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The Two Forms Of Taqwa In Surat Al-Hashr, Verse 18

Batool Arastu

Message Of Thaqalayn

Autumn 2017. Vol. 18. No. 3

Abstract

Verse 18 of the Chapter al-Hashr twice refers to taqwa (God-wariness). This article works as a reference on the meaning of taqwa in this verse. This will include three Shi'a commentaries and six Sunni commentaries. Their views will be analyzed to conclude that the word taqwa used twice in the verse has two different meanings and is not merely used for emphasis.

Introduction

This article is about the term taqwa mentioned twice in verse 18 of the Chapter al-Hashr (The Banishment). There are differing views from Qur'anic commentaries regarding the meaning of taqwa and why it has been used twice. This article covers several Shi'a and Sunni commentaries to explain a) the meaning of taqwa in this verse, and b) why it is repeated twice.

This article is divided into three parts:

1. Part 1 includes the six Sunni commentaries of verse 18 on the meaning of taqwa and why it is repeated twice. The six commentaries used are: Anwar al-Tanzl wa Asrar al-Ta'wil by Baydawi, al-Kashshaf 'an Haqa 'iq­i Gawamid al-Tanzil by Zamakhshari, al-Tafsir al-Kabir by Fakhr al-Din Razi, Ruh al-Ma'ani fi Tafsir al-Qur'an al-‘Azim by Alusi, Tafsir al-Qur'ani li al-Qur’an by Khateeb and Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Azim by Ibn Kathir.

2. Part 2 includes three Shi'a commentaries on the same verse for the same reason. The three commentaries used are: Majma 'al-Bayan by Tabarasi, Tafsir-e-Nemuneh by Makarim Shirazi, and al-Mizan fi Tafsir al-Qur'an by Allamah Tabataba'i.

3. Part 3 includes an analysis of the above-mentioned views.

Surat Al-Hashr, Verse 18

أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَلْتَنْظُرْ نَفْسٌ مَا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍ وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ

“O you who have faith! Be wary of Allah, and let every soul consider what it sends ahead for Tomorrow, and be wary of Allah. Allah is indeed well aware of what you do” (59:18).

The Meaning Of Taqwa

The word تَقْوَى taqwa is derived from the root waqaya, meaning 'to safeguard' or 'to abstain'.1 In the Islamic terminology it is the action of restraining oneself from disobeying the commands of Allah.

When Imam Ja'far as­Sadiq was asked to elaborate on the meaning taqwa, he replied, "Submit to the command [of Allah] and do not go near the prohibited." It is the endeavor to fulfil all the commands of Allah and abstain from the prohibited thoughts and actions.2

It is important to note that taqwa is not merely about performing religious obligations such as prayer and fasting, it is also about living a pious life. A muttaqi (a person who has taqwa) abandons living an animalistic life and chooses to live a moral one.3

There are differing views of the term taqwa in this verse. Some believe it to have been repeated for emphasis while others disagree. For a comparative study of the above verse, a glance at the views presented by various commentators will be offered.

Part 1: Sunni Commentaries

The six Sunni commentaries used in this paper are prominent commentaries in the Sunni world:

  • Anwar al-Tanzil wa Asrar al-Ta'wil (7th Hijri), which inclines towards the Ash 'ari school of thought. Most of its content is influenced by the commentary of Zamakhshari and Fakhr al-Din Razi.

  • Al-Kashshaf 'an Haqaiq Gavamid al-Tanzil (6th hijri).

  • Al-Tafsir al-Kabir (6th Hijri) based on jurisprudence and theology.

  • Ruh. al-Ma'ani fi Tafsir al-Qur'an al-'Azeem (13th Hijri), colored with mysticism and jurisprudence.

  • Tafsir al-Qur'ani li al-Qur'an

  • Tafsir al-Qur'an al-'Azim

Anwar Al-Tanzil Wa Asrar Al-Ta'wil

Regarding the verse, Baydavi says that this world is like today and the hereafter is like tomorrow. The word غَد (tomorrow) has been used as a singular indefinite for magnificence and the word نَفْسٌ (soul) for independence.

