Taqwa, or righteousness, forms the core foundation of Islamic teaching. The foundation of Islamic teaching is indeed taqwa (righteousness), a principle that permeates every aspect of a believer's life. Adherence to taqwa is considered critical, as the most honourable person in Islam is identified as the one who possesses this quality. Islamic scholars emphasize that without taqwa, declarations of belonging to the Jamaat, pledges of allegiance (bai'at), and faith in the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) and Allah remain merely rhetorical slogans. If taqwa is absent, slogans of belonging to the Jamaat, taking bai'at, faith in the Holy Prophet (sa) and Allah remain nothing more than empty declarations. Allah the Almighty has explicitly stated that taqwa is essential for achieving both prosperity and success in life. This spiritual principle guides believers towards a devout and mindful existence, ensuring a path to divine favor and worldly flourishing. Allah the Almighty has declared taqwa to be essential for prosperity and success in all endeavors, both material and spiritual.
The Divine Root of All Good
The Promised Messiah (as) articulated the foundational importance of taqwa, stating in a couplet, "The root of every good is righteousness. If this root is preserved, everything will survive." This profound statement encapsulates the centrality of taqwa in the Islamic faith. Allah the Almighty revealed the second line of this couplet to the Promised Messiah (as) as a divine revelation, showing its sacred origin and universal truth. This divine affirmation notes that taqwa is not merely a human aspiration but a divinely ordained prerequisite for all goodness to endure.
Taqwa is presented as essential for complete adherence to the Shariah and to the Holy Quran. Without this foundational righteousness, the intricate commands and prohibitions of Islamic law, as well as the profound wisdom of the Holy Quran, cannot be fully embraced or properly implemented in one's life. It also serves as a necessary condition for the proper observance of worship. The sincerity and devotion required for prayer, fasting, and other acts of worship are intrinsically linked to the presence of taqwa within the believer's heart. In domestic life, taqwa is considered key for treating one's wife with kindness, fostering an environment of respect, compassion, and mutual understanding within the family unit. Taqwa is described as a necessary condition for perfect obedience to the Holy Prophet (sa), ensuring that a believer's actions and intentions are always aligned with the exemplary conduct and teachings of the Messenger of Allah.
The Promised Messiah (as) emphasized that Islamic Shariah and the Holy Quran instruct believers to lower their gaze, a directive whose proper observance requires taqwa. This command, aimed at promoting modesty and purity, can only be truly fulfilled when one possesses the inner righteousness that enables self-control and adherence to divine injunctions. Taqwa is also deemed essential for understanding the Holy Quran and for receiving guidance from its teachings. The profound wisdom and spiritual insights contained within the sacred text are unlocked only to those who approach it with a heart purified by taqwa. Allah the Almighty has stated regarding the Quran that none but the purified shall touch it, showing the spiritual prerequisite for engaging with the sacred text. This purification is not merely physical but, more importantly, spiritual, achieved through the cultivation of taqwa.
Qualities and Blessings of the Righteous
Allah the Almighty is described as the Friend and Helper of the righteous, expressing His love for those who embody this quality. This divine declaration asserts that the best outcome ultimately belongs to the righteous, both in this world and the hereafter. For believers who adopt taqwa, Allah the Almighty has promised to open doors of progress, deliver them from hardships, provide sustenance, and bring ease into their affairs. These blessings are a testament to the profound relationship between Allah and those who strive for righteousness, offering comfort and assurance in times of trial and prosperity. Allah the Almighty has promised those believers who adopt taqwa that He will open for them the doors of progress, deliver them from hardships, provide them with sustenance and bring ease into their affairs, demonstrating His boundless mercy and support.
The Holy Quran is presented as a Book without doubt, serving as a direct guidance for the righteous. This sacred text was revealed to inform those who refrain from sin, extending even to the subtlest forms of transgression. The presence of taqwa enables believers to avoid even minor sins, fostering a heightened sense of accountability and a constant awareness of divine presence. When an individual acquires faith in the unseen, acts upon the teachings of Allah the Almighty, adopts taqwa, and follows its finer paths, Allah the Almighty Himself guides that person, granting them spiritual insight and true understanding (irfan). This divine guidance is a precious gift, illuminating the path of truth and wisdom for those who sincerely seek it.
