The following article is taken from 'the majlis'. It beautifully explains the Importance of taqwa and the expounds on the false excuse of taqwa vs fatwa.

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“And, Allah is the Friend of the Muttaqeen.” (Jaathiyah, Aayat 19)


A grave malady in the ‘learned’ quarters of this age is the minimization of the importance and necessity of Taqwa. In fact, there are numerous among those who have acquired superficial Deeni Knowledge who even relegate Taqwa into the realm of oblivion in both belief and practice. We therefore find molvis and sheikhs attributing almost all the fataawa of hurmat to ‘taqwa’. Their attitude displays conspicuous ignorance. It is clear that they have no understanding of the meaning and importance of Taqwa.

In the abovementioned aayat, Allah Ta’ala emphasizes that He is the Friend of the Muttaqeen. He is not the Friend of those who are not Muttaqeen. Those who are not Muttaqeen are faasiqeen and jaahileen. In hundreds of Qur’aanic aayaat and innumerable Ahaadith, is the clear command for the cultivation of Taqwa. The dangers of abstention from Taqwa have also been explained by Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). The clear theme of the Qur’aan, the Sunnah and the Ta’leem of 14 centuries of Auliya is the cultivation of Taqwa. Minus Taqwa, the Muslim is the equivalent of an animal. In fact, one who is bereft of Taqwa descends to a sub bestial level. He becomes enslaved to the nafs and remains trapped in the snares of shaitaan.

In the Qur’aan Majeed Allah Ta’ala states that the “Best of provisions is Taqwa.”

He commands: “”Aid one another in piety (acts of virtue) and in Taqwa).”

This aayat is a direct, positive, Waajib command to cultivate Taqwa. Among the numerous aayaat proclaiming the cultivation of Taqwa, are:

* “The successful ultimate end is for Taqwa.” In other words success and salvation in the Aakhirah are dependent on Taqwa. Without Taqwa there will be no success and salvation. Even if all Mu’mineen will ultimately enter Jannat, those bereft of Taqwa will first be assigned to Jahannum for purification. Thus, prior assignment to Jahannum negates initial success and salvation.

* “Neither their flesh nor their blood reaches Allah, but your Taqwa reaches him.” In this aayat Allah Ta’ala negates the validity of the sacrificial animal which is offered without Taqwa. Qaabil’s qur’baani was rejected on account of his lack of Taqwa. When Allah Ta’ala rejected Qaabil’s sacrifice and accepted Haabil’s Qur’baani, the former threatened to kill his brother (Haabil). Then Haabil said: “Verily, Allah accepts sacrifices) only from the Muttaqeen.” (Al-Maaidah, aayat 27). Qur’baani offered without Taqwa is rejected.

* “Fear Allah, and know that verily Allah is with the Muttaqeen.” Those bereft of Taqwa are deprived of Allah’s suhbat (companionship).

* “Verily, Allah loves the Muttaqeen.” He does not love those who have no Taqwa.

* “And Jannat……has been prepared for the Muttaqeen.” The abode of Jannat is meant exclusively for the Muttaqeen. Those without Taqwa are destined for Jahannum. Only after they undergo purification in the Fire will the impious Muslims become eligible for entry into Jannat. It should thus be understood that those who abandon Taqwa are in the first saff (row) for entry into Jahannum.

* “And the Aakhirah by your Rabb is for the Muttaqeen.” The success of the Aakhirah is not for those who shun Taqwa.

These are just a few aayaat taken at random from the hundreds of Qur’aanic aayaat exhorting and commanding the cultivation of Taqwa. Those who view Taqwa with disdain or regard it to be insignificant and to be abandoned should reflect on the innumerable Qur’aanic commands to adopt Taqwa.

When a fatwa is not palatable to those who lack Taqwa, they seek to refute it with the satanically deceptive argument of ‘taqwa and fatwa’ whilst they do not have the haziest idea of the meaning of Taqwa.

Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said: “The Mu’min will not reach the status of the Muttaqeen as long as he does not abstain from things which are not harmful for fear of indulging in harmful things.” Abstention from doubtful and even permissible things is a necessary prelude for the acquisition of Taqwa. Unbridled and excessive indulgence in even things which are mubah (permissible) is negatory of Taqwa.