The Misconception of Piety: A Call to True Fear of Allah
In a world where spirituality and self-improvement are increasingly popular topics, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that piety is about avoiding temptation and resisting evil. However, a closer look at the Quran reveals a more profound understanding of what it truly means to be pious.
According to the Quran, “And indeed, the pious are not the ones who avoid [the whispers of] the Shayatin [shaytan, satan], but rather the pious are those who fear Allah” (Quran 16:106). This verse challenges our conventional understanding of piety and invites us to re-examine our priorities.
Traditional wisdom often teaches us to focus on avoiding sin and temptation, as if the ultimate goal of faith is to resist the whispers of Satan. While this approach may be well-intentioned, it can lead to a shallow understanding of what it means to live a pious life.
In reality, true piety is not about avoiding external temptations, but rather about fearing and obeying Allah. The Quran reminds us that “Allah has promised those who believe and do righteous deeds among them men and women that they will have forgiveness and a great reward” (Quran 33:35). This verse emphasizes that true piety is not about avoiding sin, but about living a life of righteousness and obedience to Allah’s commands.
In his book “The Book of Knowledge,” Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya writes, “Piety is not merely a matter of abstaining from sin, but rather it is a state of mind that encompasses all aspects of one’s life.” This understanding highlights that true piety is not just about refraining from certain behaviors, but about cultivating a deep respect and fear of Allah in every aspect of our lives.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught us that true piety is about surrendering our will to Allah’s will. In a Hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet said, “The most excellent worship is the worship that is performed with a pure intention and with humility.” This Hadith emphasizes the importance of sincerity and humility in our worship, reminding us that true piety is not about external rituals or actions, but about our inner state and motivations.
As we strive to cultivate true piety in our lives, we would do well to remember that it’s not about avoiding temptation or resisting evil, but about fearing and obeying Allah. By focusing on this deeper understanding of piety, we can move beyond shallow moralistic approaches and cultivate a more profound and meaningful relationship with our Creator.
**Quotes:**
🏵️ “Piety is not merely a matter of abstaining from sin, but rather it is a state of mind that encompasses all aspects of one’s life.” — Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya
🏵️ “The most excellent worship is the worship that is performed with a pure intention and with humility.” — Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
**References:**
* Quran 16:106
* Quran 33:35
* Hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him)