The pious are safe from hell fire and rewarded amply by Allah taala

The pious are safe from hell fire and rewarded amply by Allah taala

In the Name of Allâh, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Abu 'Abdirrahmaan Muhammad al-Kanadi

Al hamdulillahi rabbil ‘aalameen wa salaatu wa salaamu ‘ala ashrifil anbiyaai wa al mursaleen nabeeyana Mohammad wa ‘ala aalihi wa sahbihee ajma’een.

Wa b’aad:

Truly, we were granted this life to be tested which of us would remain steadfast in the dhikr (remembrance) and shukr (gratitude) of Allah (Subhaanahu wa ta’aala). Living in a landmine where every step you take can lead to your possible destruction, and not destruction of the body but rather of the soul, we see people being annihilated every single day.

This world is one big attraction, making those who are in reality are meager and full of weakness look strong and mighty, making those who are ignorant seem intelligent, and portraying those who have been misguided and enslaved to their own desires as being the most guided of people.

Know, that no one lives in this dunya except that he will be eaten by it in its entirety or will leave bruised and scarred except for those whom Allah (Subhaanahu wa ta’aala) has mercy upon. Hassan al Basari (Rahimahullah) had some wise words concerning the dunya when he said: "So beware of this land (the dunya) that is falling down and is misleading and deceiving, being decorated by its deceit and having eluded (others) by its delusion, and having killed its people with its hopes. It looks forward with anticipation towards the one who proposes to it for marriage. Hence it becomes like the unveiled bride -all the eyes are looking towards it, and the souls are in love with it, and the hearts are captivated by it".[1] Indeed he was true in his words, as we are all guilty of the crime of being deceived by the dunya with its beauty and glamour. Some of us were fortunate to get out, al hamdulillah, while others have wandered off into the everlasting dark tunnel that had no light at its beginning and has no light at its end, and the only thing that will allow him to leave is death itself. Refuge is sought with Allah (Subhaanahu wa ta’aala) from such an evil ending.

And know for a fact that no matter how much good you may see in this dunya, in reality it is just a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing. Had there been any good in it, then Allah (Subhaanahu wa ta’aala) would have made it a place of reward, and place of dissension of His mercy. But rather Allah (Subhaanahu wa ta’aala) only sent one of His mercies upon the earth through which we are kind to one another, and rather has made it a place of trial and tribulation and a true prison for the believer. Likewise, had there been good in it we would have seen the Prophet (Salla Allahu ‘alayhee wa Sallam) being attached to it and living in its luxuries but rather he sacrificed it all with full certainty in that which will come after is better and everlasting. Thus, he (Salla Allahu ‘alayhee wa Sallam) said: “The dunya is cursed. Cursed is all that is in it except for the remembrance of Allah, and that which resembles it, a scholar, and a student (of knowledge).” [2] So do we need anymore proof that this dunya is an end less pit for the one who is not careful and falls into it?

One of the most beautiful words ever uttered were at the end of a seerah lecture where the speaker said referring to the Prophet (Salla Allahu ‘alayhee wa Sallam) "He had the world at his feet, yet not a dinar to his name.” Indeed that’s what true zuhd (asceticism) and taqwaa (piety) is, having the dunya bestowed upon you from every angle imaginable and sacrificing it for the noble face of your creator and sustainer, truly noble attribute that most have lost, except those who have been encompassed by the mercy of Allah (Subhaanahu wa ta’aala). So let us abandon this dunya and its temporary beauty for the joys, which will last for eternity. Let us be the children of the aakhirah and not of the Dunya as 'Ali (Radiya Allahu ‘anhu) said: “Verily the dunya is coming to an end, and the aakhirah is coming to a beginning and they both have children. So be children of the aakhirah and don’t be children of the dunya. For verily today there is action with no account and tomorrow there’s account with no action”. [3] So let us wear the garments of Imaan (belief) and Taqwaa (piety) as they are the only true garments the cover the 'awrah, and are the only protection from the tribulations of the dunya. Like Allah (Subhaanahu wa ta’aala) said “And take provision, verily the best of provisions is at-Taqwaa" [4] and as He (Subhaanahu wa ta’aala) says, " Verily for the Muttaqeen (people of Taqwaa) is success (paradise)" [5] and as He (Subhaanahu wa ta’aala) says, “Indeed successful are the believers” [6] and as he (Subhaanahu wa ta’aala) says, "Verily those who believe and do righteous deeds will have the gardens of al-Firdous (the loftiest form of paradise)” . [7] May Allah (Subhaanahu wa ta’aala) make us of these people. Aameen.

Lastly, before I end off I leave you with the words of the Prophet (Salla Allahu ‘alayhee wa Sallam) "Every man starts his day being a vendor of his soul, either freeing it or bringing about its ruin". He who enslaves his soul to Allah has indeed liberated it and he who enslaves his soul to his whims and desires then let him prepare for a marriage to captivity till death do you part. Proving this point is the statement of the 'Allaamah of raqaaiq Ibn ul-Qayyim (Rahimahullah), "Verily the life of man is in the life of his heart and his soul. And there is no life in the heart except by knowing its creator, having love for him, worshipping him solely, turning to him in times of need, and seeking tranquility with His remembrance. And he who loses this life has lost all good. Even if he attempts to substitute (this loss) with all that is in the world. For verily not even all of the world together would be able to replace this life. And verily for everything that a slave loses there is a substitute, but the one who loses Allah will never find anything to replace Him" [8]

So take these two sayings, read them, understand them, and implement them to the best of your ability, and know, without a doubt, that Allah (Subhaanahu wa ta’aala) is the one who grants success.

The statement of Fudayl bin `Iyyad (Rahimahullah), "Man's fear of Allah is equal to his knowledge of Him and his renunciation of worldly pleasures is equal to his desire in the Hereafter." [9]

Secondly, the advice of Sufyan ath-Thawree (Rahimahullah), "Work for the sake of this life within the extent of your stay in it, and for the Hereafter within the extent of your stay therein." [10]

And Allah (Subhaanahu wa ta’aala) knows best.

May Allah (Subhaanahu wa ta’aala) make us of those people who benefit from admonition and of those who when they are given are thankful, when tested are patient, and when sin are repentful (as these are the keys to success in this dunya and the aakhirah). Aameen.

Completed on the 3rd day of Safar 1424 A.H.

By the Slave of Allah, the one most in need of His mercy

Abu ‘Abdir Rahman Mohammad Al Kanadi

Al Madeenah An-Nabaweeyah

https://www.kalamullah.com/hearts19.html

Characteristics of those with Taqwa (Fear of Allah)

The first matter that it befits him to employ is Taqwa of Allah secretly and openly, by exercising caution (wara’) with regards to the sources of his food, drink, dress and earnings. He is perceptive about his time and the corruptions of its people that he may beware of them regarding his religion. He concentrates on his own situation, having the aspiration to reform whatever is corrupt in his affairs, guarding his tongue and choosing his words.

If he speaks, he speaks with knowledge when he sees speech to be correct. He fears from his tongue things more severe than he fears from his enemy. He imprisons his tongue the way he imprisons his enemy, so that he may be safe from its evil and bad consequences. He rarely laughs at the matters which people laugh, due to the bad consequences of laughter. If he is pleased by something in accordance with the truth, he smiles. He dislikes joking, fearing frivolity: if he jokes, he speaks the truth. He is accommodating in countenance and pure in speech. He does not allow himself to be praised for qualities he has, how then for qualities he does not have? He is wary of his self, that it should overcome him for what it desires, of the things that will anger his Master. He does not backbite anyone. He does not look down upon anyone. He does not abuse anyone. He is not happy at the affliction of others. He neither transgresses upon anyone, nor envies them. He does not think the worst about anyone, except for one who deserves it. He loves with knowledge, and hates with knowledge. He speaks about a person’s faults only with knowledge, and remains silent about a person’s real nature with knowledge.

He has made the Qur’an, Sunnah and Fiqh his guide to every good and beautiful quality, guarding all his limbs from what has been forbidden. If he walks, he walks with knowledge. If he sits, he sits with knowledge. He strives hard so that people may be safe from his tongue and hand. He does not behave ignorantly: if someone behaves ignorantly towards him, he is forbearing. He does not oppress: if he is oppressed, he forgives. He does not transgress: if he is transgressed upon, he has patience. He restrains his fury to please his Lord and enrage his enemy. He is humble in himself: when the truth is presented to him, he accepts it, whether from one younger or older.

He seeks status from Allah, not from the creatures. He despises arrogance, fearing for his self from it. He does not (earn to) eat by the Qur’an, nor does he like his needs being fulfilled by way of it. He neither runs with it to the sons of kings, nor sits with it amongst the rich so that they may honour him.

If the people earn plenty from the world without understanding or perception, he earns a little with understanding and knowledge. If the people wear fine luxury, he wears of the halal with that which conceals his private parts. If his circumstances ease, he eases; if they tighten, he tightens. He is content with little, so it suffices him. He bewares for himself from the world that which will make it tyrannical. He follows the obligations of the Qur’an and the Sunnah: he eats food with knowledge; he drinks with knowledge; he dresses with knowledge; he sleeps with knowledge; he has union with his wife with knowledge; he accompanies his brothers with knowledge; visiting them with knowledge, seeking permission to enter upon them with knowledge, and greeting them with knowledge; he treats his neighbour with knowledge.

He imposes strictly upon himself the honouring of his parents: he lowers his wing to them, and lowers his voice before their voices. He expends his wealth for them, and looks upon them with the eye of respect and mercy. He prays for their longevity, and is thankful for them in old age. He is not irritated by them, and does not look down upon them. If they ask for his help in a matter of obedience, he helps them. If they ask for his help in a matter of disobedience, he does not help them, but is gentle with them in his disobedience of them: he shows beautiful etiquette such that they may return from the ugly matter that they intended, that it does not befit them to do. He maintains family relations and despises breaking them. If someone breaks off relations with him, he does not break off relations with them. If someone disobeys Allah regarding him, he obeys Allah regarding him.

He accompanies the believers with knowledge, and sits with them with knowledge. He benefits those who accompany him, being an excellent companion for those whom he sits with. If he teaches another, he is gentle with him. He is not harsh with the one who makes a mistake, and does not embarrass him. He is gentle in all his matters, extremely patient in teaching goodness. The leaner finds comfort in him, and the one sitting with him is joyous at his company. Sitting with him brings goodness. He educates his companions with the etiquettes of the Qur’an and the Sunnah.

If he is afflicted with a difficulty, the Qur’an and the Sunnah are two educators for him. He grieves with knowledge. He cries with knowledge. He has patience with knowledge. He purifies himself with knowledge. He prays with knowledge. He gives zakat with knowledge. He gives charity with knowledge. He fasts with knowledge. He performs the hajj with knowledge. He wages jihad with knowledge. He earns with knowledge, and he spends with knowledge. He eases in matters with knowledge, and tightens in them with knowledge. The Qur’an and the Sunnah have taught him his manners. He looks through the pages of the Qur’an in order to teach himself manners, and he is not pleased for himself to fulfil with ignorance the obligations imposed by Allah. He has made knowledge and understanding his guide to every goodness.

When he studies the Qur’an, it is with the presence of understanding and intelligence: his aspiration is to understand that which Allah has imposed upon him of following His commands and avoiding His prohibitions. His aspiration is not: when will I complete the soorah? His aspiration is: when will I be enriched by Allah, so that I am in no need of other than Him? When will I be of the pious? When will I be of those who excel? When will I be of those who have total tawakkul? When will be of those who humble themselves? When will I be of the patient ones? When will I be of the truthful ones? When will I be of the fearful ones? When will I be of the hopeful ones?

