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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Taqwa (Piety) Advice of The Worth Of Piety ===================== If Taqwa (piety) is to be assessed, it can be appreciated through the states of the pious and it fruits. Nevertheless, if it is to be evaluated separately, several verses and narrations are invoked in order to understand its importance.

The Lord of the universe has said: “Surely the most honorable of you with Allah is the one among you most careful (of his duty); surely Allah is Knowing, Aware.” [^1] If there were no verses other than this in the Quran in honor of Taqwa, it would suffice us all, for God has laid down Taqwa as the highest stage self can attain.

Elsewhere Allah says: “and make provisions, for surely the provision is the guarding of oneself.” [^2] In another verse, Allah says: “and whoever is careful of (his duty to) Allah, He will make for him an outlet and give him sustenance from whence he thinks not.” [^3] In this connection, there are other verses which will be mentioned in the following pages.

As for narrations, the late Koleini has reported Ya’qoob ibn Shu’aib as saying: “I heard Imam Sadiq (AS) say: “Allah has not promoted a servant from the inferior position of sin to the superior position of Taqwa unless He has made him independent without having riches and has honored him without having any family and kinship and has made him His friend without having any human companion.” [^4] Imam Ali (AS) has been reported as saying: “People have not been recommended to anything greater than Taqwa, for it is the advice of we, the .” [^5] Asked “which act is excellent?”, Imam Ali (AS) said: “Taqwa.” [^6] The commander of the believers has been reported as saying: “With Taqwa, no act is unworthy.

How can an act be unworthy when it is accepted?” [^7] Hannan ibn Sadeer has reported his father and Abu Ja’far as saying: “Some of the companions of the holy prophet (SAW) were sitting in a place boasting of their lineage. Salman al-Farisi was among them too. At this moment, turning to Salman, Umar said: “O Salman! What is your lineage?” Salman said: “I am Salman, the son of Abdullah! I used to be astray. God guided me through Muhammad (SAW). I was needy and dependent.

God made me independent with the help of Muhammad (SAW). I used to be a servant. God set me free by Muhammad (SAW). This is my lineage, O Umar!” After a few moments, the holy prophet (SAW) entered the place. Salman informed him of the story.