The Essence of Islam – Volume II — Page 353
Righteousness He granted me this reward because of righteousness Glory be to Him, Who put my enemies to shame. What a wonderful gem is Taqwā! 147 Blessed is he who practices Taqwā. Listen! The essence of Islām is Taqwā! Love of God is the wine and Taqwa is the goblet. Muslims! Live Taqwā in full; Where is faith, if one is deficient in Taqwā? This wealth, O God, You have granted me; Glory be to Him, Who put my enemies to shame. 353 [Durr-e-Thamin Urdū] They alone are alive who are close to God; Being accepted, they are the darling and beloved of God. Those who are far from Taqwā are far from God; They are perpetual prisoners of their pride, haughtiness and arrogance. Friends! Taqwā means that you give up self-conceit; Give up the habit of pride, arrogance and miserliness. Renounce the love of this transient abode; For that Beloved, give up the ways of luxury. This way is the cursed way, give it up; Or forget about (attaining closeness to) the Exalted God. Accept the life of hardship with utmost sincerity; So that angels of heaven may descend upon you. [Brāhīn-e-Ahmadiyya, Part. V, Rūņānī Khazā'in, vol. 21, pp. 17-18] 147 Taqwa: Fear of God or righteousness. [Publisher]