When will I have non-attachment to the world? When will I have yearning for the Hereafter? When will I repent from sins? When will I recognize the widespread favours? When will I be grateful for them? When will I understand from Allah His address? When will I understand what I recite? When will I overcome my self regarding its base desires? When will I strive in Allah’s cause with a true jihad? When will I guard my tongue? When will I lower my gaze? When will I guard my chastity? When will I be ashamed before Allah with true shame? When will I be preoccupied with my faults? When will I reform the corruptions in my life? When will I call myself to account?

When will I take provision for the Day of Resurrection? When will I be pleased with Allah? When will I have trust in Allah? When will I be admonished by the warnings of the Qur’an? When will I be preoccupied with His remembrance away from remembrance of other than Him? When will I love what He loves? When will I hate what He hates? When will I be sincere to Allah? When will I purify my deeds for Him? When will I reduce my vain hopes? When will I prepare myself for the day of my death, when my remaining term shall have vanished? When will I build the life of my grave? When will I reflect upon the Standing and its severity? When will I reflect upon my solitude with my Lord? When will I reflect upon the Return?

When will I beware that which my Lord has warned me of: a Fire whose heat is severe, its depth great and its grief lengthy. Its inhabitants do not die that they may rest; their sins are not forgiven; their tears are not shown mercy. Their food is zaqqoom, and their drink is boiling water. Every time their skins are roasted, they are replaced with new ones so that they may taste the punishment. They regret when regret does not benefit them, and they bite upon their hands in sorrow at their falling short in obeying Allah and their embarking upon the disobedience of Allah. Thus, one of them says,

“Alas! If only I had sent something forward for my life!” (89:24)

Another says, “My Lord, return me! It may be that I work righteousness in what I have neglected!” (23:99-100)

Another says, “O woe to us! What is the matter with this Book? It does not leave a minor or major matter, except that it counts it!” (18:49)

Another says, “O woe to me! If only I had not taken so-and-so as a close friend!” (25:28)

Another group of them says, with their faces turning in different kinds of punishment, “Alas! If only we had obeyed Allah, and obeyed the Messenger!” (33:66)

So this is the Fire, O assembly of Muslims! O Bearers of the Qur’an! Allah has warned the believers of it in more than one place in His Book, out of mercy from Him towards the believers. Allah, Mighty and Majestic, said. “O you who have believed! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones. Upon it are angels, stern and severe: they disobey not Allah in what He commands them, and they do as they are ordered.”(66:6)

He, Mighty and Majestic, also said, “O you who have believed! Fear Allah, and let each soul see what it has sent forth for tomorrow; and fear Allah: truly, Allah is Aware of what you do.”(59:18)

He then warned the believers against being heedless of what Allah has obligated upon them and what He has entrusted to them not to lose, and to guard His limits that He has entrusted to them, and not to be like the others who rebelled against His command and so He punished them with different types of punishment. Thus He, Mighty and Majestic, said, “And do not be like those who forgot Allah, so He caused them to forget themselves: they are truly rebellious ones.” (59:19)

He then informed the believers that the people of the Fire and the people of the Garden are not equal, saying, “Not equal are the people of the Fire and the people of the Garden: the people of the Garden, they are the truly successful ones.” (59:20)

Thus, when the intelligent believer recites the Qur’an, he presents himself to it, so it becomes like a mirror in which he sees which of his actions are beautiful and which are ugly. Thus, whatever his Master warns him against, he is wary of it; whatever He instils fear regarding its consequences, he fears; whatever his Master encourages him in, he desires it and hopes for it.

Thus, whoever fits this description, or close to this description, he has recited it as it should truly be recited, and has attended to it as it should truly be taken care of. The Qur’an becomes for him a witness, intercessor, comfort and support. Whoever has these qualities benefits himself and benefits his family, and returns with every goodness upon his parents and his children in this world and the Hereafter.

From 'The Character of The Bearers (and People) of the Qur'an' Chapter 4 by Imam al-Ajooriyy al-Baghdadi (rahimahullah)

https://www.kalamullah.com/quran20.html

The meaning of Taqwa

Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds; and blessings and peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad and upon all his Family and Companions. 

Allah Commands us the Taqwa (righteousness, piety) in many verses of Qur'an. Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {O you who believe! Fear Allâh (by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden) as He should be feared. [Obey Him, be thankful to Him, and remember Him always], and die not except in a state of Islâm (as Muslims) with complete submission to Allâh.}[3: 102]. And He also says: {O mankind! Fear your Lord and be dutiful to Him! Verily, the earthquake of the Hour (of Judgement) is a terrible thing}[22: 1].

The Prophet also recommended Taqwa in many Ahadith. He said: "Be careful and follow Allah's Commands perseveringly, wherever you be whenever you commit a sin follow it up with a good act which wipes off the sin. Deal with people kindly and with good contact". 

Imam Ibn Rajab said: "Taqwa means that a person should make a fence between himself and that which is harmful. Taqwa (fear) of Allah means that a person should make a fence between himself and between Allah's Punishment, anger and displeasure by doing all that He has ordered and abstaining from all that He has forbidden". [Jami al-uloom wa al-Hikam].

Ibn Masoud while explaining the verses: {O you who believe! Fear Allah as He should be feared}. [3: 102]. Said: "He (Allah) should be obeyed, should not be disobeyed; He should be always mentioned and should not be forgotten and He should be thanked and ingratitude should not be shown to Him. Imam Hasan Basare said: "Muttaqie (the pious) is the one who abstains from the prohibitions and practices only the good acts". Ali bin Abu Talib said: "Taqwa means fearing Allah, practicing according to the Qur'an and Hadith, being content with little, and preparing for the Day of Judgement". Ibn Rajab said: "The complete Taqwa is practicing obligations, avoiding prohibitions and doubts. Most probably doing desirable acts and avoiding undesirable acts is also from Taqwa. 

Allah Says (interpretation of meaning): {Alif-Lâm-Mîm. [These letters are one of the miracles of the Qur'ân and none but Allâh (Alone) knows their meanings]. This is the Book (the Qur'ân), whereof there is no doubt, a guidance to those who are Al-Muttaqûn [the pious and righteous persons who fear Allâh much (abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden) and love Allâh much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained)]. Who believe in the Ghaib and perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and spend out of what we have provided for them [i.e. give Zakât , spend on themselves, their parents, their children, their wives, etc., and also give charity to the poor and also in Allâh's Cause - Jihâd, etc.]. And who believe in (the Qur'ân and the Sunnah) which has been sent down (revealed) to you (Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) ) and in [the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel), etc.] which were sent down before you and they believe with certainty in the Hereafter. (Resurrection, recompense of their good and bad deeds, Paradise and Hell, etc.).}[2: 1- 4].

Details of Taqwa could only be mentioned here in brief: we say that Taqwa is fearing Allah as He should be feared by doing all that He has ordered and by abstaining from all that He has forbidden. The Highest degree of Taqwa is doing desirable acts beside obligations and avoiding undesirable acts along with forbidden ones out of love for Allah and desire to please Him in all things and desire not to offend or displease Him in any way. 

Taqwa is purifying oneself from all bad acts. Taqwa is a state of the heart felt by the heart rather than pronounced by the tongue. Taqwa is accepting all the Commands of Allah and His Prophet, behaving according to them, fearing Allah in secret as well as in public, at night time as well as during the day, in darkness as well as in the light. Since Allah knows what is apparent and what is hidden. 

Whoever fears Allah as he should be feared and fears His Punishment he is a pious person (Muthaqie) . A true believer lives always between the fear of Allah's Punishment and the hope of Allah's Mercy, i.e. he fears His Punishment and hopes for His Mercy. The main characteristics of pious persons (Muthaqiees) are that they do not set up partners with Allah and do not want to show their acts of worship to people. Because the supreme object of Muthaqie people is to be sincere to Allah Alone in all their activities. Since they desire only Allah's pleasure.

The other characteristic of pious persons (Muthaqees) is that they hasten to ask forgiveness of Allah whenever a sin occurs, as Allah Says about them (interpretation of meaning): {And obey Allâh and the Messenger (Muhammad SAW) that you may obtain mercy. For such, the reward is Forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flowing underneath (Paradise), wherein they shall abide forever. How excellent is this reward for the doers (who do righteous deeds according to Allâh's Orders).}[3: 132, 136].

The pious people always give alms and spend their money for good. They restrain their anger, pardon all people, do good and show kindness for men, always seek forgiveness from Allah and avoid knowingly doing wrong acts. If they happen to commit a sin they feel guilty and make sincere repentance. In addition they observe the rights of people and do not do injustice to them.

http://islamweb.net/en/fatwa/82493/

Taqwa: The Key to Paradise

Taqwa (consciousness of Allah The Almighty) is a cause of the salvation of believers from Hell, as mentioned by the Lord The Almighty who Says (what means): {And there is none of you except he will come to it. This is upon your Lord inevitability decreed. Then We will save those who feared Allah.} [Quran 19:71-72] Furthermore, the protective alliance of Allah The Almighty is the share of the pious and righteous only, as confirmed by His Saying (what means):
{but Allah is The Protector of the righteous.} [Quran 45:19]
{Unquestionably, [for] the Allies of Allah there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve those who believed and were fearing Allah.} [Quran 10:62-63] Thus, fasting has been ordained for this meaning, in relation to which Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, Allah only accepts from the righteous [who fear Him].} [Quran 5:27] He never accepts deeds and acts of worship from anyone else except the pious; and salvation in the world and the Hereafter is their share only; and the protection of Allah The Almighty surrounds them, because they are His allies.
This is the reason why Allah The Almighty did not leave them without showing them the ways of Taqwa, one of which is fasting which He ordained for them. For this reason, the Messenger of Allah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) used to observe fasting so much that whenever anyone would like to see him fasting (at any time of the month), he would see that. As one of his Companions said, "He used to observe fast (for many days consecutively) that we said he would not leave fasting." He sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) also used to fast every Monday and Thursday, and three days monthly. He used to say: "The best fast is that of Daawood (David); he used to fast a day, and leave fasting the next day (i.e. to fast on alternate days)." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim] Whenever the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) came to his wife and found no food, he would make the intention to fast. He also used to fast in the beginning of the month, and fast the whole month of Sha‘baan except for one or two days. He also used to observe six fasts of Shawwaal. In sum, he seemed to be fasting perpetually. He did so simply to realize the different meanings and aspects of Taqwa.
The month of Ramadan is the most specific in this respect. That is, if Taqwa has all those traces referred to by Allah The Almighty, and applied by the Messenger of Allah sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) in fasting, they have been combined, by Allah The Almighty, in the month of Ramadan, in addition to other means, perchance this would enhance the state of the pious. He ordered them to fast at different times throughout the year. Then, He enjoined upon them the fasting of the month of Ramadan, so that they would concentrate their efforts on deeds of Taqwa, and come out of it in the very state which Allah The Almighty for them in the world and the Hereafter, and realize those traces mentioned by the Lord The Almighty. The believers should so this in order to emerge from Ramadan with their deeds accepted, to come out pious and to come out as the righteous allies of Allah
. You should know that you have not been helped to fast in Ramadan or at any time else, nor are you physically prevented from food, drink and sexual intercourse so that you would return to this the same old state without achieving anything from it. In other words, He prevented you from food, drink and desire in Ramadan so that you would become pious; do you think He will open to you this gate so that you would relapse from piety once again? He opened this gate of Taqwa for you so that it would become your slogan, not only in Ramadan, but after it as well. Allah The Almighty does not like you to be pious only in Ramadan, and after it return to your useless talk, heedlessness, remoteness (from the Hereafter), approach to the world and fall into lusts.
Reference link

