TAQWA

Taqwa is to observe the commands of Allah Ta'ala. We all know the commands of Allah, now we must observe them. Allah Ta'ala has commanded us to have Taqwa in the Quraan,

يايها الذين امنوا اتقوا الله

O people of Imaan, adopt Taqwa.

Taqwa is within a person. Allah Ta'ala says in another verse,

لا يكلف الله نفسا الا وسعها

Allah does not burden a soul except according to its capability

That Allah has only commanded us to do that which is within our capacity. In other words the ability of abstaining from sin is within our capability. If Allah Ta'ala had commanded us to stay away from ghuna which we were unable to stay away from, then that will be called oppression, as Allah Ta'ala has commanded us to do something which we cannot do.

The quality of Taqwa is within every person, it is just a matter of using it. Don’t be a ‘Himmat chor’ which means that a person has got the courage to do something but does not do it.

Once we were in Jamaat and an Aalim from West Bangaal said, “I can teach you how to prepare for a Jamaat of thousand people without any difficulty if they were to come suddenly but the main condition is that you must not be ‘Kaam chor’ meaning that you don’t want to work.

The ability of staying away from every form of Haraam is within us. It is for this reason that Allah Ta'ala has commanded us to adopt Taqwa. We all possess the capability to do so, but we are not using it.

Guarding our gazes is within our ability. If we were not able to guard our gazes but Allah Ta'ala commanded us to guard our gazes then na’oozubillah it would be oppression from Allah Ta’ala. 

 
THE PRICE OF TAQWA

Taqwa is not so cheap that it may be picked up at the roadside. At the same time, it is not so difficult and hard or so expensive that even if you make an effort you will be deprived. Any person who makes a reasonable effort, has a genuine niyyat of acquiring Taqwa and further makes the correct effort, then Allah Ta'ala will definitely bless that person.

إِنَّ اللّهَ لاَ يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ

Certainly, Allah does not put the reward of the righteous ones to waste.

This means that Allah Ta'ala will not destroy the efforts of those that have got a good Niyyat and are working in the right direction, Allah Ta'ala won’t destroy their efforts. Allah will give them what they are looking for.

On the other hand,

وَأَن لَّيْسَ لِلْإِنسَانِ إِلَّا مَا سَعَى وَأَنَّ سَعْيَهُ سَوْفَ يُرَى

…and (the value of) his efforts shall soon be seen (on the Day of Qiyaamah, after which he will be repaid in full (for all his actions).

Insan will acquire that which he has made effort for. He will see the results of his efforts soon. If we make a reasonable effort with sincerity, Allah Ta'ala is fully aware of it. In various places of the Quraan Sharif Allah Ta'ala speaks of Aa’maal and then ends the verse by stating ‘He is Most Forgiving, Most merciful.’ Why? Allah created the human being and is fully aware of his faults; therefore if a person chooses this path he will be forgiven of his sins.

For example, you have intended a certain destination, you will certainly reach it if you are on the correct road even though you get a puncture, or your car runs out of petrol, you just need to get more fuel and you are going be on your way again. However, if you are on the wrong road and you don’t get a puncture, you don’t run out of petrol, then you will be getting closer to the incorrect destination. We are required to remain on the right path. Similarly, correct your niyyat and be on the right path so that you reach your destination.

Many of us do not attend programs whilst at the Khanqah. We are not here, or if we are here we are drowsy and sleepy. No, Pay attention and Allah Ta'ala will bless you with a treasure more than all the money of the world and more than all the enjoyment of the world. With Taqwa you will have acquired everything.

Allah Ta'ala says,

وَاتَّقُواْ اللّهَ وَيُعَلِّمُكُمُ اللّهُ

And fear Allah, and Allah will teach you

يِا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُواْ إَن تَتَّقُواْ اللّهَ يَجْعَل لَّكُمْ فُرْقَاناً وَيُكَفِّرْ عَنكُمْ سَيِّئَاتِكُمْ وَيَغْفِرْ لَكُمْ وَاللّهُ ذُو الْفَضْلِ الْعَظِيمِ

O you who have Imaan! If you fear Allah, He will grant you a criterion (a standard by which you can differentiate between right and wrong and a means by which you may save yourself from that which you fear), will cancel (forgive) your sins and forgive you. Allah is extremely Bountiful.

وَمَن يَتَّقِ اللَّهَ يَجْعَل لَّهُ مَخْرَجًا وَيَرْزُقْهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ

Allah shall create an escape (from difficulties) for the one who fears (disobeying) Allah (one who has Taqwa)…

…and shall provide for him (what he requires) from sources that he never expected (to receive provisions from).

The solution of all our problems lies in adopting Taqwa. This is why we have come to the Khanqah to acquire this Taqwa. May Allah Ta'ala let us spend our time correctly irrespective of the duration, whether 10 days, 20 days or 40 days. Fortunate are the brothers who are spending their 40 days, and for life I can promise you, you are going to see the fruit of it and benefit. May Allah give us all Taufeeq. Ameen!