Ibn Taymiyyah رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ said:
“Wara’a (piety) is to leave the things you fear might harm you in the next life.”
[Az-Zuhd, Ibn al-Qayyim, p. 18]
Explanation
In this concise yet profound statement, Ibn Taymiyyah رَحِمَهُ ٱللَّٰهُ defines waraʿ, a quality that causes a believer to be cautious about his actions and their consequences in the Hereafter. Waraʿ is not limited to avoiding what is clearly forbidden; rather, it also includes staying away from doubtful matters and anything that may distance a person from Allah سبحانه وتعالى.
A person who possesses waraʿ constantly weighs his words, actions, and choices against the scales of the Hereafter. Before speaking, earning, or acting, he asks himself whether the matter will benefit him on the Day of Judgment or become a cause of regret. If he fears that something may harm his religion, weaken his faith, or lead him toward sin, he abandons it out of love for Allah and concern for his final destination.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt.”
[Jamiʿ at-Tirmidhi 2518]
This prophetic guidance beautifully complements Ibn Taymiyyah’s definition of waraʿ. The believer is not reckless with his faith; rather, he protects it by distancing himself from doubtful matters and anything that may lead him astray.
Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:
“And whoever fears Allah, He will make for him a way out and provide for him from where he does not expect.”
[Qur’an 65:2–3]
True waraʿ does not mean making the religion unnecessarily difficult or forbidding what Allah has made lawful. Rather, it stems from knowledge, sincerity, and a genuine desire to preserve one’s relationship with Allah.
Signs of Waraʿ
Among the signs that a person possesses waraʿ are:
- Avoiding doubtful matters.
- Being cautious with one’s speech.
- Earning and spending wealth lawfully.
- Fearing sins, whether public or private.
- Choosing the pleasure of Allah over worldly gain.
- Keeping righteous company.
- Frequently reflecting upon the Hereafter.
The righteous predecessors were known for their waraʿ because they valued their faith more than temporary pleasures and worldly success.
The Fruits of Piety
Waraʿ brings many benefits to the believer, both in this world and the next:
- It strengthens faith and certainty.
- It protects a person from falling into sin.
- It increases mindfulness of Allah.
- It brings peace to the heart.
- It helps one remain steadfast upon the truth.
- It prepares the believer for the Day of Judgment.
A heart filled with waraʿ becomes more sensitive to disobedience and more eager to pursue what pleases Allah سبحانه وتعالى.
Conclusion
Ibn Taymiyyah’s words remind us that piety is not merely an outward appearance; it is a state of the heart that causes a believer to avoid anything that may harm him in the Hereafter.
The one who possesses waraʿ understands that worldly pleasures are temporary, while the next life is eternal. Therefore, he chooses what benefits his religion and leaves what threatens his relationship with Allah.
May Allah سبحانه وتعالى grant us hearts filled with piety and make us among those who protect their faith and strive for success in the Hereafter.
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