Analysis of Piety

From the morals and manners of the Salaf was that they would strictly analyze their piety (taqwa) never claiming to be a possessor of such. From the Characteristics of the Salaf © JIMAS From the morals and manners of the Salaf was that they would strictly analyze their piety (taqwa) never claiming to be a possessor of such. Allaah the Most High has said, {So do not claim yourselves to be pure; He is most knowing of who fears Him.} [An-Najm 53:32] { ...فَلَا تُزَكُّوا أَنفُسَكُمْ ۖ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنِ اتَّقَىٰ} النجم: 32 Transliteration: fala tuzakkoo anfusakum huwa aAAlamu bimani ittaqa The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said, "Taqwa is here," and he pointed to his chest. [Muslim (16/120, 121) in al-Birr and at-Tirmidhi (8/115) in al-Birr] «التقوى ههنا« رواه الإمام مسلم والترمذي Umar ibn Abdul Azeez rahimahullaah used to say, "None can reach the station of taqwaa until he possesses neither action nor words that can be exposed to his embarrassment either in this world or the Hereafter." He was once asked, "When does the worshipper reach the peak of tawqa?" He replied, "If he put all his thoughts and desires in his heart on a plate and then wandered around in the market, he should not feel ashamed of anything there." He would frequently say, "The sign of muttaqi (pious person) is to bridle oneself from speaking just like one in ihraam bridles himself from speaking. The muttaqi needs to be a scholar (aalim) of the Shareeah, all of it, otherwise he leaves taqwa without realizing." Abu Darda radhiAllaahu anhu said: "From the completion of taqwa is that the slave fears from his Lord even with regards to things the weight of an atom." Abu Hurairah, radhiAllaahu anhu was asked about taqwa. He said, "It is a road full of thorns. One who walks it needs to have extreme patience." Sufyaan ath-Thawri rahimahullah said, "We met people who loved it when it was said to them - Fear Allaah the Most High. Today you find that people only become annoyed at this." A person asked Fudhayl ibn Iyaad rahimahullaah, "Which country would you like me to live in? Fudhayl replied, "There is no connection between you and any nation. The best country for you is the country which helps you to acquire taqwa." O brother! Search your soul. Have you feared Allaah as our Salaf feared? Or have you fallen short of that. Seek the forgiveness of Allah as all praise is to Him the Lord of the worlds. [islaam website Shaykh Ahmed Fareed].
Reference Link

The State of Those Who have Taqwa and the Delights

They will enjoy in Paradise When Allah describes the state of the doomed, He follows that with a description of the life of the blessed. For this reason the Qur'an is called Al-Mathani (i.e., oft-repeated).

﴿إِنَّ الْمُتَّقِينَ﴾

(Verily, those who have Taqwa,) i.e., those who fear Allah and are dutiful towards Him in this world,

﴿فِى مَقَامٍ أَمِينٍ﴾

(will be in place of security.) means, in the Hereafter, i.e., in Paradise, where they will be safe from death and the fear of leaving it, and from every kind of worry, grief, terror and exhaustion, and from the Shaytan and his wiles, and from all other troubles and disasters.

﴿فِى جَنَّـتٍ وَعُيُونٍ ﴾

(Among Gardens and Springs). This is in direct contrast to the state of the doomed, who will have the tree of Zaqqum and boiling water.

﴿يَلْبَسُونَ مِن سُندُسٍ﴾

(Dressed in Sundus) means, the finest of silk, such as shirts and the like.

﴿وَإِسْتَبْرَقٍ﴾

(and Istabraq) means, silk which is woven with shiny threads, like a splendid garment which is worn over regular clothes.

﴿مُّتَقَـبِلِينَ﴾

(facing each other, ) means, sitting on thrones where none of them will sit with his back to anyone else.

﴿كَذَلِكَ وَزَوَّجْنَـهُم بِحُورٍ عِينٍ ﴾

(So (it will be). And We shall marry them to Hur (fair females) with wide lovely eyes,) This will be a gift in addition to the beautiful wives given to them.

﴿لَمْ يَطْمِثْهُنَّ إِنسٌ قَبْلَهُمْ وَلاَ جَآنٌّ ﴾

(with whom no man or Jinn has had Tamth (sexual intercourse) before them.) (55:56)

﴿كَأَنَّهُنَّ الْيَاقُوتُ وَالْمَرْجَانُ ﴾

((In beauty) they are like rubies and Marjan.) (55:58)

﴿هَلْ جَزَآءُ الإِحْسَـنِ إِلاَّ الإِحْسَـنُ ﴾

(Is there any reward for good other than good) (55:60)

﴿يَدْعُونَ فِيهَا بِكلِّ فَـكِهَةٍ ءَامِنِينَ ﴾

(They will call therein for every kind of fruit in peace and security;) means, whatever kinds of fruit they ask for will be brought to them, and they will have the security of knowing that this supply will never come to an end or be withheld; these fruits will be brought to them whenever they want.

﴿لاَ يَذُوقُونَ فِيهَا الْمَوْتَ إِلاَّ الْمَوْتَةَ الاٍّولَى﴾

(They will never taste death therein except the first death, ) This is an exception which reinforces the negation. The meaning is that they will never taste death there. It was reported in the Two Sahihs that the Messenger of Allah said:

«يُؤْتَى بِالْمَوْتِ فِي صُورَةِ كَبْشٍ أَمْلَحَ فَيُوقَفُ بَيْنَ الْجَنَّةِ وَالنَّارِ، ثُمَّ يُذْبَحُ، ثُمَّ يُقَالُ: يَا أَهْلَ الْجَنَّةِ خُلُودٌ فَلَا مَوْتَ، وَيَا أَهْلَ النَّارِ خُلُودٌ فَلَا مَوْت»

(Death will be brought forth in the image of a fine ram. It will be made to stand between Paradise and Hell, then it will be slaughtered. It will be said, "O people of Paradise, it is eternal, no more death; and O people of Hell, it is eternal, no more death.'') This Hadith was already quoted in our discussion of Surah Maryam. `Abdur-Razzaq recorded that Abu Sa`id and Abu Hurayrah said, "The Messenger of Allah said:

«يُقَالُ لِأَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ: إِنَّ لَكُمْ أَنْ تَصِحُّوا فَلَا تَسْقَمُوا أَبَدًا، وَإِنَّ لَكُمْ أَنْ تَعِيشُوا فَلَا تَمُوتُوا أَبَدًا، وَإِنَّ لَكُمْ أَنْ تَنْعَمُوا فَلَا تَبْأَسُوا أَبَدًا، وَإِنَّ لَكُمْ أَنْ تَشِبُّوا فَلَا تَهْرَمُوا أَبَدًا»

(It will be said to the people of Paradise, "It is granted to you that you will be healthy and will never fall ill, you will live and never die, you will enjoy a life of luxury and will never be miserable, you will be youthful and will never grow old.'')'' This was recorded by Muslim. It was reported that Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, said, "The Messenger of Allah said:

«مَنِ اتَّقَى اللهَ دَخَلَ الْجَنَّةَ، يَنْعَمُ فِيهَا وَلَا يَبْأَسُ، وَيَحْيَا فِيهَا فَلَا يَمُوتُ، لَا تَبْلَى ثِيَابُهُ، وَلَا يَفْنَى شَبَابُه»

(Whoever has Taqwa of Allah, he will enter Paradise and enjoy a life of luxury and he will never be miserable. He will live therein and never die, his clothes will never wear out and his youth will never fade.)''

﴿وَوَقَـهُمْ عَذَابَ الْجَحِيمِ﴾

(and He will save them from the torment of the blazing Fire,) means, along with this great and eternal blessing, He will also have saved them from the agonizing torment in the depths of Hell, so they will have achieved their desired aim and avoided the thing they feared. Allah says,

﴿فَضْلاً مِّن رَّبِّكَ ذَلِكَ هُوَ الْفَوْزُ الْعَظِيمُ ﴾

(As a bounty from your Lord! That will be the supreme success!) meaning, that will be from His bounty and kindness towards them. It was reported in the Two Sahihs that the Messenger of Allah said:

«اعْمَلُوا وَسَدِّدُوا وَقَارِبُوا، وَاعْلَمُوا أَنَّ أَحَدًا لَنْ يُدْخِلَهُ عَمَلُهُ الْجَنَّة»

(Work and strive hard, and know that no one will enter Paradise by virtue of his deeds.) They said, "Not even you, O Messenger of Allah'' He said,

«وَلَا أَنَا، إِلَّا أَنْ يَتَغَمَّدَنِيَ اللهُ بِرَحْمَةٍ مِنْهُ وَفَضْل»

(Not even me, unless Allah showers me with His mercy and grace.)

﴿فَإِنَّمَا يَسَّرْنَـهُ بِلِسَـنِكَ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ ﴾

(Certainly, We have made this easy in your tongue, in order that they may remember. ) means, `We have made this Qur'an, which We have sent down, easy, plain and clear, in your language which is the most eloquent, clear and beautiful of all languages.'

﴿لَعَلَّهُمْ يَتَذَكَّرُونَ﴾

(in order that they may remember.) means, in order that they may understand and know. Despite the fact that it is so plain and clear, there are still people who disbelieve, who stubbornly go against it. Allah says to His Messenger , consoling him and promising him victory, and warning those who reject him that they will be destroyed.

﴿فَارْتَقِبْ إِنَّهُمْ مُّرْتَقِبُونَ ﴾

(Wait then; verily, they (too) are waiting.) meaning, `they will come to know who will be victorious and whose word will prevail in this world and in the Hereafter. For victory will be for you, O Muhammad, and for your brothers among the Prophets and Messengers, and for the believers who followed you,' as Allah says:

﴿كَتَبَ اللَّهُ لاّغْلِبَنَّ أَنَاْ وَرُسُلِى﴾

(Allah has decreed: "Verily, it is I and My Messengers who shall be the victorious.'') (58:21)

﴿إِنَّا لَنَنصُرُ رُسُلَنَا وَالَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ فِى الْحَيَوةِ الدُّنْيَا وَيَوْمَ يَقُومُ الاٌّشْهَـدُ - يَوْمَ لاَ يَنفَعُ الظَّـلِمِينَ مَعْذِرَتُهُمْ وَلَهُمُ الْلَّعْنَةُ وَلَهُمْ سُوءُ الدَّارِ ﴾

(Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe in this world's life and on the Day when the witnesses will stand forth, -- the Day when their excuses will be of no profit to wrongdoers. Theirs will be the curse, and theirs will be the evil abode.) (40:51-52) This is the end of the Tafsir of Surat Ad-Dukhan. All praise and thanks are due to Allah and in Him is all strength and protection.

