Linguistically Taqwa means forbearance, fear and abstinence, but in the Islamic terminology, Taqwa has a distinct meaning. Taqwa is a high state of heart, which keeps one conscious of Allah's presence and His Knowledge, and it motivates him to perform righteous deeds and avoid those, which are forbidden. The essence of Taqwa is to make a shield (which guards) against Allah's anger and punishment. That shield is to obey His commandments and abstain from His punishment. [as explained by Ibn Rajab...
