2] It causes a believer to become successful.

Allah, the Most High, says,

And whosoever obeys Allah and His Messenger fears Allah and keeps his duty (to Him), such are the successful 54

[3] Indeed it causes a believer to be saved from the Punishment of Allah, the Most High, on the Day of Judgement.

Allah, the Most High, says,

There is not one of you, but will pass over it (Hell). This is with your Lord, a decree which must be accomplished. Then He shall save those who used to fear Allah and were dutiful to Him. And we shall leave the wrong doers therein (humbled) to their knees (in Hell). 55

And the muttaqoon, will be removed from it (Hell). 56

[4] Indeed it causes a believer's good deeds to be accepted

Allah, the Most High, says,,

Verily, Allah accepts only from those who are the muttaqoon (the pious and god-fearing). 57

[5]It causes a believer to inherit Paradise.

Allah, the Most High, says,

Such is the Paradise which we shall give as an inheritance, to those of our slaves who have been the muttaqoon (the pious and God-Fearing). 58

[6] Indeed, it causes a believer to have lofty rooms (in Paradise) one above the other.

Allah, the Most High, says,

But those who fear Allah and keep their duty to their Lord, for them are built lofty rooms one above another, under which rivers flow. (This is) the Promise of Allah, and Allah does not fail in His promise. 59

There is a hadeeth that says: Indeed in Paradise, there are rooms whose front can be seen from their back and whose back call be seen, from their front (meaning they will be transparent). Then a bedouin asked: "To whom does it belong to 0 Messenger of Allah. " He (saws) said to him, "He who has pleasant, speech, feeds the needy, and prays the night prayer, while the people are sleeping."60

[7] Indeed it causes the believers to have a high status above the disbelievers on the Day of Judgement, and that they will dwell in the highest part of Paradise.

Allah, the Most High, says,

Beautiful is the life of this world, for those who disbelieve, and they mock at those who believe. But those who obey Allah's orders and keep away from what He has forbidden, will be above them on the Day of Resurrection. And Allah gives (of His bounty, blessings, favours on the Day of Resurrection) to whom He wills without a limit. 61

[8] Indeed, it causes them to enter Paradise, and that is because Paradise has been prepared for those, who have taqwaa.

Allah, the Most High, says,

And be quick for forgiveness from your Lord, and for Paradise, that is as wide as the heavens and the Earth, prepared for the muttaqoon.62

And if only the People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) h ad believed (in Muhammad and warded off evil and had become al-muttaqoon, We would have indeed blotted out their sins and admitted them to the gardens of Paradise. 63

[9] It causes remission of bad actions and forgiveness for the mistakes a believer might commit.

Allah, the Most High, says,

And Whosoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him. He will remit his sins from him, and will enlarge his reward .64

And if only the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians) had believed (in Muhammad and warded off evil, and had become al-muttaqoon, We would have indeed blotted their sins and admitted them to the gardens of Paradise.65

[10] Indeed it causes the believer to have what his heart desires, and what is pleasing to his eyes.

Allah, the Most High, says,

And paradise (gardens of eternity), which they will enter, under which rivers flow, they will have therein all that they wish, thus Allah rewards the muttaqoon. 66

[11] Indeed, it causes the believer not to fear nor grieve, and neither shall any evil touch them on the Day of Judgement.

Allah, the Most High, says,

And Allah, will deliver those who are the muttaqoon, to their places of success (Paradise), evil shall touch them not, nor shall they grieve. 67

No doubt! Verily, the awliyaa' (friends) of Allah, no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve. 68

[12] They will be gathered on the Day of Judgement, wafdan (like a delegate presented before a king of honour) and the meaning of wafdan, is that they will come towards Allah, the Most High, riding.

