In a world that often measures success by wealth or status, Islam offers a different perspective. It defines what truly makes a person superior. Allah provides this insight. He states in the Quran that the noblest among you, in Allah’s sight, is the one with the most taqwa. This refers to God-consciousness. (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13)

This profound statement reminds us that true superiority is not about race, nationality, or material success. It is about what resides in the heart.

What is Taqwa?


Taqwa is often translated as “piety” or “God-consciousness,” but its meaning is much deeper. It is the awareness of Allah in every moment, leading a person to obey Him and avoid what displeases Him. It is both an internal and external commitment to righteousness.

Allah says:

> “Whoever honors the symbols of Allah – indeed, it is from the taqwā of hearts.” (Surah Al-Hajj 22:32)

This verse shows that taqwā is not just about outward actions; it originates in the heart and reflects in our deeds.

The Heart: The Key to True Superiority


The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the role of the heart. He said:

“Taqwa is here, taqwa is here, taqwa is here,” while pointing to his chest. (Muslim)


The greatest people in Islamic history were not superior due to their wealth or appearance. Instead, they were superior because of what was in their hearts.

For example:

Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA), the closest companion of the Prophet ﷺ, was not the most physically strong, nor did he perform more acts of worship than others. However, he surpassed them all because of the sincerity and purity of his heart.

Ibn Taymiyyah (RA) said, “Actions surpass each other in proportion to the īmān (faith) and ikhlāṣ (sincerity) of the hearts.”


This means that two people may perform the same action—such as praying or giving charity—but their rewards can be vastly different based on sincerity in their hearts.

A Heart Attached to Allah: The Paradise of This World

Many people seek happiness in material possessions, but true peace comes from a heart that is connected to Allah. Ibn Taymiyyah (RA) said:

> “Truly there is a paradise in this world. Whoever does not enter it, will not enter the Paradise of the Hereafter.”



This ‘paradise’ refers to the deep contentment and joy that comes from knowing, loving, and worshiping Allah. Those who experience it understand that nothing in this world can compare.

Ibn al-Qayyim (RA) further explains:

> “In the heart, there is a void that cannot be filled except through loving Him, turning to Him constantly, always remembering Him, and being sincere to Him. Were a person to be given the entire world, it would never fill this void.”



Balancing the Inner and Outer Deeds

While Islam emphasizes the importance of the heart, it does not neglect outward actions. A pure heart naturally leads to righteous actions. Shayṭān (Satan) often deceives people by making them believe that as long as their heart is good, they do not need to follow external Islamic commands. However, true sincerity means submitting fully to Allah—both internally and externally.

For instance:

A person with true taqwā will naturally observe the obligations of Islam, such as prayer, fasting, and hijab, because their heart desires to obey Allah.

External acts of worship, like prayer and charity, should be accompanied by humility and sincerity to attain true rewards.


What is Khushūʿ (Humility in Worship)?

One of the greatest qualities of a sincere heart is khushūʿ—humility and concentration in worship. The Prophet ﷺ said:

> “There is a lump of flesh in the body: if it is sound, the whole body will be sound, but if it is corrupt, the whole body will be corrupt. Truly, it is the heart.” (Bukhari)



Khushūʿ allows a person to experience deep devotion in prayer, making it a truly spiritual experience rather than a mere physical movement.

How to Attain a Pure Heart and True Superiority

1. Strengthen Your Connection with Allah – Spend time in prayer, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and Quran recitation.


2. Purify Your Intentions – Always check your heart and ensure that your actions are done for Allah alone.


3. Increase in Taqwā – Be mindful of Allah in all situations and avoid anything that displeases Him.


4. Practice Gratitude and Contentment – Find joy in Allah’s presence rather than worldly distractions.


5. Seek Knowledge and Reflection – Learn more about Allah and Islam to deepen your faith.


6. Surround Yourself with Righteous Companions – Good friends will encourage you to stay on the right path.

Final Thoughts

True superiority in Islam is not about race, wealth, or social status—it is about taqwā, sincerity, and the condition of the heart. A person with a pure heart, full of love and devotion to Allah, is truly the most honored in His sight.

May Allah grant us all hearts full of taqwa, sincerity, and humility. Ameen.