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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