This study examines the influence of Piety (Taqwa) on success in various aspects of life. By referencing verses from the Holy Qur’an, the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the teachings of the righteous predecessors, it demonstrates that Piety, as a means of self-discipline and avoidance of sin, plays a fundamental and unparalleled role in fostering stability, balance, personal growth, healthy relationships, and ultimately, achieving success in life.
Allah Almighty created humankind in the best form and chose them above all other creatures. The human heart was made the repository of valuable treasures such as faith, monotheism, sincerity, Piety, love, loyalty, modesty, reverence, and vigilance. The rewards for these qualities were also determined in the finest manner, with all humans created upon a pure and sound nature.
Throughout life’s journey, humans face numerous ups and downs. This path is intertwined with challenges and obstacles that can sometimes lead to mistakes and deviations. However, the All-Knowing and Wise Creator has outlined a roadmap for human guidance.
Piety serves as the most crucial factor for those pursuing the truth to attain enlightenment, overcome difficulties, and resolve life’s challenges. Allah Almighty explicitly warns in the Qur’an that actions are only accepted from the pious, and it is those who practice self-restraint who ascend to the heights of success.
One of the most effective means of drawing a person closer to their Lord and guaranteeing happiness in both this world and the hereafter is Piety. In today’s world, people often seek shortcuts to achieve their goals; however, the only true and reliable path that leads to both worldly and eternal success—and elevates a person from earth to the heavens—is Piety.
The Concept of Piety:
Piety is an inner state in a person that provides spiritual and moral protection. This state ensures that an individual, even in a sinful environment, maintains fear and reverence for Allah Almighty, overcomes their desires, and refrains from committing sins.
Linguistic Meaning of Taqwa (Piety):
The root of the word Taqwa is derived from waqa, yaqi, and wiqayah, which means protection, preservation, avoidance, and distancing from danger. Thus, in linguistic terms, Piety signifies abstinence from anything harmful to a person, including sins and wrongdoings.
Raghib al-Isfahani writes in his book Mufradat:
“Piety, in the terminology of Islamic law, means protecting oneself from anything that leads to sin. This can also be perfected by refraining from certain permissible acts.” [1]
In simpler terms, Piety involves avoiding factors that hinder spiritual development, exercising self-restraint against sins and doubts, and abstaining from prohibited actions. Piety serves as a fortified castle, protecting an individual from the onslaught of internal enemies, such as selfish desires and unlawful temptations. This fortress deflects the poisonous arrows of sin and destructive blows, transforming the heart into a center of divine illumination. [2]
The Importance of Piety:
Piety and avoidance of what Allah has prohibited hold a lofty status and bring countless blessings in both this worldly life and the hereafter for the pious individual.
Abstaining from prohibitions, referred to as Piety in religious terminology, is the most vital tool for spiritual journeying and drawing closer to Allah’s presence. Without Piety, attaining any spiritual rank is impossible; for as long as the soul is tainted by sin and subservient to worldly desires and pleasures, the pure life that is the purpose of human creation will remain unattainable. [3]
Dr. Wahbah al-Zuhayli writes:
“Allah commands the People of the Book (past nations) and us to practice Piety. This ancient command remains enduring, and Allah continues to advise His servants to adhere to it. Through Piety, His servants attain happiness in His presence and ultimately achieve the blessing of salvation.” [4]
Piety is a quality beloved and praised by Allah Almighty. It is described in the Holy Qur’an as the best provision for the hereafter, with numerous verses emphasizing its significance.
The Nature of Piety:
Piety involves accepting the commands of Allah and avoiding prohibitions. This attribute has three basic stages:
1. Preventing Eternal Punishment: Avoiding polytheism. Allah says in the Holy Quran: «وَأَلْزَمَهُمْ كَلِمَةَ التَّقْوَى» [5] “And He made the ideal of Piety a companion for them.”
2. Abstaining from All Sins: This stage includes refraining from minor and major sins, which is the Piety recognized in Sharia. Allah the Almighty states: «وَلَوْ أَنَّ أَهْلَ الْقُرَى آمَنُوا وَاتَّقَوْا لَفَتَحْنَا عَلَيْهِمْ بَرَكَاتٍ مِّنَ السَّمَاءِ وَالْأَرْضِ» [6] “And if the people of the towns had believed and been righteous, we would have opened for them blessings from the heavens and the earth.”
The words of Caliph Umar ibn Abdul Aziz (may Allah have mercy on him) also reflect this type of Piety. He said: “Piety means abandoning what Allah has forbidden and doing what He has made obligatory. If Allah grants someone the Sunnah and voluntary deeds in addition to this, then that is the best of all good deeds.” [7]
3. Staying Away from Distractions: This stage is the highest level of Piety and is mentioned in the Holy Quran: «يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ حَقَّ تُقَاتِهِ وَلَا تَمُوتُنَّ إِلَّا وَأَنْتُمْ مُسْلِمُونَ» “O you who have believed, fear Allah as He should be feared, and do not die except as Muslims.” [8]
Allah Almighty introduces Piety as the best covering, stating: «يَا بَنِي آدَمَ قَدْ أَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمْ لِبَاسًا يُوَارِي سَوْآتِكُمْ وَرِيشًا وَلِبَاسُ التَّقْوَى ذَلِكَ خَيْرٌ ذَلِكَ مِنْ آيَاتِ اللَّهِ لَعَلَّهُمْ يَذَّكَّرُونَ» [9] “O children of Adam, we have sent down to you garments to cover your private parts and to adorn you. But the best garment is the garment of Piety. This is one of the signs of Allah, that they may remember.”
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