Allah, the Most High, says,

The day We shall gather the muttaqoon unto the Most Beneficent, like a (wafd) delegate (presented before a King of Honour). 69

Ibn Katheer said, quoting. a hadeeth From Nu' maan ibn Sa'eed, he said: "We were sitting. with 'Alee, (R.A.) t, when 'Alee recited this verse, "The day we shall gather the Muttaqoon unto the Most Beneficent like a delegate (presented before a King of Honour)." He said, "No, by Allah, they will not he gathered upon their legs. The delegates will not be gathered upon their legs, but upon a she camel, the likes of which the creation has never seen before, its saddles will be made from gold, they will ride upon it until they knock at the gates of Paradise."

[13] Paradise will be bought, near to them, because they have taqwaa.

Allah. the Most High, says,

And Paradise will be brought near to the muttaqoon.70

[14] Indeed, it causes the believer, not to be on the same level, as the fujjaar, (wicked, evil criminals etc.) or the kuffaar (disbelievers).

Allah, the Most High, says,

Shall we treat those who believe and do righteous good deeds, as those who associate partners in worship with Allah, and commit crimes on earth? Or shall we treat the muttaqoon as the fujjaar (wicked, evil criminals)? 71

[15] Every type of companionship or friendship, which was for other than Allah will be transformed on the Day of Judgement into enmity, except for the companionship of those who had taqwaa.

Allah, the Most High, says,

Friends, that day, will be foes, one to another except the muttaqoon.72

[16] They will be in a place of security, among gardens and fountains.

Allah, the Most High, says,

Verily, the muttaqoon will be in a place of security (Paradise) among gardens and springs, dressed in fine silk and (also) in thick silk, facing each other, so (it will be), and we will marry them to female fair ones with wide lovely eyes (hoorin'een) they will call therein for every kind of peace and security. They will never taste death therein, except the first death (of this world), and He will save them from the torment of the blazing fire. 73

[17] Indeed, they will have a seat of truth (i.e., Paradise), near the Omnipotent King, Allah, the Most High.

Allah, the Most High, says,

In a seat of truth (i.e., Paradise) near the Omnipotent King (Allah, the Majestic, the Most High). 74

[18] Taqwaa is the cause for having different rivers in Paradise one of sweet water, the other being of milk, of which the taste, never changes, and yet another being a river of wine, delicious to those who drink it.

Allah, the Most High, says,

The description of Paradise, which the muttaqoon, have been promised is that, in it are the rivers of water the taste and smell of which are not changed, rivers of milk of which the taste never changes, rivers o f wine, delicious to those who drink it, and rivers of clarified honey therein for them is every kind of fruit, and forgiveness from their Lord.75

There is a hadeeth in Saheeh al-Bukhaaree, in which the Prophet (saws) said: "Who you ask Allah ,the Most High, then ask Him for al-Firdous, for verily, it is in the middle of Paradise, and it is the highest level of paradise, from where the rivers flow, and above it is the Throne of the Most Merciful (Allah)."

[19] Taqwaa causes the believer to have the ability to travel under the shades of the trees of Paradise, and to have comfort from its shade.

Allah, the Most High, says,

Verily, the muttaqoon shall be amidst shades and springs, and fruits, such as they desire. Eat and drink in satisfaction for what you used to do. 76

Anas bin Maalik, radiyAllahu 'anhu, said, the Messenger of Allah (saws) said: "Indeed in Paradise, is tree, wherein the rider will travel under its shade for a hundred -years and still not pass beyond it. 77

[20] For the muttaqoon, on the Day of Judgement will be glad tidings; the greatest terror (on the Day of Judgement) will not grieve them, and the angels will meet them.

Allah, the Most High, says,

No Doubt! Verily the Awliyaa (friends) of Allah, no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve, those who believed in Allah, and used to fear Him much (by abstaining from evil deeds and sins and by doing righteous deeds). For them are glad tidings, in the life of the present world, and in the Hereafter. 78

Ibn Katheer said: "As for the glad tidings in the Hereafter, it is what Allah, the Most High, says,

The greatest terror (on the Day of Judgment) will not grieve them, and the angels will meet them (with the greeting): This is your day, which you were promised. 79

[21] Verily, the muttaqoon, will have a better home in the Hereafter.

