Surah Baqarah.ayat no 2-5

Ayat no 2.
This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah;

All religious books have inconsistencies but Quran is the only revealed book without any inconsistencies. Quran is the only book which is beyond any doubt. No one can claim the authenticity of any book but Allah has vouched for His book Himself. This ayat comes at the beginninig when we are about to start our journey with the Quran so that we may put all doubts behind and trust this book to guide us.
Quran is a guideline for the whole humanity but it benefits only those who want to be saved from Allah’s wrath and eternal punishment.
The intention with which we open the Quran with, we will get according to it. If our purpose is to collect information to impress other people, we will get plenty of it. If we want guidance towards the right path, it will show us the way.
According to this ayat this book gives guidance to those who have Taqwa in their hearts.

What is Taqwa?
Taqwa -- A State of Submission
by
AbuBakr Karolia
South Africa, July, 2003

Taqwa is an Arabic word which is explained as a shield against wrongdoing and further expounded as to be “conscious of Allah” or to have “fear of Allah” or to be “cautiously aware of Allah”.

The origin of the word Taqwa is from the Arabic root letters wa’ ka’ ya (meaning shield) and its verb is from the word “Ittaki”. Ittaki means to be careful or to be protected or to be cautious. Taqwa is an internal compass on the path that leads towards Allah. The broader meaning and character of Taqwa is to develop one’s behaviour, so as to be cautiously aware in the worship of Allah and attain nearness to Him and in so doing, perfect oneself.
This consciousness and fear of Allah is understood as a protection and a shield against wrongdoing. The abstention of evil through this fear, consciousness and establishing a cautious awareness of Allah, ultimately develops one’s love of Him.

The universal principle of submission to the Divine Will is beautifully expressed in the character of one who is a servant of Allah, known as an “Abd-Allah” which is an ideal state of Taqwa.
Abu Darda (R) said: “From the completion of Taqwa is that the servant fears from His Lord even with regards to things, the weight of an atom.” Abu Darda’s advice for servants who wish to accomplish a character of Taqwa should fear to commit the smallest of sins.

The messenger of Allah said in a Hadith, reported in the Sahih Muslim that, “Taqwa is here”, and he pointed to his chest.

Taqwa is profoundly explained in a discussion, between Umar (R) and Kaab (R) who were companions of the Prophet (S) of Islam. Umar (R) asked Kaab (R), the meaning of Taqwa as he was renowned for his deep understanding of the Qur`an Al Kareem.
Kaab (R) then inquired from Umar (R), whether he had walked through a thorny bush path with his cloak. Umar (R) replied that he had done so on numerous occasions. Kaab (R) asked Umar (R) to describe his movements through this thorny path. Umar (R) replied that he moved very cautiously, so as not to tear his clothing. Kaab (R) said that was the description and the meaning of Taqwa.

The path that inculcates and embraces a character of Taqwa is one that must be carefully and cautiously treaded. On this path one must be completely aware of oneself and one’s surroundings, to be disciplined with the correct action and behaviour which will achieve one’s closeness to Allah.

Taqwa is one of the most profound concepts in Islam. It is an avenue by which Muslims relate to one another in society and a means to channel actions for the pleasure of Allah. Possessors of Tawqa are called Al-Muttaqun or Muttaqeen.

The following verse of the Qur`an Surah 2 Al Bakarah, Verse 183 confirms that Taqwa is for everyone and not for a select group:
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.”

This verse confirms two points. Firstly, that fasting is for everyone and secondly, that the development and attaining of Taqwa is an essential part for all who aspire for tranquillity and a contented heart. To establish Taqwa is for the rich and the poor, the knowledgeable and the uneducated, the leader and the follower, the ruler and the ruled, the old and the young, the man and the women. All must develop and enhance Taqwa.
The most honoured in the sight of Allah is the believer with the most Taqwa, i.e. the most conscious and aware of Him.

The Glorious Qur`an illustrates this in Surah 49 Al Hujurat (the Inner Apartments), Verse 13:
“O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you (Muttaqi). And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).”

The ideal Islamic society is a Taqwa conscious society, conferring its highest respect on those considered to be high in Taqwa.

Though Taqwa is a state of the heart, we cannot judge the Taqwa of others, but many aspects of Taqwa will have a reflection in their character and behaviour. The Qur`an though, prohibits anyone from claims of self-purity.

In Surah 53 An Najm (The Clans), Verse 32 reminds us that:
“Hold not yourself purified. Allah knows best who has Taqwa.”

