Āyatollāh Muḥammadī Riyshahrī & Ḥujjat al-Islām Murtiḍā Khush-naṣīb, Farhang-nāmih-yi Taqwā (Encyclopedia of God-consciousness), 1st ed., 1 vol., Qom: Dār al-Ḥadīth Publications, 1402 SH (2023 CE), 284 pp.
In an era where moral ambiguity and ethical relativism seem increasingly normalized, the concept of taqwā—God-consciousness or moral vigilance—resonates as a profound spiritual compass. Farhang-nāmih-yi Taqwā (Encyclopedia of God-consciousness), co-authored by Āyatollāh Muḥammadī Riyshahrī and Murtiḍā Khush-naṣīb, is a meticulous and insightful attempt to excavate the multifaceted nature of taqwā from Islamic sources. Drawing on the Qurʾān, ḥadīth, and classical sources like Nahj al-Balāgha, this work not only defines taqwā but also seeks to operationalize it in the life of the believer.
Though modest in length compared to encyclopedic works previously authored by Āyatollāh Riyshahrī, this volume is packed with conceptual richness and ethical urgency. As a standalone entry from the larger Dānish-nāmih-yi Qurʾān wa Ḥadīth, it serves as both a practical guide and a scholarly reference for those seeking to understand one of Islam’s most recurring and exalted virtues.
Āyatollāh Muḥammadī Riyshahrī (1946–2022) was a pioneering Shīʿī scholar, a foremost authority in ḥadīth sciences, and a prominent figure in Iran’s post-revolutionary religious landscape. He served in several influential roles—such as Custodian of the Shrine of ʿAbd al-ʿAẓīm al-Ḥasanī and member of the Assembly of Experts—and was the founder of the University of the Qurʾān and Ḥadīth. His intellectual hallmark was a synthesis of scriptural fidelity and thematic organization, best exemplified in his magnum opuses: Mīzān al-Ḥikma, Dānish-nāmih-yi Imām ʿAlī (a), and others. Āyatollāh Riyshahrī’s work often bridges the gap between academic depth and practical relevance, making core Islamic teachings accessible and applicable.
Murtiḍā Khush-naṣīb (b. 1342 SH / 1963 CE) is a religious scholar known for his work in compiling, summarizing, and translating foundational Islamic texts. His publications include edited versions of encyclopedic works on the Imāms (a) and textual studies such as Kāvushī dar Iʿtibār wa Matn-i Ziyārat-i Nāḥiya.
At its core, Farhang-nāmih-yi Taqwā explores the concept of taqwā not merely as a theological abstraction but as a lived ethical and spiritual discipline. The authors argue that taqwā is rooted in the primordial human nature (fiṭra) and is refined through divine revelation and rational discernment. This framing positions taqwā as both a natural inclination and a cultivated virtue—central to personal salvation and social harmony.
The book contends that taqwā is more than a passive fear of divine retribution; it is an active, vigilant awareness of God that informs one’s choices, purifies the soul, and orients the self toward righteousness. Citing over 250 Qurʾānic uses of the term and its derivatives, the authors present taqwā as a central axis of Islamic ethics—frequently invoked, profoundly layered, and existentially transformative.
The book is organized into six chapters, each unfolding a dimension of taqwā through Qurʾānic exegesis and ḥadīth literature:
- Chapter 1: Understanding Taqwā
This introductory chapter offers a definition and conceptual analysis of taqwā. It likens the virtue to walking barefoot on a thorn-covered path: one proceeds cautiously, protecting oneself from spiritual harm. The authors emphasize the internal mechanisms of self-restraint, vigilance, and moral awareness, illustrating that taqwā is a synthesis of belief, intention, and behavior.
- Chapter 2: The Call to Taqwā
Here, the authors demonstrate how frequently the Qurʾān and the Prophet (s) exhort believers to embrace taqwā. The exhortation is not limited to ritual contexts but extends to all facets of life—commerce, justice, family, and worship—underlining its holistic scope.
- Chapter 3: The Foundations of Taqwā
This chapter addresses the moral and cognitive prerequisites of taqwā, such as sincerity (ikhlāṣ), humility (tawāḍuʿ), and knowledge (ʿilm). The authors argue that these qualities form the soil in which taqwā grows and flourishes, enabling the believer to remain steadfast in the face of temptation.
- Chapter 4: Lack of Taqwā
This section identifies the signs and consequences of abandoning taqwā. Drawing on scriptural examples—such as Pharaoh, Qārūn, and Iblīs—the authors portray lack of taqwā as a path to personal ruin and societal corruption. The discussion includes ethical pitfalls like arrogance, heedlessness, and hypocrisy.
- Chapter 5: The Effects of Taqwā
This chapter details the spiritual, psychological, and social benefits of taqwā. It is shown to grant inner peace, divine guidance, deliverance from hardship, and ultimately, nearness to God. These effects are supported by numerous Qurʾānic Ayahs, such as: “Whoever fears God, He will make for him a way out” (Q 65:2).
- Chapter 6: Exemplars of Taqwā
The final chapter presents luminous figures such as the Prophet Muḥammad (s), Imām ʿAlī (a), and other infallible Imāms (a) as paragons of taqwā. Through selected narrations and historical incidents, the authors illustrate how these exemplars integrated vigilance and humility into every aspect of their lives.
Farhang-nāmih-yi Taqwā is an admirable blend of academic rigor and spiritual inspiration. It stands out in several respects:
Strengths:
- Scriptural Grounding: The extensive use of Qurʾānic citations and authenticated ḥadīths provides the book with solid theological credibility.
- Conceptual Clarity: Despite dealing with a nuanced subject, the language remains clear and accessible, partly due to its pedagogical tone and structured layout.
- Practical Relevance: The book does not isolate taqwā in the realm of the ideal but grounds it in daily ethical conduct. It is as much a call to inner reform as it is a guide to outer behavior.
- Ethical Urgency: In a world grappling with moral relativism, the authors’ emphasis on taqwā as an inner compass offers a counter-cultural but deeply relevant model for spiritual orientation.
By rooting ethical consciousness in divine awareness, Farhang-nāmih-yi Taqwā reaffirms a central Qurʾānic truth: that salvation is not just about belief, but about the vigilance to live rightly.
In Farhang-nāmih-yi Taqwā, Āyatollāh Muḥammadī Riyshahrī and Murtiḍā Khush-naṣīb have produced a timely and enriching guide to one of Islam’s most vital virtues. Through careful exposition of scriptural sources and ethical reflection, the book succeeds in making taqwā not only understandable but also desirable. Whether one is a scholar, student, or simply a seeker on the path, this work offers both a roadmap and a mirror—guiding and challenging readers toward moral integrity and divine proximity.