Allah the Almighty states that the righteous are characterized by their establishment of prayer. This fundamental act of worship is not merely a ritual but a profound connection with the Creator, a cornerstone of a righteous life. To truly receive the guidance offered by the Holy Quran, it is considered necessary to recite it, understand its meanings, and reflect deeply upon its verses. This active engagement with the divine word, coupled with the spiritual purification of taqwa, allows the Quran's wisdom to penetrate the heart and transform the soul.
The first quality attributed to the righteous is their belief in the unseen. This encompasses faith in Allah, His angels, His revealed books, His messengers, the Day of Judgment, and divine decree, even when these realities are beyond human perception. A second distinguishing quality of the righteous involves establishing prayer and consistently restoring it whenever it falters. This commitment to prayer signifies a deep yearning for communion with Allah and a recognition of its key role in spiritual sustenance. A believer should offer prayer with such devotion that they begin to experience the same delight and joy within it that people typically find in worldly pleasures, transforming worship into a source of profound inner peace and happiness.
Achieving Nearness and Divine Aid
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) is recognized as the final law-bearing prophet, whose message was sent for all humanity. This universal message, grounded in the principles of taqwa, offers guidance and salvation to all peoples, transcending geographical and temporal boundaries. Exceptional love for Allah, profound humility, deep yearning, or a heart completely free from worldly impurities during prayer cannot be created by human effort alone, making it essential to seek the grace of Allah. While human effort is key, the ultimate perfection in worship comes from divine assistance, which is bestowed upon those who strive for taqwa. Financial sacrifice is also considered an act of worship, a tangible expression of one's devotion and commitment to Allah's cause. The true excellence in financial sacrifice is to detach oneself from everything besides Allah, to the extent that one is prepared even to sacrifice one’s life in His cause, demonstrating the highest form of taqwa and selflessness.
The Promised Messiah (as) advised that members of the Jamaat should examine their inner self and reflect upon their spiritual condition, constantly striving to enhance their taqwa. This introspection is vital for spiritual growth and for ensuring that one's actions align with one's faith. Allah the Almighty provides for the righteous in ways beyond their knowledge or imagination, manifesting His promise to sustain and support those who trust in Him. Whoever places their trust in Allah, He becomes sufficient for them, providing for their needs and protecting them from harm. Among the blessings of taqwa is that the righteous are delivered from hardships and afflictions, finding solace and strength in their unwavering faith. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) stated, "The delight of my eyes lies in prayer," noting the spiritual ecstasy and profound joy he found in communion with Allah. The Promised Messiah (as) also articulated, "The root of every good is righteousness. If this root is preserved, everything will survive," reiterating the fundamental and enduring nature of taqwa.
Taqwa in Practice and Community
The Promised Messiah (as) stated that Jalsa Salana gatherings are convened to instill the fear of Allah, enabling participants to become exemplars of righteousness, piety, spiritual tenderness, mutual love, and brotherhood. He said Jalsa Salana gatherings are held so that the fear of Allah may be instilled and people become examples for one another in righteousness, piety, tenderness of heart, mutual love and brotherhood, fostering a community united by shared spiritual values. These annual conventions serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of taqwa in communal life, strengthening the bonds of faith and brotherhood among believers. The Promised Messiah (as) articulated, "The root of every good is righteousness. If this root is preserved, everything will survive," a timeless truth that guides the aspirations of the community. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) also emphasized the spiritual connection, noting, "The delight of my eyes lies in prayer," illustrating the profound personal fulfillment derived from sincere devotion. Beyond Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa), no other religion asserts its divine mandate for all humanity, making the message of taqwa a universal call to righteousness and spiritual elevation. Apart from Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa), no other religion claims to have been sent for the whole of mankind, solidifying the unique and universal nature of Islam's teachings, with taqwa at its heart.