Attacked for suggesting that Taqwa means "Consciousness of Allah" - First Post
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Assalamu Alaykum!
Hello Everyone,This is my first post to the list. A couple of days ago on a favorite list in which I partipate, I was raked over the coals for suggesting that taqwa may be interpreted as "consciousness", "awareness", or "Consciousness of Allah". I was subjected to long etymological discourses about the Arab language explaining how taqwa can only be defined as FEAR.
Even more upsetting than listening to these "taqwa has only one meaning" type of posts, I was extremely distressed to read posts from very open-minded friends who tried to "guide" me to understand that FEAR is essential to motivate someone to obey Allah's commands, and that FEAR is somehow a very helpful and useful emotion to have in order to be a better Muslim.
As you can imagine, I thoroughly disagree. I believe one should be motivated by LOVE to follow the guidance of Allah. FEAR is a horrible emotion, and I suggested to the group that had anyone really thought this through rationally, no one would want FEAR to be their basis of worship in Islam.
Please can you suggest ways that I might reason with these people who attacked me so strenuously for daring to suggest that taqwa means "Consciousness of Allah"?
Thanks.
SacredProcess
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Salam,
It baffles me to see that as I am celebrating a probe that is passing by Pluto, my people are killing themselves over such primitive things.
Personally, I cant interpret Takwa without fear. It is a consciousness, so it will come with a package of love,hope, realization of reward along with the negative consequences such as fear, punishment etc. So I cant interpret Takwa without fear of retribution, but for the love of God, I cant limit it to just that.
PEACE
-------------- Student of Allah
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My understanding of godfearing is that, one fears the consequences of ones actions, and God is in control of everything, so "one fears God".
Also the ultimate consequence of heaven and hell, which seems to be linked to fear, in the Quran.In that way, a translation of godfearing makes sense.
"The godfearing are the best of people" says the Quran.
However it also states that "The righteous shall have no fear".If you are righteous and have no fear, the word godfearing might mean little to you, and godconscious would seem a better alternative.
Indeed even loving God, or worshipping god, which is what love of God is, would seem better.Maybe some aspect of taqwa has got lost in translation?
However, it certainly NOT is an unnatural attitude to be emulated. It comes naturally. Probably from fear of heaven or hell.
