Tọlá Belva

When I resolved to restart my blog, a single word illuminated my thoughts: Taqwa.

It resonated within me, not merely as a term but as a profound melody, a rhythmic call that stirred my soul with the urgency of life itself. Like the laboring pains that precede a new beginning, its meaning pulsed through my being, urging me to capture its essence in words. Masha’Allah and Alhamdulillah, I felt an undeniable pull—as though divinely guided—to reflect on this sacred concept.

Scholars describe Taqwa (تقوى) as ”transcending mere awareness.” It embodies a profound consciousness of Allah’s omnipresence and truth. Wikipedia defines it as “an Islamic term for being conscious and aware of God and the truth. Those who practice Taqwa are believers who avoid Shirk with Allah and work in His obedience.”

Shirk, the negligence of our divine responsibility, is a solemn reminder of the weight of our covenant to remain steadfast and devoted to Allah. But this definition, though accurate, barely scratches the surface. To live with Taqwa is to inhabit a state of perpetual mindfulness, where every thought, every word, and every action is filtered through a lens of devotion to Allah (S.W.T).

The weight of Taqwa grows heavier and more profound when paired with its counterpart, Shirk—the act of turning away from Allah or neglecting our sacred responsibilities to Him. Practicing Taqwa is actively rejecting Shirk, guarding our hearts against anything that detracts from our singular devotion to the Almighty. It is a call to vigilance, an invitation to live not merely by instinct but by intention, rooted firmly in the awareness of Allah’s constant presence.

Reflecting on Taqwa is to marvel at the infinite mercy of Allah. In His wisdom, He has given us the chance to serve Him, not as a burden but as a privilege wrapped in the softness of His love and the clarity of His guidance. To embrace Taqwa is to place Allah at the center of our existence, to let His words shape our choices, and to rise above the fleeting opinions of the world. It is a conscious effort to abstain from actions that displease Him and to devote ourselves fully to His commands, trusting in His wisdom even when the path feels arduous.

And yet, this path is not without its challenges. We are human, after all—imperfect, fallible, and often caught between our worldly desires and our higher purpose. But therein lies the beauty of Taqwa. It is not about achieving perfection but about striving step by step with humility and resolve. Every stumble is an opportunity to rise again, and every shortcoming is a chance to renew our commitment. This journey is not a destination but a process, a continuous act of turning our hearts back to Allah (S.W.T).

The Quran captures the essence of this journey in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:21): “O humanity! Worship your Lord, Who created you and those before you, so you may become righteous.” These words are not merely a command but a gentle reminder of our purpose, a call to reconnect with the Creator who shaped us with infinite care and intention. To worship Him is to step into our true selves and align our lives with the divine blueprint written for us long before we take our first breath.

Living with Taqwa also means embracing the Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) teachings, whose life serves as the ultimate model of righteousness. His example reminds us that faith is not just an internal state but an outward expression of love, compassion, and justice. It challenges us to embody these values in every interaction, to let our actions speak louder than our words, and to remain steadfast even in the face of adversity.

The journey of Taqwa is both deeply personal and profoundly communal. It calls us to look inward, examining our hearts for signs of pride, anger, or negligence, while also urging us to reach outward, building bridges of kindness and understanding with those around us. Taqwa serves as a compass in a world often consumed by distractions and division, guiding us back to what truly matters.

May Allah (S.W.T) grant us the wisdom to navigate this path gracefully and humbly. May He strengthen our resolve when we falter and fill our hearts with the light of His guidance. May we never forget that the journey itself is a gift, a sacred opportunity to draw closer to Him, one step at a time. Ameen.