perform many good actions. However, if they exceed the boundaries of Shar’iah, the eyes can destroy our Book of Deeds. This is why both the Quran and Hadith have greatly emphasised the protection of the eyes. Hence, we ought to act upon the aforementioned pious deed and safeguard our gazes.

صَلُّوۡا عَلَى الۡحَبِيۡب                                                                 صَلَّى اللّٰهُ عَلٰى مُحَمَّد

Dear Islamic brothers! We will now lea

rn the linguistic and Shar’i definitions of Taqwa [piety] along with its types. Also, let us make the intention that through the blessings of this, we will refrain from sin and become embodiments of piety. اِنْ شَــآءَالـلّٰـه 

What is Taqwa?

The meaning of Taqwa is: ‘To protect oneself from something harmful.’ In terms of Shar’iah, it means: ‘To protect oneself from any action that a person deserves to be punished for doing or not doing.’ For example, avoiding disbelief, polytheism, major sins, protecting yourself from immoral acts, leaving that which is forbidden, and fulfilling the obligations of the religion, etc. It has also been said that Taqwa is that your Lord does not find you where He has prohibited you from.^[1]

Sayyiduna Sufyan Thawri رَضِىَ اللّٰهُ عَـنْهُ states: “The righteous are called pious (Muttaqi) because they avoid those things that are usually difficult to avoid.”^[2]

A poet said: “It is only the one who fears Allah Almighty that attains that which is beneficial; only Taqwa and good deeds accompany a person into the grave.”^[3]