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The Qualities Of Those With Taqwa

Allah has mentioned the qualities of those with taqwa (muttaqoon) many times throughout the Quran. He has described how they arc pleasant , civil a nd they arc of sound judgement. One of the most comprehensive verses in this regard is the verse of virtue (birr):

'Virtue is not that you turn towards the East or the West. Virtue is (the virtue of) those who believe in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Revelation and the prophets; those who, for the love of Allah, give wealth to relatives, orphans, the needy, the wayfarer, those who ask and for those in captivity (like slaves); those who establish prayers and offer zakat; those who fulfil their promise after making one and those who are steadfast in trial, adversity and the time of war. They are the ones who are truthful and those are the ones who have taqwa.' [Surah al Baqarah:177]

Ali's Description of those with Taqwa

Hamman ibn Shuraih - a companion of Ali - asked him to narrate the qualities of the people of taqwa so that he would be able to see them in front of him. Ali said: 'When Allah created His creation, He did so while He was completely independent of their obedience towards Him and of their disobedience towards Him. No disobedience can hurt Him and no obedience can benefit Him. Then He distributed amongst them (the creation) their means of sustenance and placed them on earth. The people of taqwa on earth are those of virtue: their speech is correct (true); their garments are of moderate nature and their walk is one of humility. They lower their gazes when they see something that Allah has forbidden them to see and they give an ear to beneficial knowledge. They maintain their integrity in both adversity and prosperity.

Had it not been for the appointed time that Allah has written for them (death), their souls would not remain an extra second in their bodies out of yearning for reward and fear of punishment. The Creator ranks Supreme in their eyes, so everything else becomes immaterial to them. They are with Paradise as if they had already witnessed it and enjoyed its presence. They are with Hell as if they have already seen it and tasted its torment. Their hearts grieve and their evil (if any) is non-contagious. Their bodies are lean, their needs are few and their souls are chaste.

They observe patience for a few days and experience ever­ lasting comfort. This is a profitable exchange that their Lord has made pleasant for them. The world tempts them, but they do not succumb. It imprisons them, but they ransomed themselves in exchange.

During the nights they stand in rows and read portions of the Quran. They recite with proper recitation which grieves their hearts and drink it (the Quran) like medicine. If a verse of yearning comes along, they reach for it and believe it is their destination. If an intimidating verse comes along, they pour their hearts towards it and believe that Hell and its screams are in their ears. They sleep on their foreheads and elbows (i.e. they engage in prayers so much that it is as if they sleep in those postures) and implore Allah to deliver them.

In the day, they are tolerant and learned, kind and God­ fearing. Fear has chipped away at their bodies as if they were arrows. Anyone looking at them would think that they were sick. But they are not sick. Some will say that they are confused. A great fear has made them look like that. They are never content to do only a few actions (during the day), nor do they ask for a great deal. They condemn themselves and are apprehensive about their deeds. If one of them is called "pious", he fears what will be said of him and says:

'I know myself better than you do. My Lord knows me better than I do. O Allah! Do not take me to task for what they are saying about me and (O Lord) make me better than they think. Forgive my sins which they do not know about.'

Their signs are that they are strong in Islam, resolute in their softness; firm in their belief. They crave for knowledge and are knowledgeable with tolerance; moderate in richness; pleasant in hunger; forbearing in distress; seeking halal; active in (pursuing) guidance and they abhor greed.

They perform good deeds in fear (of rejection). They spend the evening in gratitude and the morning in remembrance. They sleep in alarm and they awake in joy. If their carnal selves make it difficult for them to fulfil that which they dislike they deprive them (their selves) of that which they like. The apple of their eyes is in what does not perish and their abstemiousness is in what disappears. They combine knowledge with tolerance and speech with action.

You will find their hopes are realistic their mistakes few ; their hearts humble their selves content; their diet meagre their matters simple; their Deen safe-guarded, their desires killed and their anger subdued. Goodness is expected from them and evil is shielded against them. If they are among those who are oblivious, they are counted amongst those who remember (Allah). If they are among those who remember, they are not written among the oblivious. They pardon those who wrong them; they provide for those who deprive them and meet those who severe ties with them. They are never profane and always lenient. Their wrong doings are almost non-existent and their good deeds are always present. They are resolute when the earth quakes, steadfast in calamities and grateful in prosperity.

They are not prejudiced against those they dislike nor do they favour those they love. They acknowledge the truth before it appears and do not lose anything they are entrusted with. They do not call anyone names nor do they hurt their neighbours. They do not curse at the time of difficulties nor do they venture into falsehood.

Silence does not bother them and if they laugh they do not raise their voices. If they are treated with injustice they remain patient until Allah vindicates them.

Their own selves live in toil while others are comfortable around them.

Their abstinence from those who stay away from them is their exoneration (from malice). Their proximity to those who are close to them is a means of mercy (for those who are close to them). Their remaining aloof is not out of pride and arrogance and their being close is neither a ploy nor a scheme. [Nahjul Balagha: 241]

Reference Link

5 ayaat which make clear the merit of those who fear Allah by Yousaf Jahangir

(Student at the Islamic University of Madinah)
The definition of righteousness:
Taqwa is when a slave of Allah seeks to protect himself from the punishment of Allah by adhering to that which Allah has legislated and abstains from that which Allah has prohibited.
1. Having taqwa is a reason for one to be successful as Allah says in the Quran:
وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ “and fear Allah that you may be successful” 2:189
2. Having taqwa is from the reasons for one to increase in knowledge as Allah makes clear in the Quran: وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ اللَّهُ وَاللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَيْءٍ عَلِيمٌ “So be afraid of Allah; and Allah teaches you. And Allah is the All-Knower of each and everything.” 2:282
3. Allah has prepared the gardens of paradise for those who have taqwa as He says: وَسَارِعُوا إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا السَّمَاوَاتُ وَالْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِين
“And to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden [i.e., Paradise] as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for those who fear Allah.” 3:133 لَٰكِنِ الَّذِينَ اتَّقَوْا رَبَّهُمْ لَهُمْ جَنَّاتٌ تَجْرِي مِن تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا نُزُلًا مِّنْ عِندِ اللَّهِ “But, for those who fear their Lord, are Gardens under which rivers flow (in Paradise); therein are they to dwell (for ever), an entertainment from Allah.” 3:198
4. By having taqwa one truly thanks Allah for that which Allah has bestowed upon him, as he says: فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُون “Then fear Allah so you may be from the grateful.” 3:123
5. It’s from the reasons Allah accepts a good deed as he says: إِنَّمَا يَتَقَبَّلُ اللَّهُ مِنَ الْمُتَّقِين “Indeed Allah only accepts from those who fear him.”5:27
Reference Link

Taqwa, the fear of Allah, keeps a believer awake

Taqwa, the fear of Allah, is the only force that can restrain man from evil and wickedness. It is this fear of Allah that keeps the heart of a believer awake and enables him to distinguish right from wrong. Fear of God for self-righteousness which in Arabic means Taqwa, in fact, epitomiSes the entire teachings of the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him)
It is Taqwa that gives meaning to our simple worship rituals that otherwise would be nothing without it. Haven't we pondered what would the physical actions of salat (prayers) such as bowing and prostrating mean without a heart infused with Taqwa?
What makes the hunger and thirst (when fasting) of a believer different from the same actions of a non-believer?
How would the physical acts of going between the two mountains of Safa and Marwa (in Haj and Umrah) become valuable in the eyes of Allah?
It's the Taqwa in our hearts that provide these simple physical rituals a special meaning in the eyes of Allah.
For example, when mentioning the ritual of sacrificing animals (in Allah's name) in the Quran, Allah says, "It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is Taqwa (piety, etc.) from you that reaches Him. Thus have We made them subject to you so that you may glorify Allah for His guidance to you." (Surah Al-Haj: 37).
Let's ensure, therefore, that our worship is not limited to empty acts but is rather adorned with Taqwa. Again, as the verse states, ".but it is the Taqwa (piety) from you that reaches Him."
A study of the Holy Quran will show that every aspect of its teachings is directed towards the creation of this spiritual condition of God-fearing in every action of the believers.
Taqwa is the soul of fasting. It is said to be that spiritual condition wherein a person, believing firmly in the Omnipotence of Allah and His Omnipresence, has an acute urge to distinguish between virtue and vice, and a burning desire to adopt the good and to eschew the evil in order to protect himself from the displeasure of Allah. Taqwa is the only force which enables Muslims to reach the status of what is called 'world class' human beings.
God-fearing means saving, guarding or preserving a thing from that which harms on injures it. In a religious sense it means guarding against evil or being saved from sin, and in the terminology of Shariah, connotes keeping aloof from all that is injurious to the human souls.
The root meaning of Taqwa is to save oneself from anything that causes apprehension of being harmful or injurious. It, therefore, includes the fear or apprehension of the consequences that follow from a certain act or behaviour. By extension, it means the awareness of one's responsibilities to others.
According to the Holy Quran, Taqwa should be the ultimate result of all forms of worship. The Holy Quran says: "People! Worship your Rab (Creator and Sustainer) Who created you and those before you, so that you may guard against evil..." (2:21). Again, the same virtue is emphasised as the objective of fasting: "O believers! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed for those who were before you, so that you may avoid evil" (2:183).
The Haj is also enjoined with the same objective: "Thus it is, and who so honour the symbols of Allah, then that indeed is from the piety of heart" (22:32). Animal sacrifices is also offered with this very aim: "Neither their meat nor their blood reaches Allah but your piety reaches Him..." (22:37).
The Holy Quran repeatedly asks us to observe Taqwa, to abide by the decisions of the holy Prophet, to act up to the injunctions of the Shariah, and to refrain from prohibited acts, and to attain glory. A Muslim surrenders before Allah and does what he is ordered to do and refrain from what he is told to keep away from.
Taqwa, the fear of Allah, is the only force that can restrain man from evil and wickedness. It is this fear of Allah that keeps the heart of a believer awake and enables him to distinguish right from wrong.
Besides, Taqwa is the only virtue that brings honour to a believer, man or woman, in the Islamic society. The Holy Quran says: "O men We have created you from a male and a female, and have made you into races and tribes that you may (thereby) know one another. Indeed, the most honourable of you in the sight of Allah is (one who is) the most righteous of you. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware" (49:13).
Justice and Taqwa are two principles that emerge as necessary corollaries from the doctrines of Oneness of Allah, which according to the holy Quran and the tradition, is the basic article of faith, whereas the discipline and the dos and the don'ts of the canon law are merely its outward expression, or means to the attainment of divinely ordained ends of man in its collective as well as individual existence.
Reference Link

