The person who is riding the unruly horse of desires...

The person who is riding the unruly horse of desires, lust, avarice, and ambition is dependent on these vices and lets his reins of will slip away from his hands would not be controlled by wisdom and insight. As for the one reliant upon taqwa, it is like he is riding the horse of self-control and holds the reins of will. He handles himself in all directions.

In this regard, Imam Ali (a) says: فان التقوی فی اليوم الحرز و الجنه و فی غد الطريق الی الجنه Certainly, for today piety is a protection and a shield, and for tomorrow (the Day of Judgment) it is the road to Paradise.7 The Imam (a) expands on piety by presenting a very moving example: ان التقوی دار حصن‏ عزيز و الفجور دار حصن ذليل لا يمنع اهله و لا يحرز من لجأ اليه Know, O creatures of Allah, that piety is a strong house of protection while impiety is a weak house which does not protect its people, and does not give security to him who takes refuge therein.8 Here, piety (taqwa) is likened to a strong house of protection.

In yet another well-known sermon, titled “The Pious” (al-Muttaqīn), Imam Ali (a) responds to the request of Hammām ibn Shuray who had asked him (a) to describe who the pious are, so much so that he could clearly visualize them. At first, Imam Ali (a) gave a brief answer; however, Hammām was not contented and insisted the Imam (a) expand on it. Thus, the Imam (a) answered giving more than one hundred spiritual characteristics and mental and moral qualities of the pious.

According to historians, as soon as the Imam (a) ended his speech, Hammām was so impressed that he cried out and passed away. Thus, it is clear that taqwa is a spiritual state which is like a fortress, amulet, or a trained horse for the soul. In short, taqwa is a spiritual power. Previous…