In Islam there is only one Shari'ah (Divine Law) and one scale of righteousness for everyone and that is measured through a character of Taqwa.

The word Taqwa has been mentioned 151 times in the Noble Qur`an. Allah has taken us through the various aspects of His Guidance and Blessings in the Glorious Qur`an. The Qur`anic descriptions of Taqwa are so precise and distinct that it is an indication of the importance of the involvement of this concept in the life of Muslims. These numerous verses elaborate the different dynamics and dimensions of inner meanings of Taqwa that enables Muslims to be an ideal and a living example as a vicegerent of Allah.

The four verses in Surah 2 Al Bakarah Verse 2-5 summarises the guiding principle in the Noble Qur`an for the people of Taqwa:
2. This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear (or are conscious) of Allah (Taqwa).
3. Who believe in the Unseen, are steadfast in prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;
4. And who believe in the Revelation sent to you, and sent before your time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter.
5. They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.
The Muttaqun are those that believe, fear Allah and look to what He has ordained in carrying out His actions to avoid His displeasure and sadness. These people are involved and active in his/her life with the Ummah (the Muslim community), concerned with the affairs of humanity, whilst at the same time praying , fasting, spending in Allah’s cause, having good morals, are forgiving and just. All these descriptions can be attributed to a person who has Taqwa and will be assured and successful in the Hereafter.
Hence, for the moral development and correct behaviour of a good Muslim it necessary that he strictly analyse and establish his Taqwa, but never claims to be a possessor of it.

Ayat no 3

This is the Book; in it is guidance sure, without doubt, to those who fear Allah;

Ghaib means anything which is beyond human comprehension. To develop Taqwa we will have to climb up the steps of faith. Faith involves believing that Allah is one and alone. No one else shares His glory. Believing in angels, all the prophets, fate, day of judgement, revelation and all the revealed books too.
The first characteristic of Muttaqeen is that they are believers. Eeman-bilghaib is a prerequisite for hidaayat.

Strong and healthy roots of faith will bear healthy fruits. Cultivating the field of heart is very important to receive the nourishment of Hidaayat.
Offering Salaat/prayers is the first outward manifestation of eeman/faith. Offering it in the right manner and at the right time is being steadfast in prayer. Prioritizing it in our life. Our schedule should be set keeping in mind the punctuality of namaz.
Then comes sharing our blessings with others. Whatever Allah has bestowed upon us is due to His grace and it is not due to any ability of ours. It creates a feeling of benevolence in our hearts.

This book’s purpose is to mould us into characters who are selfless and giving and who don’t crave for material things. Its not just money that we are required to give to others, our talents, time, skills, encouragement, knowledge, good advice, all of these can come in the list of spending. Sharing from all aspects.

Whatever you give returns to you in some form or the other. If Allah has given you the ability to smile, then smile to release the tension and to welcome people. Don’t be a miser and keep the blessings you have to yourself alone.

Ayat no 4


And who believe in the Revelation sent to thee, and sent before thy time, and (in their hearts) have the assurance of the Hereafter

The next step is to believe in not only our prophet and what was revealed to him, we need to believe in what was revealed to all the other prophets. As all the other religious texts that were revealed to other prophets have been changed by their followers and have many inconsistencies, we are required to have faith in what Allah revealed to other prophets originally and not the present versions of these books.

Belief in the day of judgement is an important pillar of faith. The sense of accountability in front of Allah should always be alive in our hearts. We should be aware of what will befall us when we die and when we get raised on the day of judgement. There shouldn’t be any doubt in our minds about this day because this is the ultimate reality we will have to face.
Successful person is the one who performs all his actions keeping in mind the day of judgement. Set your timetable according to this reality of accountability.

But how (will they fare) when we gather them together against a day about which there is no doubt, and each soul will be paid out just what it has earned, without (favour or) injustice?
Surah 3 Verse 25

We shall set up scales of justice for the Day of Judgement, so that not a soul will be dealt with unjustly in the least, and if there be (no more than) the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it (to account): and enough are We to take account.
Surah 21 Verse 47

And the Book (of Deeds) will be placed (before you); and thou wilt see the sinful in great terror because of what is (recorded) therein; they will say, "Ah! woe to us! what a Book is this! It leaves out nothing small or great, but takes account thereof!" They will find all that they did, placed before them: And not one will thy Lord treat with injustice.
Surah 18 Verse 49

Ayat no 5


They are on (true) guidance, from their Lord, and it is these who will prosper.

The formula for success has been given in the above Ayats. If we develop these traits then we will be able to develop Taqwa which will lead us to the knowledge of the right path.



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