IF YOU FEAR ALLAH, HE WILL GRANT YOU FURQAN – UWAYS AT-TAWEEL | LOUGHBOROUGH

“O You Who believe, if you fear Allah, Allah will give you a criterion.” Anfal 8:29
This verse deals with a few issues. The first is taqwa – an advice which has been given to those before us and in our time. The definition of taqwa as mentioned by Talq ibn Habib is that you:
Act in obedience to Him
Comply with His legislation with ‘ilm hoping for the mercy of Allah
Leave disobedience to Allah with a light from Allah (‘ilm) based upon that which you have learnt from the legislation, fearing his punishment.
Another explanation of the meaning of taqwa taken from Abu Hurairah is when he asked a person “Have you ever taken a path where there are dangerous obstacles?” and he explained “I would avoid and be cautious it in order not to be harmed by those obstacles and this is taqwa.”
Allah has said that He is not going to leave you just to believe until he distinguishes between those that are impure and those that are pure. He is the One who created life and death to see who is best in good deeds. The one who is from the muttaqoon walks with precaution. You walk carefully for the short time that we are here, be in this world as if you are a stranger. We should be cautious as it relates to taqwa. As for taqwa in the Quran the command of having taqwa is often attributed to the name of Allah ,for example, in the verse which tells us to fear Allah, The One who you be gathered and the statement “Oh you who believe fear Allah and say a statement that is correct and your actions will be correct.
When Allah mentions His name then taqwa or His Punishment. It means have this cautiousness, fearing His Anger when Allah says to fear Him. If you fear Allah then avoid his anger with ‘ilm. When He mentions taqwa then his punishment, for example in these following verses:
“And Fear the Hellfire that has been prepared for the disbelievers” Aali Imraan 3:131
“And fear fire, the one whose fuel is men and stones that has been prepared for the disbelievers” Baqarah 2:24
“And fear that day that you will return to Allah” Baqarah 2:281
In the statement “Oh you who believe have taqwa” the benefits of having taqwa are that:
Your actions are accepted.
Allah does not accept from those who have no taqwa, as it says in The Quran: “Verily, Allah accepts only from those who are Al-Muttaqun” Maidah 5:27
Allah is with those who have taqwa
Verily Allah is with those who fear Allah and those who do good. He aids and supports them. When taqwa is mentioned in the same sequence as ihsan, doing good, taqwa means ikhlas and ihsan means following the sunnah, and those who do that are the muttaqoon. Allah supports them.
Allah will have an exit for them. We have test in this dunya. Whoever has taqwa of Allah there will be way out for him. Be assured that whatever you are going through, if you have taqwa of Allah and avoid haraam Allah can make an exit for you. Allah didn’t say don’t do zina, He said don’t even get close to it. The people of taqwa avoid those things that lead to haraam. There is hope because you are from the muttaqoon, those who Allah aids and supports. He is above His throne but He is with you in terms of His support. As the Arabs say when Allah gives you Furqaan In a tafsir of the Quran it is mentioned that this means that He will give you an exit from bidah. If you have taqwa you will not fall into bidah, and those are the people from Ahlus-Sunnah. If you have taqwa he will make you free and distance you from shubhat and misconceptions, and if you have them, you are weak in your taqwa. You are weak in your taqwa if you have doubts about Salafiyyah, fear Allah. There is fitnah everyday, this is from the sunnah. In the hadith of Abdullah ibn Zubair it says that there does not come a time except the one which comes after it worse, and it will get worse. You need this light from Allah (seeking knowledge the Quran and the Sunnah). Abdullah ibn masood said:
“knowledge is not just talking, it is that light which Allah puts in the heart.”
Another advice from him is that it is not just philosophy and rhetoric. Sheikh ul Islam ibn Taymiyyah said that they were given intellect but not purification. We need to seek knowledge to remove the ignorance from us.They had intellect but they didn’t have that noor.
The one who has taqwa, Allah will give him knowledge and action free from misconception. Ibnul Qayyim said that the two things that cause corruption for Bani Aadam are shuhabat (doubts) and shahawat (desires). Doubts – bringing something to the religion that Allah and His Messenger didn’t bring, and desires- falling into sins. The most lethal, is the doubts as it corrupts the heart. The salaf used to say that the people of bidah would not repent as he thinks his actions are good, but the one who drinks knows that he has sinned. However, the person of taqwa, Allah gives him safety from this. The furqan is that Allah keeps a distance between you and that which you fear. And it is something which we fear, which is why in salah we say keep us upon the straight path. Ibnul Qayyim said we have hidayah to the path and we need hidayah on the path which is why the muslims continue in saying that. Allah keeps the distance between him and the corruption fears if he has taqwa. The ‘Ulema mention that the comprehensive understanding of having taqwa is doing that which he has commanded, and staying away from that which he has prohibited.
Reference Link

Characteristics of the People of Taqwa – 1

In the name of Allaah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy.
Happiness and success in this life and the Hereafter is for the people of Taqwa. Allaah (the Exalted) mentioned the characteristics of the people of Taqwa in a number of Aayaat. He said,
{Alif, Lam, Meem.
This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for the people of Taqwa.
Those who believe in the unseen, establish prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them.
Those who believe in what has been revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what was revealed before you, and of the Hereafter they are certain [in faith].
Those are upon [right] guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful.} [02 : 01-05]
From the above Aayaat, the characteristics of the people of Taqwa are:
Their belief in the message of the Book is with certainty (yaqeen).
The Qur’an is their manual of guidance.
They believe in the unseen, and that it is for Allaah alone.
They place importance to and establish the Prayer.
They appreciate the blessings of wealth by giving some of it to charity.
By giving in charity they show their concern for the poor and needy.
They believe in the revelation to the Prophet (sal Allaahu alayhi wa sallam).
They believe in the revelations to the previous Prophets and Messengers
They believe in the Hereafter, desiring its rewards and fearing its punishments
{They are upon guidance from their Lord, and it is those who are the successful} [02 : 01-05]
O Allaah, guide us to your obedience and keep us protected from your disobedience.
Written by the one in need of Allaah,
Abul Abbaas Naveed Ayaaz
Nelson, Lancashire
Reference Link

The most pious one will be far removed from it (92:17)

A muttaqi is someone who has taqwa whilst an attqa is someone who has the most taqwa. The word janaba means to be on the side and tajannub means to be moved to the side away from something harmful whilst tajneeb means to be taken far away from something harmful and to safety and security, for example, when someone pulls you out of the way of an approaching car. Most mufassiroon consider these verses to have come down in the historical context of when Abu Bakr (ra) freed a group of slaves. He is the attqa who gave and was fearful and freed a group of slaves from the kuffar who were torturing them. Allah (swt) says the most righteous and fearful will be pulled away from the direction of harm and will be completely and absolutely safe. This idea of being far off and safe is very powerful as the people who have not even entered hellfire yet, are by implication therefore, close to it and will be crying for death through their fear of it.
The Quran is very precise in its language. In the previous surah we learn that the Ashqa will exclusively enter the crackling fire that has been prepared for them. In contrast though Allah (swt) does not say la ujannabuha al-atqa, that none will be saved except the most righteous and God fearing. Rather He (swt) said that the people with the most taqwa will be saved from it and from this we learn that they are not exclusively the only ones who are going to be saved from it. People who have less taqwa than those on the highest level will also have hope which is a mercy from Allah (swt). May Allah make us from the people with the most taqwa.
Reference Link

It is Compulsory to save yourself and family from Hellfire by being righteous and fearing Allah

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. In the Ever-Glorious Qur'an, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allâh, but do that which they are commanded. Allah (Glorified be He) orders His believing servants to protect themselves and their families from the Punishment of Allah, through Taqwa (fear/wariness of offending Allah) and ordering their families to do so.
Protection from Hellfire is through Taqwa and sticking to the Din (religion) of Islam. Besides, one should advise his family, including parents, children, brothers and sisters, to fear Allah and stick to His Din, through recommending each other to follow Al-Haqq (the Truth), cooperate in righteousness and Taqwa, enjoining Ma`ruf (that which is judged as good, beneficial, or fitting by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect) and forbidding Munkar (that which is unacceptable or disapproved of by Islamic law and Muslims of sound intellect). Such should be the state of the Mu'min (believer) with his family and Muslim brethren; by calling to Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He), he seeks to save himself and others from the Punishment of Allah. This matter needs patience, sincerity to Allah, truthfulness, and persistence. The most deserving of your good companionship and kindness is your family and relatives. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: All of you are guardians and are responsible for your charges; the Imam (i.e. ruler) is a guardian and is responsible of his charges and the man is a guardian and is responsible of his family. The greatest responsibility is to take care of what saves them from the Punishment of Allah, by advising them to fear Allah (Part No. 9; Page No. 137)
and abide by His Orders and warning them against the Prohibitions of Allah. One should continue doing this until he meets his Lord. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: Worship Allâh and join none with Him (in worship) Then He (Glorified be He) says: ...and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, Al-Masâkîn (the poor) Having commanded His Right i.e. Worshipping Him Alone sincerely and abandoning Shirk (associating others with Allah in His Divinity or worship), Allah (Glorified be He) orders people to do good to parents, relatives and family. Every Muslim should pay attention to this matter and be keen for it to be a means to their salvation on the Day of Resurrection due to his advice, care, enjoining Ma`ruf and forbidding Munkar. A Muslim should do the same with his Muslim brethren; he has to be a guide to goodness, hoping for the reward of Allah and fearing His Punishment. Allah (Glorified be He) says: The believers, men and women, are Auliyâ’ (helpers, supporters, friends, protectors) of one another; they enjoin (on the people) Al-Ma‘rûf (i.e. Islâmic Monotheism and all that Islâm orders one to do), and forbid (people) from Al-Munkar (i.e. polytheism and disbelief of all kinds, and all that Islâm has forbidden)
Accordingly, among themselves and within their families, the believers should observe obligations with regard to both their families and Muslim brethren, hoping for reward from Allah and fearing His Punishment. Allah (Glorified be He) says to His Prophet (peace be upon him): And enjoin As-Salât (the prayer) on your family, and be patient in offering them [i.e. the Salât (prayers)]. Allah (Glorified be He) states that His Prophet and Messenger Isma'il (Ishmael peace be upon him) was true to his promise, and he was a messenger and a prophet. He used to enjoin on his people
(Part No. 9; Page No. 138)
Salah (Prayer) and Zakah (obligatory charity) and was to his Lord pleasing. In Surah (Qur'anic chapter) Maryam, Allah (Exalted be He) says: And mention in the Book (the Qur’ân) Ismâ‘îl (Ishmael). Verily he was true to what he promised, and he was a Messenger, (and) a Prophet. And he used to enjoin on his family and his people As-Salât (the prayers) and the Zakât and his Lord was pleased with him. Your family, children and relatives are the most deserving of your kindness, piety and pursuit of saving them from Hellfire; this is the greatest kind of goodness. Allah (Exalted be He) says: O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) This great deed is more important than giving them money and worldly needs; seeking to save them from the Punishment and Dissatisfaction of Allah on the Day of Resurrection is a great matter. Being kind to relatives by giving them charity is among the good deeds one is obliged to do; but most importantly, you have to advise them to obey Allah, abide by His Obligations and quit His Prohibitions according to your ability. You have to continue doing so and set a good example with regard to every good. You have to start with yourself, so that others might imitate you; you have to hasten to offer Salah and continue offering it in congregation. You have to hold your tongue, be generous to relatives and neighbors, enjoin Ma`ruf, forbid Munkar, call to Allah, and undertake other charitable ways. You have to set a good example for your family, companions, colleagues and neighbors. This needs patience, sincerity to Allah and truthfulness,
(Part No. 9; Page No. 139)
for this is a great matter. It is a subject of Da`wah (calling to Islam), guidance, advice seeking to save yourself and your family from Hellfire, acting upon the Saying of Allah (Glorified be He): O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones Allah (Glorified be He) describes them as those who believe, since Iman (Faith/belief) ordains that matter and calls upon them to do so, though the order is obligatory upon all.
It is obligatory upon each Mukallaf (person meeting the conditions to be held legally accountable for their actions) to fear Allah sincerely and strive to rescue himself, family and all people from the Punishment of Allah. However, this is more obligatory upon the believers, since they believe in Allah and know what they should do, so the obligation upon them is greater. Addressing them, Allah (Glorified be He) says: O you who believe! Ward off yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell) whose fuel is men and stones Beware of being the fuel of Hellfire. Then Allah (Glorified be He) says: ...over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who disobey not, (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allâh, but do that which they are commanded. i.e. they carry out orders, unlike the people of this world who may betray and bribe. In contrast, the angels can not disobey; rather, they carry out orders by admitting you and others into Hellfire. Therefore, beware of meeting your Lord in a case that displeases Allah and makes you enter Hellfire. You should pay due attention to this matter, with truthfulness and sincerity along with asking Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) to grant you support and success. You have to set a good example to your family,
(Part No. 9; Page No. 140)
so when they see you hurrying and racing toward doing good deeds, they would imitate your good deeds. They should also see you keeping away from misdeeds, in order to imitate you and quit evil deeds. This worldly life is an abode of strife, patience, cooperation on righteousness and piety and recommending Al-Haqq but the Hereafter is the abode of reward for your good and evil deeds. The worldly life is the abode of work and preparation. Accordingly, Allah (Glorified be He) says: By Al-‘Asr (the time). Verily, man is in loss, Except those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma‘ruf) which Allâh has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar which Allâh has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allâh’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islâmic Monotheism or Jihâd). Allah (Glorified be He) says: Help you one another in Al-Birr and At-Taqwâ (virtue, righteousness and piety); but do not help one another in sin and transgression. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: Religion is based on advising one another. Upon this it was said: For whom, Messenger of Allah? He replied: For Allah, His Book, His Messenger and for the leaders and the general Muslims.It is necessary to recommend one another to Al-Haqq and exchange advice sincerely and patiently until you meet your Lord, looking for His Reward. Therefore, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allâh’s religion - Islâmic Monotheism). And verily, Allâh is with the Muhsinûn (good doers)." The true Mujahid (one striving/fighting in the Cause of Allah) will be guided and supported by Allah. He (Glorified be He) says: As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause) It means those who strive against themselves, the enemies of Allah, Satan and desires; therefore, Allah (Glorified be He) generalized the word Jihad (fighting/striving in the Cause of Allah) in
(Part No. 9; Page No. 141)
the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) mentioned above to include all kinds of Jihad. He (Glorified be He) says: As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause) meaning in the Cause of Allah, We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allâh’s Religion — Islâmic Monotheism). And verily, Allâh is with the Muhsinûn (good doers).”
Accordingly, you should strive to obey your Lord and strive against yourself to be upright and strive with those who are under your charge until they become upright. Allah is with you. As for those who strive hard in Us (Our Cause), We will surely guide them to Our Paths (i.e. Allâh’s religion - Islâmic Monotheism). And verily, Allâh is with the Muhsinûn (good doers)." I ask Allah to help us and all Muslims be among the Mujahids in His Cause and among the callers to guidance and supporters of Al-Haqq. I ask Allah to grant us success to hasten to do good deeds and avoid evil deeds. He is All-Hearer, Ever Near. May Allah's Peace and Blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!
Reference Link