That means everyone is responsible for checking his or her deeds accumulated for the hereafter. The phrase “and be wary of Allah" has been repeated in the verse for emphasis. The mention of taqwa the first time refers to performing the obligatory; the second taqwa refers to avoiding the forbidden.4

Al-Kashshaf 'N Haqaiq Gavamjd Al-Tanzil

Zamakhshari believes that the word taqwa has been repeated for emphasis. The mention of taqwa the first time refers to performing the obligatory; the second taqwa refers to avoiding sins.

The word غَد (tomorrow) denotes Qjyamah (the Day of Judgment). It has been called 'tomorrow' because of its closeness; in other words, the Day of Judgment is as close as tomorrow. This world and hereafter are like two days: today and tomorrow.

The word غَد (tomorrow) has been used as a singular indefinite for its magnificence and its ambiguity, whereas the word نَفْسٌ (soul) for its independence. This means everyone is responsible in checking the deeds they have accumulated for the hereafter.5

Al-Tafsir Al-Kabir

Fakhr al-Din Razi holds that Allah is advising the believers in this verse. The word غَد (tomorrow) denotes Qjyamah (the Day of Judgment) and is called "tomorrow" because it is following today, thus showing how close the two are.

The word "tomorrow" has been used as a singular indefinite for its greatness and ambiguity, whereas the word نَفْسٌ (soul) for its independence. This means everyone is responsible in checking the deeds they have accumulated for the hereafter.

The word تَقْوَى 'taqwa' has been repeated for emphasis. The mention of "taqwa" the first time is in relation to performing the obligatory; the second is in relation to avoiding sins.6

Ruh Al-Ma'ani Fi Tafsir Al-Qur'an Al-'Azeem

Alusi asserts that the word "tomorrow" denotes 'hereafter' and today is 'this world.' The scenario in the hereafter will be different from this world. Everyone is expected to be vigilant of their deeds as to what they are sending for the morrow or the hereafter.

"Tomorrow" has been used as a singular indefinite for its magnificence and ambiguity, and "soul" for its independence. That means everyone is responsible for checking the deeds they have accumulated for the hereafter.

"Taqwa" has been repeated for emphasis. The mention of 'taqwa' the first time is in relation to performing the obligatory; the second 'taqwa' is in relation to avoiding the forbidden. The phrase, “Allah is indeed well aware of what you do” (59:18) refers to Allah's awareness of everyone's sins.7

Tafsir Al-Qur’ani Li Al-Qur’an

Khateeb states that this verse was revealed after the verses on the hypocrites. The message this verse has for the believers is the message of taqwa: to be sincere in worship, and to empty the self of hypocrisy. One should be aware of their deeds being sent for tomorrow.

"Taqwa" refers to fear of Allah and avoiding sins. The mention of 'taqwa' the first time is to invite people to be vigilant and calculate or double check their deeds. That is why Allah says, “and let every soul consider what it sends ahead for tomorrow” (59:18). The second mention of 'taqwa' is to constantly be in a state of taqwa: to continuously calculate and doublecheck your deeds. Carnal desires should not control us; rather, we should control it.8

Tafsir Al-Qur’an Al-'Azeem

The verse discusses the command to have taqwa and to prepare for the Day of Resurrection:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ

O you who have faith! Be wary of Allah, (59:18)

This verse ordains God-wariness that pertains to obeying what He ordered and refraining from what He forbade. Allah also says:

وَلْتَنْظُرْ نَفْسٌ مَا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍ

and let every soul consider what it sends ahead for Tomorrow (59:18)

This means that we are to hold ourselves accountable before we are recompensed, and to contemplate what we have kept for ourselves of good deeds for the Day of our return before Allah:

وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ

and be wary of Allah (59:18)

Again, ordering taqwa for emphasis:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ

Allah is indeed well aware of what you do (59:18)

Allah asserts that surely, He knows all our deeds and actions. Nothing that pertains to us escapes neither His observation, nor any matter of ours - whether major or minor - is ever beyond His knowledge.9

Part 2: Shi'a Commentaries

The Shi'a commentaries used in this paper are three of the well-known ones. Majma' al-Bayan is known for its eloquence and magnitude. Al­Mizan is a masterpiece. Tafsire Nemuneh is written in simple language that appeals to larger masses. Each commentary of verse 18 of al-Hashr will be studied individually.