Allah, the Most High, says,

And the home of the Hereafter will be better, and excellent indeed will be the home of the muttaqoon. 80

[22] Verily, the muttaqoon, will have their rewards, and their good actions multiplied, as Allah, the Most High, said,

0 you who believe! Have taqwaa of Allah and believe in His Messenger; and He will bestow upon you a double portion of His Mercy and He will provide you with a light by which you will walk. 81

So we ask Allah the Mighty and Majestic to make us from His servants who have taqwaa and who are thankful. All praise is due to Allah the Lord of the Worlds; and May all peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad upon his family and all his Companions.

FOOTNOTES

1 Surah an-Nisaa' (4):131.

2 AI-Haafidh Ibn Katheer said that "Allah instructed you just as He instructed others before you to fear Him and no one else." Tafseer Qur’aan al-‘Adheem (1/ 504).

3 Reported by at-Tirmidhee.

4 Ibn Rajab, rahimaullah, said: "The essence of taqwaa is to make a shield (which guards) against Allah's anger and punishment. That shield is to obey His commandments and abstain from His prohibitions..." (Jaami'ul-'Ulootiz ii.al Hikaam: 190/191).

5 Talq Ibn Habeeb was a famous Taabi'ee. He was known for his knowledge, piety and his recitation of the Qur'aan.

6 Related by Ibn Abee Shaybah in Kitaabul-Eei7iaa (No.99) and it was declared saheeh by Shakyh al-Albaanee.

7 Surah Aal-'1mran (3): 102.

8 Surah at-Talaaq (65): 4.

9 Surah Al-Layl (92):5 - 7.

10 Surah al-A’raaf (7):201.

11 Surah al-A’raaf (7):96.

12 Surah al-Anfaal (8):29.

13 AI-Haafidh Ibn Katheer (d.777H), rahimahtillaah, said: "Ibn Abbaas, as-Suddee, 'Ikramah, ad-Dahhak, Qataadaah and Muqaatil lbn Huyyaan, all said about "Furqaan " that it means that it is a way out (from difficulty). Mujaahid added: A way out (from difficulty) both in this world and in the Hereafter. in a narration from Ibn Abbaas he said it means, "Sailvation"; and in another narration from him, 'being helped’. Muhammad lshaaq said that it means: A criterion to judge between truth and falsehood. This explanation from Ibn Ishaaq is the most general of what has preceded and it is a necessary consequence of it. Since whoever has taqwaa of Allah by obeying His commands and abandoning what He has prohibited. will be given the ability to recognise truth from falsehood. This will he the cause for his salvation, his being helped; and the cause for his worldly affairs being made easier and his happiness on the Day of Judgement. It will he the cause for his sins to be him expiated by Allah, and his being granted forgiveness and Allah shielding him from the people. It will likewise be the cause of him being the recipient of a great reward from Allah, as He the Most High says: 0 you who believe! Have taqwaa (fear) of Allah and believe in His Messenger; and He will bestow upon you a double portion of His Mercy and He will provide you with a light by which you will walk [Qur'aan (57):281" Tqfseer Qur’aan al-‘Adheem(2/301-302) of lbn Katheer.

14 Surah al-Hadeed (57):28.

15 Surah at-Talaaq (65):2-3.

16 Surah al-Anfaal (8):34.

17 Muttaqoon literally: "those who have taqwaa" i.e. who have piety, righteousness, fear and love of Allah, and who take great care to avoid His displeasure.

