Taqwa (God-Consciousness)

Taqwa (Arabic: تقوى) is a central Islamic concept best translated as "God-consciousness," "piety," or "devoutness." Taqwa is the ultimate goal of all forms of worship, including prayer, fasting, and alms. The Quran says: "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwa" (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183).

Imam Ali (peace be upon him) defined taqwa in Nahj al-Balagha with one of the most famous and comprehensive descriptions: "Taqwa is to fear the Almighty, to act upon the revelation, to be content with little, and to prepare for the day of departure." He elaborated: "Taqwa is the best provision that can be saved, and the best destination to strive for."

In the context of prayer, taqwa is the fruit of prayer. The Quran says: "Indeed, prayer prohibits from shameful and wrongful conduct" (Surah Al-Ankabut 29:45). Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "Test your prayer with your taqwa — if your prayer does not make you a better person, it is not accepted" (Al-Kafi, vol. 3). This shows that prayer is not a goal in itself, but a means to achieve taqwa.

Shia ethics places great emphasis on taqwa permeating all aspects of life — not only worship, but also business, social relations, and personal behavior. Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) said: "People are slaves of this world, and religion is only on their tongues. They protect it as long as it serves their livelihood, but when the trial comes, the God-conscious (ahl al-taqwa) are few." Taqwa is thus the inner dimension of all worship.