As Salaamu Alaikum!
Verily, His (Allah’s) close friends are only those with Taqwa…" (Quran 8:34)
Imagine having your sins forgiven. Imagine you were able to distinguish between right and wrong. Imagine being one of those who deserve Allah’s Love and Pleasure. Imagine being a close friend of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala).
In the Quran it states, "Verily, His (Allah’s) close friends are only those with Taqwa…" (Quran 8:34)
Taqwa is an elevated position of one’s heart, which keeps the believer conscious of Allah's presence and His Knowledge. To have Taqwa is to make a shield to guard ourselves against Allah's anger and punishment. This shield is to obey His commandments and abstain from what He has Forbidden.
Taqwa is the fruit of Ibadah (Worship) and can only be achieved by performing acts of Ibadah, as Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) says: "O mankind! Worship your Lord, Who created you and those who were before you so that you may become Al-Muttaqoon." (Quran 2:21)
Here are 4 Benefits of Taqwa:
1. Taqwa is a way by which a believer performs righteous deeds and causes them to be accepted. As Allah says, "O you who believe! Have Taqwa (fear) of Allah ... He will direct you to do righteous …” (Quran 33:70)
2. Taqwa makes one deserving of Allah's Pleasure and Love. As Allah says, "Verily,the most honorable of you in the Sight of Allah is that (believer) who has Taqwa." (Quran 49:13)
3. Taqwa causes sins to be forgiven and increases rewards. As Allah says, "And whoever fears Allah and keeps his duty to Him. He will remit his sins from him, and will enlarge his rewards." (Quran 65:5)
4. Taqwa keeps one steadfast on the Straight Path and protects him from deviation. Allah says: "O you who believe! Have Taqwa of Allah. He will give you a Furqaan (criterion to judge between right and wrong)." (Quran 8:29)
Also, in a letter to his son, Umar Ibn Khattab (Radi Allahu Anhu) wrote: "To proceed: 'Verily I advise you to have taqwa (fear) of Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, for whoever fears Him, Allah will protect him, and whoever gives a loan to Him, Allah will reward him, and whoever thanks Him, Allah will increase Him."
O Allah, lord of the worlds! We seek your guidance and blessings in every task we partake and make us truly among the people of taqwa . Please fill our hearts with beneficial knowledge and guide our footsteps to righteous behavior. Please allow us to be instruments of guidance and knowledge. Please give us the physical, emotional and financial means to continue voicing our opinions and sharing our knowledge. Please grant us wisdom that will benefit us and others. Please protect us from all harm. Please complete our faith by granting us the pleasure of serving and worshiping you. Please keep us steadfast in your path. Please protect our families and loved ones. Please instill peace and tranquility in our souls. Please send blessings, love, and protection in our homes. Please allow our end to be in paradise with our loved ones!!aameen
With Best Wishes
