Taqwa

An alert, careful awareness of Allah that keeps a person away from what harms them.

Also written · Taqwah · Takwa · Taqwaa · Taqua · Tuqa · Takva · God-consciousness · Piety · Fear of God · Muttaqi · Muttaqoon · Mindfulness of God

The meaning

What Taqwa means in Islam

The root means to guard or to shield, and carries the sense of putting something between yourself and danger. The Qur'an calls it the best provision for the journey (Qur'an 2:197), and the Prophet peace be upon him pointed to his chest three times and said taqwa is here, in a report collected by Muslim. It is not fear alone, and it is not a personality type. It is caution kept awake.

Evidence · Qur’an · Stated directly in the Qur’an

Read beside it

Rooms that name it

God consciousness is built on a word meaning to shieldA Light · Root w q y, to guard and to shield
Qabil & Habil: First BurialThe Path · chapter 4
Surah Ash-ShamsSurah 91 · The Sun

Words that sit beside it

Wara'Caution that leaves what is unclear, in order to stay safe from what is forbidden.الوَرَع
MuraqabahLiving with the awareness that Allah sees you, at the moment you are acting.المُرَاقَبَة
KhawfFear of Allah: the awareness of His justice that keeps a person from walking off the edge.الخَوْف
ShubuhatDoubtful matters: the grey band between what is clearly lawful and what is clearly forbidden.الشُّبُهَات