Majma' Al-Bayan

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اتَّقُوا اللَّهَ وَلْتَنْظُرْ نَفْسٌ مَا قَدَّمَتْ لِغَدٍ

O you who have faith! Be wary of Allah, and let every soul consider what it sends ahead for Tomorrow (59:18)

Everyone should look at the deeds they stored, whether the deed is worthy of rescuing us, or if it will insult us when we witness them.

Qatadah narrates: "Allah has made the Day of Judgment close to you just as a person stands next to you. Allah ordered you to think and contemplate on the deeds that you stored."

وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ خَبِيرٌ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ

and be wary of Allah. Allah is indeed well aware of what you do (59:18)

The word تَقْوَى 'taqwa' has been used twice. The first taqwa is about repenting for your previous sins; the second is related to the sins performed in the future. Some others have the opinion that the second one is emphasizing the first.10

Tafsir-E Namuneh

The God-wary are precautious with their deeds, ensuring that they are done with sincerity and with the intention for success in the hereafter. "Taqwa" is emphasized in the verse because it is the spirit behind good deeds and encourages a person to avoid sins.

"Tomorrow" has been used as a singular indefinite for its importance, whereas the word ''soul" is used for its independence. Everyone is responsible for themselves in checking the deeds accumulated for the hereafter. As long as we are in this world, we should be sending good deeds for our hereafter.11

Al-Mizan Fi Tafsir Al-Qur’an

"Taqwa" refers to performing the obligatory and avoiding the forbidden.12 Allamah Tabataba'i holds that this verse invites people to God ­ consciousness. We are responsible to scrutinize our deeds, to see whether they are good or not, and to be aware that they will accompany us to our hereafter.

We are expected to delight in the good deeds with its expected reward, and dread immoral deeds that come with the consequences. We are also to make up for our mistakes and use repentance as a way to remove our immoral actions.

This is like a student who after writing her test, checks her paper another time before turning it in. If she finds mistakes, she corrects it; and if she forgot something, she writes it, like a potter closely examining her pot to see if there are any mistakes or if something is forgotten.

This applies to all the believers as all need their deeds in the hereafter. People who check their deeds and take account of them are rare. Why? Because they are busy sorting their day-to-day lives from a materialistic perspective. That is why the word نَفْسٌ (soul) has been used as a singular indefinite; denoting that each and every one is responsible for his or her own deeds.

So, the phrase, "and let every soul consider what it sends ahead for tomorrow” (59:18) is addressed to all believers. The verse was addressed in the third person in the singular indefinite form: “ ...let every soul" and this shows that this duty is for everybody, and is also reprimanding the believers.

The phrase "and let every soul consider what it sends ahead for tomorrow” (59:18) can be taken as a question or a relative clause. If it is taken as a question, it would be "what he has sent forth for tomorrow?" Or if we consider it as a relative clause, it would be “look to what he has sent forth for tomorrow.”

"Tomorrow" denotes the Day of Judgment; the day everyone will give an account of their deeds. It is called tomorrow because of its closeness to us. Just as today is closer to tomorrow, tomorrow is close to the Day of Judgment.

To summarize, the meaning would be: Oh you who believe! Obey Allah with piety. Be obedient in all the dos and don'ts. Each one of you should watch your deeds closely and look at what you are sending for the hereafter. Is it a good deed or a bad deed? If it is a good deed, do you think it is worthy of being accepted by Allah or not? The next part of the verse reads as follows: "...and be wary of Allah. Allah is indeed well aware of what you do."

