One of The Most Misunderstood Word | Nouman Ali Khan

Summary

This video delves into the profound concept of 'Taqwa' (God-consciousness) as emphasized in the Quran, exploring its frequent mention in conjunction with other commands. The speaker explains that Taqwa is not just about fear but is more about protection and maintaining awareness of Allah in every situation. Using various examples, the video emphasizes the importance of keeping Allah in the forefront of our actions, even amid distractions, like in professional or personal situations. Through the Prophet's unique encounter with Taqwa, the message is clear: Taqwa is essential in navigating the challenges of life and external influences, including media and propaganda.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tawa is the most commonly repeated instruction in the Quran, appearing over a couple of hundred times, often combined with other commands.
• 😀 Tawa means protection, and its original use referred to the protective saddle of a horse or camel, symbolizing shielding oneself from harm.
• 😀 Tawa is not just about fear; it is primarily about protecting oneself, including from the punishment of Allah.
• 😀 When Allah instructs us to protect ourselves from judgment day, He is emphasizing preparation, both spiritual and worldly, to avoid punishment.
• 😀 In the context of Hajj, tawa means taking practical precautions (e.g., enough supplies) as well as spiritual preparedness (e.g., awareness of Allah).
• 😀 The concept of tawa extends beyond actions; it also involves maintaining awareness of Allah in all aspects of life, including personal and professional settings.
• 😀 Tawa requires maintaining a conscious connection with Allah, even in the midst of daily distractions and worldly responsibilities.
• 😀 The rules of Islam, such as halal and haram, are designed to help maintain tawa, ensuring that Allah remains at the forefront of our minds and actions.
• 😀 Fasting during Ramadan is a prime example of living tawa, as believers demonstrate awareness of Allah through abstaining from food and drink despite hunger and thirst.
• 😀 The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was instructed to continuously strengthen his tawa, especially when facing new and unprecedented challenges, to stay connected to Allah despite external pressures.
• 😀 Tawa extends to all aspects of life, including dealing with propaganda and external influences, ensuring that they do not compromise our awareness of Allah and His commands.

Q & A

What is the most repeated command in the Quran, and how is it related to other commands?

The most repeated command in the Quran is to have *Taqwa* (consciousness of Allah). This command is not given in isolation but is often combined with other instructions, emphasizing that being mindful of Allah should be integrated into every action or decision.

What is the original meaning of the word *Taqwa*, and how does it relate to protection?

The original meaning of *Taqwa* comes from the word 'Al-Wiqaya,' which refers to protection or shielding. It was used to describe a saddle for a horse or camel that protected both the animal and the rider from injury. Thus, *Taqwa* implies protecting oneself, not through fear, but by safeguarding oneself from harm, especially from displeasing Allah.

How is *Taqwa* different from fear, and why is it often misunderstood?

*Taqwa* is often misunderstood as merely fear of Allah, but it is more about protection. It involves protecting oneself from disobeying Allah and staying mindful of His presence. While fear is a part of *Taqwa*, it primarily concerns avoiding actions that distance one from Allah.

What does it mean to protect oneself from Allah's punishment as part of *Taqwa*?

Protecting oneself from Allah's punishment means being cautious not to cross the lines set by Allah and avoiding actions that lead to His displeasure. It's similar to stopping at a red light to avoid consequences, illustrating the importance of remaining aware of the potential consequences of actions.

How does *Taqwa* relate to the connection between a believer and Allah?

The second implication of *Taqwa* is protecting oneself from distancing from Allah. Disobeying Allah creates a spiritual distance, and *Taqwa* ensures that a believer remains consciously aware of Allah in all actions, preventing the heart from becoming detached.

What is the impact of everyday distractions on *Taqwa*?

Everyday distractions, such as work, family, or personal concerns, can cause a person to forget Allah, moving Him into the background of the mind. *Taqwa* requires making a conscious effort to keep Allah at the forefront of one's thoughts, even during mundane or stressful situations.

How can *Taqwa* be practiced in difficult situations, like when tempted to act dishonestly?

In difficult situations, such as being tempted to act dishonestly, *Taqwa* is about staying aware of Allah’s presence and choosing to act in accordance with His commands. For example, a person might face the temptation to cheat, but by maintaining *Taqwa*, they resist this temptation to protect their relationship with Allah.

Why does the Prophet Muhammad (saw) receive the command to have *Taqwa* in the Quran, even though he is the leader of believers?

The command for the Prophet Muhammad (saw) to have *Taqwa* is unique in the Quran. Even though he is the leader and an embodiment of *Taqwa*, this command signifies the need for continuous awareness of Allah, particularly as he faces new, unprecedented challenges. It emphasizes that every situation requires its own form of awareness of Allah.

What lesson can we learn from the Prophet's response to the command to have *Taqwa* in a new situation?

The lesson from the Prophet’s response is that each situation in life requires its own specific *Taqwa*. The awareness of Allah needed in one situation might be different from another, and a believer must adapt their mindfulness of Allah accordingly. This teaches us the importance of staying spiritually connected with Allah, regardless of the circumstances.

How does *Taqwa* relate to the influence of societal pressures, like media or political influence?

Societal pressures, such as media influence or political propaganda, can undermine *Taqwa* by distracting a person from their focus on Allah. *Taqwa* requires awareness of how these influences impact decision-making and the importance of resisting their pressure to maintain spiritual integrity and connection with Allah.