Rewards for those with taqwa

"And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it as he ought to strive and he is a believer; (as for) these, their striving shall surely be accepted." [Al-Qur'an 17:19]

Recently I took a trip to see my Dad, who happens to be a non-Muslim, in order for him to meet the latest addition to our family, and in order for me to yet again try to convince him that he should accept Islam. While I was there, however, I found out something about him that I never knew before. My father is a workaholic. This man works seven days a week, sometimes 10-to-12 hours a day. The saddest part being, that his labor is all for nothing, for Allah says,

"(These are) they whose labor is lost in this world's life and they think that they are well-versed in skill of the work of hands." [Al-Qur'an 18:104]

Now, even though the situation with my Dad threw me for a loop, it really got me thinking. How many of us, Muslims, are in the very same predicament as my father? How many of us are working hard for the life of this world, at the cost of the Hereafter? How many of us are putting in 40-plus hours a week at our jobs, and other recreational activities, while putting in only the smallest amounts of time when it comes to our Deen? Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, says that truly Man shall earn what he strives for. The question now is what are we truly striving and working for?

Maybe it's because at the end of the week, we are rewarded with something tangible for our efforts, a check we can see and touch. The Hereafter, although being equally as real, is at the same time, mystifying and ethereal in its nature. It's a delayed gratification, which makes it harder to earn. Our wages for our efforts in the deen will not be paid in full until we exit the life of this world. For Allah says:

"Every soul shall have a taste of death: And only on the Day of Judgment shall you be paid your full recompense. Only he who is saved far from the Fire and admitted to the Garden will have attained the object (of Life). For the life of this world is but goods and chattels of deception." [Al-Qur'an 3:185]

Our final destination is the life of the Hereafter. Where we end up, Jannah (Paradise) or Jahannam (Hell) depends on what we worked towards in this life. Paradise is the aim and the hope of every Muslim. But like trying to attain any goal, in order to achieve success, one must have a well-defined plan, and it must be implemented to be successful. Allah says:

"O you who believe! Be careful of (your duty to) Allah and seek means of nearness to Him and strive hard in His way that you may be successful." [Al-Qur'an 5:35]

To prepare for our journey, we need to find out what our destination is like; who are its people, and most importantly, how to get there.

The Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, told us that within Paradise are things that no eyes have ever seen, nor ears have ever heard, and that things in it are beyond our imagination and comprehension, but we all have our own personal ideas of what eternal bliss would probably be like. I remember a few years ago, I overheard my niece and my nephew discussing the landscape, and the privileges of living in Jannah. My nephew was telling my niece that in Jannah, they would be able to eat all the candy that they wanted and that there would be streams of chocolate and trees of ice cream. I always tell people, that Paradise for me, would be being able to eat all the cheesecake and chocolate that I wanted, without gaining a pound. But what Allah has in store for the believers is so much more than this. He, in His Book, and through His Messenger, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, has given us a clear picture of our goal, so that we can keep it in front of us at all times. By keeping our eyes on the prize, no matter our hardships in this worldly life, we can strive that much harder to attain it.

Allah says:

"And whoever desires the Hereafter and strives for it as he ought to strive and he is a believer; (as for) these, their striving shall surely be accepted." [Al-Qur'an 17:19]

Allah has also described Paradise in many places in the Qur'an, so let us now take a look at what He has in store for the believers.

Description in the Qur'an of Paradise

"The description of Paradise which the muttaqun have been promised is that in it are rivers of water, the taste and smell of which are never changed. Rivers of milk the taste of which will remain unchanged. Rivers of wine that will be delicious to those who drink from it and rivers of clear, pure honey. For them will be every kind of fruit and forgiveness form their Lord." [Al-Qur'an 47:15]

"And their recompense shall be Paradise, and silken garments, because they were patient. Reclining on raised thrones, they will see there neither the excessive heat of the sun, nor the excessive bitter cold, (as in Paradise there is no sun and no moon). The shade will be close upon them, and bunches of fruit will hang low within their reach. Vessels of silver and cups of crystal will be passed around amongst them, crystal-clear, made of silver. They will determine the measure of them according to their wishes. They will be given a cup (of wine) mixed with zanjabil, and a fountain called salsabil. Around them will (serve) boys of perpetual youth. If you see them, you would think they are scattered pearls. When you look there (in Paradise) you will see a delight (that cannot be imagined), and a Great Dominion. Their garments will be of fine green silk and gold embroidery. They will be adorned with bracelets of silver, and their Lord will give them a pure drink." [Al-Qur'an 76:12-21]

"And those foremost (In tawhid and obedience to Allah and His Messenger in this life) will be foremost (in Paradise). They will be those nearest to Allah in the Gardens of Delight. A multitude of those (the foremost) will be from the first generation (who embraced Islam) and a few of those (the foremost) will be from the later (generations). They will be reclining, face to face, on thrones woven with gold and precious stones. They will be served by immortal boys, with cups and jugs, and a glass from the flowing wine, from which they will have neither any headache, nor any intoxication. They will have fruit from which they may choose, and the flesh of fowls that they desire. There will be houris with wide, lovely eyes (as wives for the pious), like preserved pearls, a reward for deeds that they used to do. They will hear no vain or sinful speech (like backbiting, etc.) but only the saying of: salam, salam, (greetings of peace). And those on the Right Hand, who will be those on the Right Hand? They will be among thorn-less lote-trees among talh (banana trees) with fruits piled one above another, in long-extended shade, by constantly flowing water, and fruit in plenty, whose season is not limited, and their supply will not be cut off. They will be on couches or thrones raised high. Verily, We have created for them (maidens) of equal age, loving (their husbands only). For those on the Right Hand." [Al-Qur'an 56:10-38]

"Verily, the dwellers of Paradise that Day, will be busy in joyful things. They and their wives will be in pleasant shade, reclining on thrones. They will have therein fruits (of all kinds), and all that they will ask for. (It will be said to them): "Salamun" (Peace be on you), a Word from the Lord, Most Merciful." [Al-Qur'an 36:55-58]

Can you imagine?

Wearing the finest silk clothing and sitting on chairs made of gold and precious stones? Those who disbelieve in the words of Allah, say that this is all a fairy-tale, made up by a would-be prophet. But we know, that Allah is the Truthful and that His Messenger, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, spoke only what was revealed to from the Most Truthful. And even though Allah describes Paradise for us in the Qur'an, He still says:

"So no soul knows the delights of the eyes which is hidden for them; a reward for what they did." [Al-Qur'an 32:17]

Apart from the Qur'anic descriptions of Paradise, the Prophet Muhammad, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, would often describe Paradise to his companions. His descriptions were often so vivid and moving, that many a companion would hurriedly rush towards it. This was the case, as Anas narrated that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and his companions proceeded towards Badr and arrived there before the disbelievers (of Makkah). When the disbelievers arrived, the Messenger of Allah said, "None of you should step forward ahead of me to do anything." Then the disbelievers advanced (towards us), and the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said, "Rise to enter Paradise whose width is equal to the Heavens and the Earth." Umayr ibn al-Humam al-Ansari asked, "O Messenger of Allah, is Paradise equal in width to the heavens and the earth?" He, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said, "Yes." Umayr said, "Bak'hin! Bak'hin!" (An Arabic word denoting excitement and astonishment) The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, asked him, "What made you say these words: bak'hin, bak'hin?" He said, "Messenger of Allah, nothing but the desire to be amongst its residents." He, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said, "You are surely among its residents." He then took some dates form his bag and began to eat them. Then he said, "If I were to live until I had eaten all of the dates, indeed this life would be too long." Anas then said, "He threw away the remaining dates he had with him. He then fought (the disbelievers) until he was killed." [Muslim]

What words could have inspired Umayr and others like him to long for, and to pay the ultimate price for a place in Paradise? Let's now take a look at what the Messenger of Allah, had to say about Paradise.

Description of Paradise in the Ahadith

Abu Sa'id al-Khudri narrated that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said, "The people of Paradise will look at the dwellers of lofty mansions (i.e. a superior place in Paradise) in the same way as one looks at a brilliant star, far away in the East or in the West of the horizon. This is because of their superiority over one another (in reward)." One of the people asked, "O Allah's Messenger, are these lofty mansions for the Prophets which no one else can reach?"

The Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, replied, "No! By Allah, in whose Hands is my life, these are for men who believe in Allah and also believe in the Messenger." [Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Musa al-Ash'ari narrated that the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said, "Verily, for the believers in Paradise, are tents made of a single hollow pear. The length of which would be sixty miles long from all sides, their wives being therein. The believer will go around them (i.e., visit them) and they will not be able to see each other." [Sahih ul-Jami']

Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said, "There is not a tree in Paradise, except that its trunk is made of gold." [Sahih ul-Jami']

Anas ibn Malik narrated that the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said, "Verily in Paradise there is a market in which (the inhabitants of Paradise) will come to every Friday. The North wind will blow and scatter fragrances on their faces and on their clothes. This will add to their beauty and their attractiveness. They will then go back to their families after having an added luster to their beauty and their attractiveness. Their families will say to them, 'By Allah you have been increased in beauty and loveliness after leaving us,' and they will say, 'By Allah you too have increased in beauty and attractiveness after us.' " [Muslim]

Jabir ibn Abdullah narrated that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said, "(I saw in a dream that) I entered Paradise, and behold, there was a palace built of gold. I asked, 'Whose is this palace?' They (the angels) replied, 'For a man from the Quraysh.' So I thought it might be I, so I asked, 'And who is he?' They said, ''Umar ibn al-Khattab.' Nothing stopped me from entering it except your ghirah (sense of honor)." 'Umar said, "My ghirah would never be offended by you, O Messenger of Allah." [Bukhari and Muslim]

Anas ibn Malik said that Allah's Apostle, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said, "I entered Paradise and found myself by a river, by its edges were tents of pearls. Then I tapped with my hands where the water was running, and there was then a beautiful smell ofmusk. I asked, 'What is this O Gabriel?' He said, 'This is Kawthar (a river in Paradise) which Allah has given to you.' " [Sahih ul-Jami']

Who Are the People of Paradise?

We could go on and on, for the ahadith are vast in numbers, about the Prophet's descriptions of Paradise. But a place that has houses built with gold and silver bricks: where its dirt is made of rubies and sapphires and its inhabitants wear only the finest silk garments, sounds like a pretty exclusive neighborhood to me. Who are these people who will be allowed to live in this enchanting place? The Jews say the Jews. The Christians say the Christians. But Allah says:

"And they say: 'None shall enter Paradise unless he be a Jew or a Christian.' Those are their (vain) desires. Say, 'Produce your proof if you are truthful.' " [Al-Qur'an 2:111]

He also says:

"(Namely) those whose lives the angels take in a state of purity, saying (to them), 'Peace be on you, enter you the Garden, because of (the good) which you did (in the world).' " [Al-Qur'an 16:32]

Always in the Qur'an when Allah mentions those who will attain Paradise, He mentions the believers, not the Muslims. He, subhanahu wa ta'ala, says:

"Indeed the Muttaqoon will be amongst the Gardens and water-springs." [Al-Qur'an 15:45]

He also says:

"Verily, the muttaqun will be in a place of security, among Gardens and Springs, dressed in fine silk and (also) in thick silk, facing each other. This is how it shall be, and We shall marry them to houris with wide, lovely eyes. They will request therein for every kind of fruit in peace and security." [Al-Qur'an 44:51-55]

So who are the believers and how do we become one of them? Allah says:

"They believe in Allah and the Last Day, and they enjoin what is right and forbid the wrong and they strive with one another in hastening to good deeds, and those are among the good." [Al-Qur'an 3:114]

He, subhanahu wa ta'ala, also says of the believers:

"But the Apostle and those who believe with him strive hard with their property and their persons; and these it is who shall have the good things and these it is who shall be successful." [Al-Qur'an 9:88]

He goes on to say:

"Allah has purchased of the believers their persons and their goods; for theirs (in return) is the Garden (of Paradise): they fight in His cause, and slay and are slain: a promise binding on Him in truth, through the Law, the Gospel, and the Qur'an: and who is more faithful to his covenant than Allah? Then rejoice in the bargain, which you have concluded: that is the achievement supreme." [Al-Qur'an 9:111]

Of the believers, He also says:

"But those who have faith and work righteousness, they are companions of the Garden: Therein shall they abide (forever)." [Al-Qur'an 2:82]

O slaves of Allah know that being among this illustrious group of people who will live in this place of tranquillity and bliss is not something easily attained. Allah says:

"Or do you think that you shall enter the Garden (of bliss) without such (trials) as came to those who passed away before you? They encountered suffering and adversity, and were so shaken in spirit that even the Apostle and those of faith who were with him cried, 'When (will come) the help of Allah?' Ah! Verily, the help of Allah is (always) near!" [Al-Qur'an 2:214]

What Allah and His Messenger, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, convey to us is that the people of Paradise are the God-conscious, and the God-fearing. Not everyone, who says 'Lord' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, just as not everyone who professes the shahadah, will enter Paradise.

Only those who fear Allah as He ought to be feared, and are motivated by that fear to do acts of righteousness will attain success. The one who is conscious of His Lord, in every aspect of his life, and turns to Him in true submission, will have purchased for himself safety and security on a day, when there will be none, except with Allah. He does not cause a soul to suffer fear twice, the fear of Him in this world, and the fear on the Day of Judgment. About this, the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam said, "Allah says, 'I do not combine for my servants two states of fear,, said, "Allah says, 'I do not combine for my servants two states of fear, or two states of safety. So if he feels safe from Me in this world I will cause him to fear on The Day of Judgment, and if he fears Me in the world, I will cause him to be safe on The Day of Judgment.' " [Sahih ul-Jami']

It is important, therefore, that Muslims know the characters of those who will be the inheritors of Paradise. But it is unfortunate that many of today's Muslims understand that it is enough for one to pronounce the shahadah by his tongue for him to be entitled to enter Paradise regardless of whether he lived according to Islam or not! But the shahadah means and requires more than the mere utterance of it. Actually this fact is one of the most mentioned aspects of Islam in the Qur'an and sunnah. The essence of iman is deed. Deeds of the heart and deeds of the tongue and other body parts. Deeds that are to be continued till one leaves this world. That was the reason why the Arabs of Makkah refused to pronounce it. They fully appreciated its implication. They knew it concerned authority and understood that they had to govern their deeds and lives with it. Yet many of those who repeat it today lead lifestyles that do not resemble those described in the Qur'an and practiced by the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and his companions. The Qur'an warns us that deeds are the basis on which we are to be judged, not only the utterance of the shahadah:

"It is not by your wishes nor the wishes of the People of the Book: whoever does wrong shall be punished for it, and he will find none other than Allah as a protector or helper." [Al-Qur'an 4:123]

So entering Paradise requires that we live as believers and die as Muslims. That takes knowledge, dedication and determination to see it through to its completion. The fist step is belief in Allah and His Messenger, and the flip side to that is leaving all acts of shirk; this means directing all acts of ibadah to none but Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, whether it be wearing talismans, supplicating to others than Allah or simply showing off. The next step is obeying Allah and His Messenger, avoiding bid'ah and innovations, and carrying out all compulsory acts of worship that He has prescribed. Once we are steadfast and regular in what we must do, we can then proceed to the next level of iman and worship, by doing the things that we have been encouraged to do. By increasing out acts of worship, and remembrance of Allah we will leave off sin and help safeguard ourselves from a Fire, the fuel of which is men and stones.

We Should Also Strive to:

Protect our minds from thoughts, which are evil, because evil actions begin with evil thoughts.

Protect our eyes by lowering our gazes and not looking at forbidden things.

Protect our ears from lewd or evil speech where there is sin. We should also avoid listening to lies, gossip, music, slander, or blasphemy.

Protect our tongues by saying always what is correct and true, and keeping it moist with the remembrance of Allah, and keeping away from backbiting and other evil speech.

Protect our stomachs by eating the halal and keeping away from the haram. We should beware of eating usury, carrion, and swine or drinking intoxicants or taking drugs.

Protect our hands from taking what does not belong to us, or from doing harm to another Muslim.

Protect our legs from taking us to evil and corruption and an ultimate doom.

Protect our private parts from unlawful sexual intercourse.

Protect our wealth by not squandering it or holding on to it too tightly.

Protect our oaths, witnesses and trusts by not breaching or breaking a contract or pledge knowingly. We should not exceed our agreements, testify to falsehood or break our trusts.

Protect our families and children by keeping them away from the things that may be harmful and that may corrupt their minds and their souls.

Now, it is true that only Allah knows who the believers are, but that should not stop us from striving to be among their numbers. For the believers will have eternal bliss and complete success, because of the things that they did in this life. Allah says:

"So no soul knows the delight of the eyes which is hidden for them; a reward for what they did." [Al-Qur'an 32:17]

We now stand at the start of the race, so let us run forward quickly to the finish line, where the gates of Paradise will be open for those who strive as they should. The Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam who said, "Paradise is surrounded by hardship and the Hellfire is surround by, who said, "Paradise is surrounded by hardship and the Hellfire is surround by wishes and desires," has described the road to eternal bliss. [Sahih ul-Jami']

Despite this, Allah and His Messenger have left breadcrumbs along the path, for us to follow to make our journey easier. All roads may lead to Rome, but not all paths lead to Allah and His Paradise. We must plan our journey by using only the road map given to us by Allah and His Messenger, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam.

Ways That Lead To Paradise

Belief and righteous deeds are two of the best routes to Jannah (Paradise). The door of righteous deeds is wide and the ways of obtaining rewards are vast, as Allah says:

"And those who believe and do good deeds they are the inhabitants of Paradise, in it they shall abide." [Al-Qur'an 2:82]

Taqwa is the fear of the Most Merciful, and acting in accordance with the Qur'an and the sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. That is, hoping for the reward of Allah and avoiding disobedience of His Guidance and fearing His Punishment. For Allah says:

"Surely those of taqwa shall be in the midst of Gardens and fountains." [Al-Qur'an 15:45]

The Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, also said, "The most common thing which leads people to Paradise is taqwa of Allah and good conduct, and the most common thing which leads people to the Hell Fire is the mouth and the private parts." [At-Tirmidhi]

Obedience of Allah and His Messenger is a sure way to Paradise. Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, says:

"And whoever obeys Allah and His Messenger, He will cause him to enter Gardens beneath which rivers flow, and whoever turns back, He will chastise him with a painful chastisement." [Al-Qur'an 48:17]

Allah's Messenger, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, also said, "All of my followers will enter Paradise except those who refuse." It was asked who would refuse? He said, "He who obeys me enters Paradise and he who disobeys me has refused." [Bukhari]

Fighting in the path of Allah with one's goods and soul. For Allah says:

"O you who believe, shall I lead you to a merchandise which may deliver you from a painful chastisement? You shall believe in Allah and His Messenger, and struggle hard in Allah's Cause with your property and your lives; that is better for you, if you but knew! He will forgive you your sins and cause you to enter Gardens beneath which rivers flow, and goodly dwellings in Gardens of perpetuity; that is the mighty achievement." [Al-Qur'an 61:10-12]

Repentance erases what came before it as the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said, "The one who repents form sin is like the one who never sinned." [Sahih ul-Jami'] And Allah says:

"Except such as repent and believe and do good, these shall enter the Garden, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly in any way." [Al-Qur'an 19:60]

There are countless other means, from building a mosque to seeking Islamic knowledge to obeying our husbands and raising righteous children. All it takes is our time and sincere efforts. With all that Allah has described, it may seem daunting to us at times, that we will ever make it. Iman rises and falls, and with it our good deeds. But we should never lose hope in Allah, for the only one who loses hope in Allah is the one who disbelieves. So even though we may feel that we are at the bottom of the pile, the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, gives us hope. He said, "Musa, 'alayhis salam, asked his Lord, 'Who amongst the inhabitants of Paradise will be the lowest in rank?' He, subhanahu wa ta'ala, said, 'He is a man who will come after the people have entered Paradise and it will be said to him: Enter Paradise.' He will say, 'How my Lord? Indeed, the people have settled in their apartments and taken their shares.' It will be asked of him, 'Would you be pleased if there was a kingdom for you like the kingdoms of the earth?' He will say, 'I would be pleased, my Lord.' He will say, 'And for you is the like of that,and the like of it, and the like of it.' He will say at the fifth time, 'I am pleased, my Lord.' He will say, 'This is for you and ten times like it, and for you is what you desire for yourself and what is pleasurable to your eye.' He will say, "I am pleased my Lord." [Muslim]