The word 'taqwa' has been used again. Allah's awareness of what you do is a proof that the mention of taqwa again is the scrutinizing and accounting of one's deeds, and not just taqwa while performing the deeds.

The first mention of taqwa refers to God-wariness while performing the deed. The deed must be in obedience to Allah's expectations and must avoid what He forbade.

The second taqwa is the examining of one's deeds and taking them into account. The goodness of a deed is proportionate to the intention, and not merely its performance.

Thus, the first taqwa is the entirety of the deed, before it was performed; whereas the second is the sincerity of the deed, after it was performed.13

Part 3: Analysis

Why Is Taqwa Repeated In The Verse?

Upon looking at the various commentaries both from Shi'a and Sunni sources, we see that there are two main views: the majority agree that "taqwa" has been repeated for emphasis while some do not support that view.

Emphasis

Almost all above-mentioned Sunni scholars accept this view, except for Khateeb. Among the Shi'a scholars, only Ayat. Makarim Shirazi, the author of Tafsir Nemuneh accepts this view.

What Is The Meaning Of Taqwa In The Above Verse?

According to Sunni scholars

The Sunni scholars' views are divided into four groups:

1. The first "taqwa" is in performing the obligatory; the second "taqwa" is in relation to avoiding sins. The scholars who support this view are Zamakhshari and Razi.

2. The first "taqwa" is performing the obligatory; the second is avoiding the forbidden. The scholars who support this view are Bedavi and Alusi.

3. Ibn Katheer holds that the first "taqwa" refers to obeying Allah's commands and avoiding what He forbade; the second "taqwa" is merely for emphasis.

4. Khateeb holds that the first "taqwa" is to be vigilant while self-calculating and double-checking one's deeds; the second "taqwa" is to constantly be in the state of taqwa.

In my opinion, both above-mentioned groups have the same view although they have chosen different words in describing the second taqwa.

According to Shi'a scholars

The commentaries examined have differing views:

Tabarsi

The word "taqwa" has been used twice. The first is about repenting from the sins that were done and the second is related to the sins that will be performed in the future.

Makarim

The word 'taqwa' has been repeated for emphasis because it is the spirit behind good deeds and encourages a person to avoid sins.

Tabatabai

The first taqwa pertains to the mass or the body of the deed, whereas the second is the correction and the sincerity of the deed. The first is before the deed is performed, and the second is after performance of the deed.

Personal Reflection

I support Tabatabai's view, as it covers some of the views of the other commentators. When he says, "the first mention of taqwa pertains to the mass or the body of the deed," this means that taqwa should be maintained while performing the deed, that is, the deed should be in obedience to Allah's commands. Almost all above-mentioned Sunni commentators supported this view. Moreover, Makarim Shirazi's view was also close to this view.

Regarding the second form of taqwa, Tabataba'i says:

The second taqwa refers to examining your deeds, and while taking them into account, you should fear Allah. It should not be that your good or bad deed was not done with pure intentions that you take it as a good and pure deed just because you performed it.

This view is also very close to what Khateeb says: "To be in the state of taqwa always." Unless you are in the state of taqwa, you cannot judge your deed fairly. Tabarsi's interpretation was also closer to this view, where he says one must repent for his sins.

Conclusion

The interpretation of the repeated mention of taqwa in the verse as used merely for emphasis is incorrect. The meaning of the first taqwa is different from the second one: the first is before the deed is performed and it is the mass and body of the deed so that the deed is accepted by Allah (swt). Allah says in the Qur'an: "Allah accepts only from the Godwary." Hence, the condition of acceptance is taqwa.

Moreover, the second taqwa is after the deed is performed and is in relation to self-accounting and the sincerity of the deed because "Allah is indeed well aware of what you do." For this reason, a person is to constantly be in a state of taqwa.

Thus, taqwa in a broader sense is a requirement for everyone who wants to be a true human being, to live under control of reason, and to follow certain principles. In a religious context, taqwa is the quality of those who protect themselves from all that is considered by religion as wrong and sinful.

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