Ramadhan is the month of personal change and development
O you have believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it has been for those before you, so that you may attain taqwa.
(Surah No. 02, al-Baqarah, Verse No. 183)
Change yourself during the month of blessing.
Dear brothers and sisters, the best time to renew intentions for Muslims is the month of Ramadhan, because it is divinely designed to be a month of personal and communal change. No surprise, then, it is also the lunar period in which Allah changed the destiny of humankind by blessing them with His final and universal divine guidance. During this month we may instill good qualities amongst us as the supreme creation of Allah the al-Mighty.
What does Taqwa mean?
Taqwa is one of those unique words in the Arabic language that cannot simply be translated into a word or two in English. As a result, many translators struggle to bring out the real meaning of the word taqwa. Literally, taqwa means to protect and could be that one protects himself from the Wrath of Allah by protecting himself from indulging in things that Allah forbids. In the Shariah, taqwa as used in the Qur’an repeatedly, signifies the obedience to the Rules of Islam while avoiding Haraam, and additionally abstaining from unsuitable things in life.
According to Tafsir ibn Kathir, the root meaning of taqwa is to avoid what one dislikes. It was reported that Umar bin Khattab asked Ubay ibn Kaab about Taqwa. Ubay said, “Have you ever walked on a path that has thorns on it?” Umar said, “Yes.” Ubay asked, “What did you do then?” to which Umar replied, “I rolled up my sleeves and struggled.” Ubay said, “That is taqwa, to protect oneself from sin through life’s dangerous journey so that one can successfully complete the journey unscathed by sin.”
Taqwa in the Qur’an:
The word Taqwa has been mentioned 151 times in the Noble Qur`an. Allah has taken us through the various aspects of His Guidance and Blessings in the Glorious Qur`an. The Qur`anic descriptions of Taqwa are so accurate. Taqwa helps the Muslims for their development in all aspects of lives. This word “taqwa” has different dynamics and dimensions of inner meanings that enable Muslims to be an ideal and a living example as a representative of Allah.
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