The theme of taqwaa is a consistent theme within the Qur'an, a fact that is apparent to even a cursory reader of the text. While we tend to understand this term as "piety" in a religious sense, it is often used in a variety of other senses, but what concerns us here is its rather mundane or secular application.
This brief post seeks to look at specific examples found in rather famous examples. We seek to generate contemplation within the reader, which, indeed, is one of the goals of scripture itself.
Taqwaa is shown in dealing with others:
Allah, as being the Caretaker of the universe, has no need of sustenance from any of his creatures. Indeed, Allah is not "fed" in any means. Some imagine that religious rituals are needed by God for actual sustenance, an idea that has been advanced not only by ancient philosophical tangents, but by popular culture as well. (ft.#1). The truth of the matter is that rituals such as the daily salaah (prayers) are actually for our benefit, in that they connect us to the Allah, as well as serving as a reminder of Divine principles, thus placing internal limits on the violation of those principles. (ft.#2).
The Qur'an says "O Humanity, have taqwaa of Your Caretaker, who has created you all from a single soul, created from it it's made, and has made from them both to emerge multitudes of men and women. Have Taqwaa of Allah, through whom you seek (rights) as well as the (establishment of) family ties. Indeed, Allah is ever watchful over you." (Q 4:1)
So, we see here that taqwaa is having awareness of God's care for his creation, and awareness of his Omnipresence. Awareness is demonstrated by acting in a good, just way, with those others created by the same God.
While popular depictions of taqwaa is seen as individual piety, the Qur'an has given a somewhat different picture, a painting that only becomes visible through the lenses of contextual studies.
" O you who have faith! Have proper taqwaa of Allah (Haqqa Tuqaahihi) and die not except as submissive to him (Wa Laa Tamuutunna illa wa antum Muslimoon)" (Q 3:102).
While the verse alone easily demonstrates its call towards looking at bigger picture priorities, the context demonstrates this in a thorough fashion. If we start from Q 3:98, it shows the pitfalls that the people of scripture entered into, by denial and altering of the Divine message for sectarian or political reasons, that Muslims are to avoid that acknowledging that God has sent forth scriptures and prophets other than that received by the Muslims, that holding firm to the pure scripture and putting aside personal squabbles in order to strive in Allah's cause represents caring for the bigger picture ( see Q 3:98-109).
Seeing the bigger picture is also demonstrated by those who reject racism, sexism and destructive tribalism (Q 49:13).
Taqwaa demonstrated by careful speech and actions.
Finally, the Qur'an says "O you who have faith! Have taqwaa of Allah and communicate clearly. He will rectify for you your actions, and forgive you your sins, and whomsoever obeys Allah and his Messenger, achieve a mighty achievement." (Q 33:70-71)
Here, we have that clear communication skills are demonstrative of proper taqwaa. Indeed, from historical as well as anecdotal evidence, we have seen how those inspired by Islam have taken it upon themselves to become better at communication skills! Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz) had copied by hand the entire English dictionary, improved his handwriting skills, while serving a prison sentence, and, despite very little formal education, went on not only to represent the Nation of Islam(NOI) in media, but in academic settings as well. His impact on American life is well-known. (ft.#3).
Indeed, while working in the corrections system, I came to know an inmate who had accepted Islam shared that he had to work hard to rid himself of unhealthy attitudes, and that Islam had inspired him- someone serving a long prison term who had virtually no reading abilities, to teach himself how to read English, but also Arabic and Urdu languages!
This text is not limited to communication skills in the above senses. It is showing us that there should be no ambiguity in communication, that clarity is needed in order to avoid confusion, especially in dealing with other human beings. Muhammad Asad points out in his comments the following "The expression Qawl Sadid signifies, literally " a saying that hits the mark" i.e. is truthful, relevant and to the point." ( The Message of the Qur'an, 1980, pg.652)
Another way of looking at the aforementioned text is that one's "speech" is not (simply to be) verbal, but rather by actions. Taqwaa guides the lips as well as the hands. If taqwaa guides those two, it results in God actually fixing one's situations and delivering forgiveness and success.
It should be noted that these verses are traditionally recited in the wedding ceremony and are similarly often cited in the Friday prayer sermon (khutbah). They are appropriate occasions for the reminders these verses contain. May Allah make us among those who have taqwaa.
Footnotes
(1) Greek mythology is filled with examples of literally "feeding" the objects of worship, and to a certain extent this still is done within Hinduism, in which rice offerings are left at the idol. Popular cultural references include the Science fiction TV program called Stargate SG-1, which depicted one alien race (known as the Go-a'uld) who had a parasitical relationship with their human worshipers, as well as another race (known as the ORI) who actually were sustained through the prayers of their followers!
(2) The Qur'an says, for example, that the remembrance of God and prayers function as empowering the people of faith, as well as "forbidding immorality and repugnant actions" Q 29:45.
(3) Countless books, documentaries, and popular films show these facts regarding Malcolm X, in both his pre-NOI and Sunni Muslim life. I suggest reading his famous rendering The autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley.