18 Surah al-Jaathiyath (45):19.

19 Surah Aal-'Imraan (3):120.

20 Surah Aal-'Imraan (3):123-126.

21 Surah Aal-'lmraan (3):126

22 Surah al-Maa'idah (5):2.

23 Birr is the excellence, virtue and goodness present in something. This follows from the root and the derivation of this word in Arabic. Related to it is burr ("wheat"), which surpasses other grains in benefits and goodness. Also, a good man is described as barr (fulfilling his promise). Allah described the angels as Bararah (pious and just) and the dwellers of Paradise as abraar (righteous). Birr, then comprises of all kinds of good and perfection expected in a human being. Opposite to it is ithm (sinning). An-Nuwaas bin Si'maan, (R.A.), reported that the Prophet said: "Birr is good manners, and ithm is those (evil) thoughts that weave about in your chest and you fear that other people may know about them. [Reported by Muslim].

Taqwaa, on the other hand. is the means and way leading to birr. The root of the word in Arabic means "rotection". One practising it protects himself from the fire. Thus the relationship of birr and taqwaa is similar to that of health (which is a purpose) and care for the body (which is a means).

24 Surah al-Maryam (19):17-1 8.

25 Surah a]-Hajj (22):32.

27 Surah al-Ahzaab (33):70-71

28 Surah al-Hujuraat (49):3.

29 Saheeh al-Bukhaaree

30 Surah Aal-'Imraan (3):76.

31Surah al-Baqarah (2): 282

32 Allah. the Most High ,says,

0 you who believe! Have taqwaa (fear) of Allah and believe in His Messenger; and He will bestow upon you a double portion of His Mercy and He will provide you with a light by which you shall walk.[Surah al-Hadeed (57):28]

Allah, the Most High, says,

0 you who believe, Have taqwaa (fear) of Allah, He will give you a Furqaan (criterion to judge between right and wrong). [Surah al-Anfaal (8):29]

33 Surah al-An'aam (6):153.

34 Surah al-A'raaf (7):156.

35 Surah al-Hadeed (57):4.

36 Surah al-Mujaadilah (58):7.

37 Surah at-Tawbah (9):40.

38 Surah Taa Haa (20):46.

39 Surah an-Nahl (16):128.

40 Surah at-Tawbah (9):36.

41 Surah Taa Haa (20):132.

42 Surah Saad (38):49.

43 Surah Hood (1l):49.

44 Surah Yoonus (10):63-64.

45 Saheeh Muslim.

46 Saheeh Muslim.

47 Surah al-Ahzaab (33):32.

48 Surah al-Baqarah (2):180.

49 Surah al-Baqarah (2):241.

50 Surah Yoosuf (12):90.

51 Surah at-Baqarah (2):1-3.

52 Surah al-Baqarah (2):5.

53 Surah al-Huiuraat (49):13.

54 Surah an-Noor (24):52.

55 Surah Maryam (19):71-72.

56 Surah al-Layl (92):17.

57 Surah al-maa'idah (5):27.

58 Surah al-Maryam ( 1 9):63.

59 Surah az-Zumar (39):20.

60 Sunan at-Tirmidhee.

61 Surah al-Baqarah (2):212.

62 Surah Aal-'llnraan (3):133.

63 Surah al-Maa'idah (5):65.

64 Surah at-Talaaq (65):5.

65 Surah a]-Maa'idah (5):65.

66 Surah an-Nahl (1 6):3 1.

67 Surah az-Zumar (39):6 1.

68 Surah Yoonus (10):62-63.

69 Surah Maryam (1 9):85.

70 Surah ash-Shu’araa (26):90.

71 Surah Saad (38):28.

72 Surah Az-Zukhruf (43):67.

73 Surah ad-Dukhaan (44):5 1-56.

74 Surah al-Qamar (54):55.

75 Surah Muhammad (47):15.

76 Surah al-Mursalaat (77):41-43.

77 Saheeh Al-Bukhaaree

78 Surah Yoonus (10):62-64.

79 Surah al-Ambiyaa (2l):103.

80 Surah an-Nahl (16):30.

81 Surah al-Hadeed (57):28.