Ikhlas and Taqwa – Sincerity and Piety
Osman Nuri Topbaş
Paperback, 72 Pages, Black & White
5.5 x 8.5 Inches
Erkam World | Dar Al Arkam
In the profound exploration of the essence of a meaningful life, Osman Nuri Topbas unveils the fundamental pillars that provide true purpose-taqwa (piety) and sincerity. In “Ikhlas and Taqwa,” Topbas skillfully navigates the intricate landscapes of spiritual growth, emphasizing the necessity of curbing earthly desires and fortifying spiritual potential through prayer and benevolent deeds. Beyond religious boundaries, taqwa is presented as an indispensable element in every facet of life, permeating belief, worship, interactions with others, and even every breath taken.
To possess taqwa, as elucidated by Topbas, is to be a confidant of Allah Almighty, nurturing a spiritually robust heart capable of deriving lessons from the divine manifestations of power in the universe. The merit of entering paradise through divine grace becomes attainable through this sincerity and piety. The author draws inspiration from the holy Quran, particularly from the verse: “He indeed shall be successful who purifies himself” (Ala, 87:14), encapsulating the essence of a purified inner world and a heart that finds joy in aligning deeds with divine will.
The narrative extends gratitude to Allah Almighty for endowing mankind with divine knowledge, sincerity (ikhlas), and taqwa. Praises are bestowed upon Prophet Muhammad II, the beacon of love, the sun of guidance, and the epitome of sincerity and taqwa.
“Ikhlas and Taqwa” underscores the significance of conscious living, emphasizing that human life is spent either in awareness of Allah Almighty and sincerity towards Him or in a state of ignorance, rendering life devoid of meaning. The book contends that to lead a purposeful life, one must cultivate taqwa, curbing base desires and augmenting spiritual potential through prayer and altruism.
The pursuit of sincerity and taqwa, as Topbas asserts, necessitates the purification of the inner world from spiritual ailments, enabling hearts to find joy in actions and prayers aligned with divine will. Attaining unity with Allah in the heart involves adopting divine characteristics such as mercy and forgiveness, seeking divine satisfaction in every action and breath.
Topbas acknowledges the arduous spiritual battle required to achieve such elevated standards, drawing on the Quranic imagery of the wonders of creation as a testament to the difficulty of the struggle. The book concludes with a powerful reminder that only those who purify their hearts will find salvation, reinforcing the transformative journey of “Ikhlas and Taqwa” as a guide to spiritual enlightenment and a purposeful life.
Table of Contents:
THE BLESSING OF A PURE HEART: IKHLAS AND TAQWA-I
Foreword.
A life of trial.
A life of taqwa.
A heart of great temperament!
Taqwâ consists of three stages:
Have taqwâ in every matter.
A guide for those with taqwa.
Seek the means of approaching him.
In reverence to Allah.
THE BLESSING OF A PURE HEART: IKHLAS AND TAQWA-II
The secret of salvation.
Taqwâ in faith.
Not to compromise or be inclined towards what is wrong. Be with those who are truthful.
Like grasping an ember.
Taqwâ in worship, especially in prayer.
Taqwa in fasting.
Taqwâ in giving charity.
Taqwa during the hajj.
Three impediments of taqwa.
Taqwâ in conduct..
State of altruism (îsar).
Taqwâ in ihsân (kindness).
THE BLESSING OF A PURE HEART: IKHLAS AND TAQWA -III
Taqwâ in contentment (rida).
Goodness is with Allah alone.
Taqwa in seeking forgiveness and repenting.
Encouraging what is good and forbidding what is evil.
Taqwa when working in the service of Islam (khidma).
Taqwâ in loyalty.
Taqwâ in love and affection.
THE BLESSING OF A PURE HEART: IKHLAS AND TAQWA -IV
Taqwa in sincerity (ikhlâs):.
Taqwâ in wealth, life and children.
Taqwâ in looking after trusts.
Taqwâ in responsibility.
The way out is taqwa.
Superiority of taqwa.
The indication of taqwâ.
This is taqwa!
The sun of taqwa.
May Allah grant you taqwa
Trial of taqwa
The garment of taqwa
The provision of taqwå