This is what Allah has for the least among us. But despite all the glorious castles, the beautiful clothes and mates we will posses, insha'Allah, He still has in store for the believers the greatest honor awaiting them in Paradise. Suhayb ibn Sinan narrated that the Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said, "When the inmates of Paradise enter Paradise and the inmates of Hellfire will enter Hell, the announcer will say, 'O people of Paradise, verily you have a promise with Allah and He wishes to fulfill His promise to you.' They will ask, 'What is His promise? Has He not made our balances heavy (with good deed), whitened our faces, admitted us into Paradise, and delivered us from the Hellfire?' Then the screen will be removed and they will look towards Him. By Allah He will not give them a thing more beloved to them and more comforting to their eyes, than the gaze of Himself." [Sahih ul-Jami']

We were created in Paradise, we came out of it and we will insha'Allah go back to it. It is our destination and we shall reach it. But we have to do what Allah has asked us to do, for Paradise is not cheap. The price is true iman that is shown in obedience to Allah according to the sunnah of his Prophet, sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam. The companions understood that. Their efforts were all for the life of the Hereafter and they gave only what was necessary to this worldly life. As Muslims, everything we do, can be, and should be worship of Allah. Whether we're working at the office to provide for our families; cooking a meal; raising our children, or simply resting, through remembrance of Allah and supplication, we can transform these earthly necessities into fruits that will bear for us in the life of the Hereafter. So let us keep our eyes on the prize, and strive hard for it, for Allah says:

"And (as for) those who strive hard for Us, We will most certainly guide them in Our ways; and Allah is most surely with the doers of good." [Al-Qur'an 29:69].

Reference Link

Encouragement for Taqwa

"It is not Al-Birr (piety, righteousness, and each and every act of obedience to Allah, etc.) that you turn your faces towards east and (or) west (in prayers); but Al-Birr is (the quality of) the one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, the Prophets and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to the kinsfolk, to the orphans, and to Al-Masakin (the poor), and to the wayfarer, and to those who ask, and to set slaves free, performs As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat ), and gives the Zakat , and who fulfill their covenant when they make it, and who are As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.) in extreme poverty and ailment (disease) and at the time of fighting (during the battles). Such are the people of the truth and they are Al Muttaqun (those with taqwa)." (2:2).

Definition of Taqwa

The word taqwa is a derivative of the word ittaqa from the root word"waqa", which means"he protected himself from that which harms him." Essentially, this is what taqwa is- a protection from that which harms the self. Hasan al Basri, may Allah have mercy on him, said "The ones who have taqwa protect themselves from what Allah has prohibited and act upon what He has commanded. Taqwa remains with them until they forsake many halal things fearing that they could be haram."

Abu Darda, radi Allahu anhu, said "The complete form of Taqwa is to fear Allah so much that one begins to fear Him from the potential sin a mustard seed and until one leaves what might be halal in the fear that it could be haram based on the verse 'So whoever does an atom's amount of good, he will see it; and whoever does an atom's amount of evil, he will see it.' So do not prohibit any goodness and act upon goodness. Do not underestimate any evil and protect yourself from it."

Abu Hurairah, radi Allahu anhu, was asked about Taqwa so he asked the questioner whether he had trodden a thorn infested path. The man said he did. Abu Hurairah asked him how he walked on it. The man said"When I saw a thorn, I kept away from it because I might be pricked by it." Abu Hurairah said"That is exactly what means." [to take actions to avoid sins]

Description of those with Taqwa

"And certainly the abode of the Hereafter is much better for those who have taqwa. Do you not understand?" (al an'am:32)

Ali, radi Allahu anhu, said "When Allah created His creation, He did so while He was completely independent of their obedience towards Him and of their disobedience towards Him. No disobedience can hurt Him and no obedience can benefit Him..."

The people of taqwa are described by Ali radi Allahu anhu in the following:

Their speech is true, their garments are of moderate nature and their walk is one of humility. They lower their gazes when they see something that Allah has forbidden them to see and they listen to beneficial knowledge. They maintain integrity in both adversity and prosperity.

Had it not been for the appointed time (death) Allah has written for them, their souls would not remain an extra second in their bodies out of longing for reward and fear of punishment. The Creator ranks Supreme in their eyes, so everything else becomes immaterial to them. They are with Paradise as if they had already witnessed it and enjoyed its presence. They are with Hell as if they have already seen it and tasted its torment. Their hearts grieve and their evil if any is not contagious. Their bodies are lean, their needs are very few and their souls are chaste.

They observe patience for a few days and experience lasting comfort. This is a profitable exchange that their Lord has made pleasant for them The world tempts them, but they do not succumb. It imprisons them, but they ransomed themselves in exchange.

During nights they stand in rows and read portions of the Qur'an. They recite with proper recitation which grieves their hearts and drink it like medicine. If a verse of yearning comes along, they reach for it and believe it is their destination. If an intimidating verse comes along, they pour their hearts towards it and believe that Hell and its screams are in their ears. They sleep on their foreheads and elbows (they engage in prayers so much that it is s as if they sleep in those postures) and ask Allah to deliver them.

In the day, they are tolerant, learned, kind and God fearing. Fear has chipped away at their bodies as if they were arrows. Anyone looking at them would think that they were sick. But they are not sick. Some will say they are confused. A great fear has made them look like that. They are not content to do only a few actions, nor do they ask a great deal. They condemn themselves and are apprehensive about their deeds. If one of them is called"pious", he fears what will be said of him and says"I know myself better than you do. My lord knows me better than I do. O Allah! Do not take me to task for what they’re saying about me and O Lord make me better than they think. Forgive my sins which they do know know about."

Their signs are that they are strong in Islam, resolute in their softness, firm in their belief. They crave for knowledge and are knowledgeable with tolerance, moderate in richness, pleasant in hunger, forbearing in distress, seeking halal, active in pursuing guidance and abhor greed.

They perform good deeds in fear of rejection. They spend the evening in gratitude and the morning in remembrance. They sleep in alarm and they awake in joy. If their carnal desires make it difficult for them to fulfill that which they dislike they deprive them (the self) of that which they like. The apple of their eyes is in what does not perish and their self-denial is in what disappears. They combine knowledge with tolerance and speech with action.

Their hopes are realistic and their mistakes few, their hearts are humble in content, their diet meager and manners are simple, their deen safe guarded, their desires killed and their anger subdued. Goodness is expected from them and evil is shielded against them. If they are among those who are oblivious, they are counted amongst those who remember Allah. If they are among those who remember, they are not written among the neglectful. They pardon those who wrong them, they provide for those who deprive them and meet those who severe ties with them. They are never profane and always lenient. Their wrong doings are almost non-existent and their good deeds are always present. They are resolute when the earth quakes, steadfast in calamities and grateful in prosperity.

They are not prejudiced against those who they dislike nor do they favor those who they love. They acknowledge the truth before it appears and do not lose anything they are entrusted with. They do not call anyone names nor do they hurt their neighbors. They do not curse at the time of difficulties nor do they venture into falsehood.

Silence does not bother them and if they laugh they do not raise their voices. If they are treated with injustice they remain patient until Allah vindicates them. Inside them they live in toil while others are comfortable around them.

Their abstinence from those who stay away from them is their exemption from malice. Their proximity to those who are close to them is a means of mercy for those who are close to them. Their remaining aloof is not out of pride and arrogance, and their being close is neither a ploy nor a scheme."

Muadh Ibn Jabal, radi Allahu anhu, said"On the day of judgment, it will be announced 'Where are the ones who had taqwa?' So the ones with taqwa will stand up from under the Shelter of the Compassionate. Allah will not be invisible to them. The people asked Muadh who the ones with taqwa are. He said"Those who stay away from shirk and worshipping idols and purify their Deen for Allah."

Allah subhana wa ta'ala says in the Qur'an:"And make provisions for yourselves, for the best provision is Taqwa. So fear Me O people of understanding."

Reference Link

The muttaqeen are kept far away from hell fire

O ye who believe! save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones, over which are (appointed) angels stern (and) severe, who flinch not (from executing) the Commands they receive from Allah, but do (precisely) what they are commanded. [ surah at-Tahrim : verse 6 ]
Ibn Kathir said: “Ali bin Abi Talhah reported from Ibn Abbas (ra); “Ward off from yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell)” He said, "Work in the obedience of Allah, avoid disobedience of Allah and order your families to remember Allah, then Allah will save you from the Fire.
Mujahid also commented on: “Protect yourselves and your families against a Fire (Hell)” saying, "Have Taqwa of Allah and order your family to have Taqwa of Him.''
Qatadah said, "He commands obedience to Allah, to not disobey Allah, he orders his family to obey His orders and helps them to act upon His orders. When one sees disobedience, he stops them and forbids them from doing it.
It was reported that Ibn Abbas (ra) said: “Ward off from yourselves” and your folks “and your families” and wives and children (a Fire) He says: teach them good manners and make them learn goodness, and by doing so you will save them from the Fire (whereof the fuel is men and stones) of sulphur which is the hottest of stones.” (Tanwir al-Miqbas min Tafsir Ibn Abbas)
Narrated Abu Huraira(r.a):
Allah's Messenger:saw: said, "Your (ordinary) fire is one of 70 parts of the (Hell) Fire." Someone asked, "O Allah's Apostle This (ordinary) fire would have been sufficient (to torture the unbelievers)," Allah's Apostle said, "The (Hell) Fire has 69 parts more than the ordinary (worldly) fire, each part is as hot as this (worldly) fire." [Bukhari :: Book 4 :: Volume 54 :: Hadith 487]
Narrated Abu Huraira(r.a):
I heard Allah's Messenger :saw:saying, "My example and the example of the people is that of a man who made a fire, and when it lighted what was around it, Moths and other insects started falling into the fire. The man tried (his best) to prevent them, (from falling in the fire) but they overpowered him and rushed into the fire. The Prophet added: Now, similarly, I take hold of the knots at your waist (belts) to prevent you from falling into the Fire, but you insist on falling into it." [Bukhari :: Book 8 :: Volume 76 :: Hadith 490]
Narrated Ibn 'Umar(ra):
Allah's Messenger:saw: said, "When the people of Paradise have entered Paradise and the people of the Fire have entered the Fire, death will be brought and will be placed between the Fire and Paradise, and then it will be slaughtered, and a call will be made (that), 'O people of Paradise, no more death ! O people of the Fire, no more death ! ' So the people of Paradise will have happiness added to their previous happiness, and the people of the Fire will have sorrow added to their previous sorrow." [Bukhari :: Book 8 :: Volume 76 :: Hadith 556 ]
May Allah grant us Jannat-ul-Firdous and may Allah allow us to be with the Prophet:saw: on the Day of Judgment and near him in Jannah. May Allah allow us to strive hard in pleasing Him. May Allah forgive all of our sins that we have committed in the past, and those that we will commit in the future, whether they are major or minor sins. May Allah allow us to win the ultimate Championship of all, His pleasure and His Jannah! May Allah save us from the punishment of the grave and Hell-Fire. May Allah guide us to the straight path and allow us to be steadfast upon the straight path. Ameen.
Referene Link