In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful

Definition of Taqwa and the difference between Taqwa and Birr

By Shaykh Muhammad bin Saalih al-’Uthaymeen may Allah have mercy on him

The shaykh mentions this point of benefit in his explanation of “Riyaadus Saaliheen” under the chapter of Taqwa. He says:

Taqwa is taken from the word “shield” and it is something mankind takes to protect himself from the punishment of Allah. Mankind will be protected from Allah’s punishment by:

1. Acting upon His commandments
2. Staying away from His prohibitions

And know that sometimes Taqwa is connected with the word Birr. So it is said, “Birr and Taqwa” just as it is found in Allah’s statement:

 وَتَعَاوَنُواْ عَلَى ٱلۡبِرِّ وَٱلتَّقۡوَىٰ‌ۖ

“Help you one another upon Birr and Taqwa” [Surah Maaidah: 2]

Therefore, if Taqwa is connected to Birr in a sentence then:

• Birr takes the meaning of acting upon His commandments and
• Taqwa takes the meaning of staying away from His prohibitions

And if these words are mentioned by themselves then they encompass both meanings.

Translated by: Michael ‘AbdusSalaam Deonarain

الفقير الى الله