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Piety (Taqwa)<br />

What has been said about Faith and righteousness is gen-<br />

erally true of piety. Aga<strong>in</strong>, it is not a matter of convenient<br />

claims and oral confessions. It is much more serious. As al-<br />

ways. the Qur'an is our best source, and when it speaks of<br />

the pious it describes them as those who believe <strong>in</strong> the Un-<br />

seen (which is taught by God or the Prophet), are steadfast <strong>in</strong><br />

Prayer, and spend out of what We have provided for them;<br />

and who believe <strong>in</strong> the Revelation sent to you (Muhammad),<br />

and sent before your time, and (<strong>in</strong> their hearts) have the as-<br />

surance of the Hereafter. They are on true guidance from<br />

their Lord, and it is these who will prosper (Qur'an, 2:3-5).<br />

The pious are those who spend (freely <strong>in</strong> the Way of God)<br />

whether <strong>in</strong> prosperity or <strong>in</strong> adversity; who restra<strong>in</strong> anger and<br />

pardon (all men), for God loves those who do good. And<br />

those who hav<strong>in</strong>g done someth<strong>in</strong>g to be ashamed of, or<br />

wronged their own souls earnestly br<strong>in</strong>g God <strong>in</strong>to m<strong>in</strong>d, and<br />

ask for forgiveness for their s<strong>in</strong>s, and who can forgive s<strong>in</strong>s<br />

except God? And are never obst<strong>in</strong>ate <strong>in</strong> persist<strong>in</strong>g know<strong>in</strong>g-<br />

ly <strong>in</strong> (the wrong) they have done. For those their reward is<br />

forgiveness from their Lord, and Gardens with rivers flow-<br />

<strong>in</strong>g underneath, and eternal dwell<strong>in</strong>g, how excellent a rec-<br />

ompense of those who do good (and strive)! (Qur'an, 3:134-<br />

136).<br />

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