What is Taqwa, and What is Taqwa’s Meaning in Islam?

The Meaning at a Glance

The word is commonly traced back in the root word ‘waqa’, which means shield. When we’re able to remember God in different facets, it protects us from doing wrong, and encourages us to please Him through good deeds. (though scholars differ on the word's precise linguistic history, so this is one widely-cited explanation among others)

“…Take ˹necessary˺ provisions ˹for the journey˺—surely the best provision is righteousness. And be mindful of Me, O people of reason!”

(The Holy Quran 2:197)

In this verse, the Quran offers that the best provision on any journey is taqwa. The Quran and sunnah consistently tie taqwa to guidance, submission, and acknowledging the supremacy of Allah, which in turn provides ease, peace-of-mind.

How Scholars Illustrate Taqwa

Many scholars describe taqwa as placing a protective barrier between oneself and Allah's displeasure. We use taqwa to be careful, cautious and deliberate with how we move through the dunya:

Umar ibn al-Khattab asked Ubay ibn Ka'b, "What is taqwa?" Ubay replied, "Have you ever walked on a path full of thorns?" Umar said, "Yes." Ubay asked, "What did you do?" Umar answered, "I gathered up my garment and stepped carefully." Ubay said, "That is taqwa."

Why it Matters

First and foremost, taqwa is a value because Allah told us so, time and time again in the Quran. We’re told that God-consciousness is among the best characteristics we can have:

Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. Allah is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware. (49:13)

We also know that it brings honour and love from Allah, as we’re reminded of in Surah Al Imran

Surely Allah loves those who are mindful ˹of Him˺ (3:76)

Taqwa helps us to live with awareness of Allah, make better choices, avoid sin, and work towards success in both this life and the Hereafter. It can bring us Allah’s love, forgiveness, peace, and protection from sin. Let’s explore how:

Taqwa and closeness to Him

Seeking closeness with Allah brings its own reward:

So remember Me; I will remember you. And be grateful to Me and do not deny Me. (Quran 2:152)

It should be the goal of all Muslims to seek true closeness to Allah – the purpose of our creation itself. This closeness alone brings us inner peace and a heart at ease, it softens us, allowing us to be more patient and kinder, it’s a compass for the heart, and it’s a preparation for the day we ultimately return to Him.

Taqwa and forgiveness

In Surah Al Anfal, Allah pledges forgiveness for those who are mindful of Him:

O believers! If you are mindful of Allah, He will grant you a decisive authority, absolve you of your sins, and forgive you. And Allah is the Lord of infinite bounty.

Not only does taqwa help us to live better futures, it literally wipes away past sins too. Many verses in the Quran mention taqwa and forgiveness side-by-side, and the Quran also promises that Jannah is prepared for those who have taqwa.

Taqwa and relationships

Allah has promised a way out of hardship for those who retain taqwa during their struggles, specifically in the surah on divorce. Taqwa ensures that even when a couple may be upset with one another, they remember that Allah is watching how they treat each other. Taqwa can help a person to have fairness, patience, respect, and trust in Allah. When you maintain these qualities, taqwa protects a couple from harm and revenge, allowing them to make wise decisions, and handle separation with dignity and compassion, since they are ultimately answerable to Allah.

And whoever is mindful of Allah, He will make a way out for them (The Holy Quran, 65:2)

How to increase myself in taqwa?

1. Make fasting a regular practice

Fasting is more than simply staying away from food and drink—it teaches us self-control, discipline, and - taqwa! While fasting, we become more careful about our words, our actions, and even what we allow ourselves to look at. Try to carry that same level of mindfulness with you beyond the days of fasting.

2. Leave behind any sins

Taqwa means being conscious of Allah and allowing that awareness to guide our choices. When we remember that Allah sees us at all times, we become more careful about falling into Haram. Whenever you are faced with a temptation, remind yourself of Who is watching and choose what is pleasing to Him.

3. Strengthen your connection through worship

Taqwa grows when we consistently turn back to Allah through acts of worship, these can help you to increase in taqwa:

• Reading the Quran every day, even if it’s just a few ayas

• Use the night and your free moments to pray and remember Allah.

• Give sadaqah regularly and make charity part of your routine, not something reserved only for holy days. Human Appeal's Ramadan Appeal makes this easy, turning consistent giving into direct support for families in need throughout the month and beyond.

• Increase your dua throughout the day, during salah, and before and after prayer. Ask Allah for what you need, because He loves to answer prayers, and nothing is beyond His power.

• Ask Allah specifically to increase you in taqwa!

Things to remember to increase your taqwa:

Start the day remembering Allah before you check anything else.

Guard your tongue – speak only what benefits, hold back the rest.

Lower your gaze from temptations

Give regular charity, even if in small amounts.

Reflect before sleeping – ask what today drew you closer, and what pulled you away.

Taqwa isn't loud and visible. It's built in the heart and in the moments nobody sees.