Muttaqin

Muttaqin

root  wāw qāf yā (و ق ي) 

Mindful, protective, oversee

NOT – fearful  ( Khawfun )

NOT – righteous ( Al-BIRR – Righteousness )  but Al-Birr is part of Muttaqin.

The Kalimah in the Quran all have specific meanings.

 

Muttaqin is a person of Taqwa. 

Common translation defines muttaqin as those who are fearful or righteous, but the same root word also used to mean to protect.

Surah An-Nahl

16:81  And Allah has made for you, from that which He has created, shadows and has made for you from the mountains, shelters and has made for you garments which protect you (taqīkumu)from the heat and garments which protect you (taqīkum) from your [enemy in] battle. Thus does He complete His favor upon you that you might submit [to Him].

76:11 So Allah will protect them (fawaqāhumu) from the evil of that Day and give them radiance and happiness

 

The word muttaqin were mentioned 49 times and we shall read what are the definitions of Muttaqin according to the Quran.  

 

Definition of Muttaqin:

1. Those who do not trangress

2:65And you had already known about those who transgressed among you concerning the sabbath, and We said to them, "Be apes, despised." 

2:66  And We made it a deterrent punishment for those who were present and those who succeeded [them] and a lesson for those who are mindful of Allah 

 

2. Those who possess righteousness & being upright:

2:177  Righteousness ( Al-Birra) is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness ( Al-Birra)  is [in] one who believes in Allah , the Akhiri, the malaikah, the Scripture, and the Nabiyina and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes salat and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the Muttaqin.

9:7 How can there be for the polytheists a treaty in the sight of Allah and with His Messenger, except for those with whom you made a treaty at al-Masjid al-haram? So as long as they are upright toward you, be upright toward them. Indeed, Allah loves the mindful.

 

3. Those who are dutiful:

2:180  Prescribed for you when death approaches [any] one of you if he leaves wealth [is that he should make] a bequest for the parents and near relatives according to what is acceptable - a duty upon the mindful.

 

4. Good doer

3:115  And whatever good they do- never will it be concealed (yuk’faruhu) from them. And Allah is Knowing of the mindful.

 

5. Observant of the outcome (Cause & effect)

3:137  Similar situations have passed on before you, so proceed throughout the earth and observe how was the end of those who denied.

3:138  This is a clear statement to the people and a guidance and instruction for those mindful of Allah 

 

6. Those who received the best outcome

7:128  Said Moses to his people, "Seek help through Allah and be patient. Indeed, the earth belongs to Allah. He causes to inherit it whom He wills of His servants. And the [best] outcome is for the mindful."

11:49 That is from the news of the unseen which We reveal to you.  You knew it not, neither you nor your people, before this. So be patient; indeed, the [best] outcome (l-Aqibata) is for the mindful.

 

7. Warn those who conceals ( Kafirin ) of the implications.

9:3 And an announcement from Allah and His Messenger to the people on the day of Great Challenge that Allah is disassociated from those who conceal, and His Messenger. So if you repent, that is best for you; but if you turn away - then know that you will not cause failure to Allah . And give tidings to those who conceal of a painful punishment.

9:4 Excepted are those with whom you made a treaty among the polytheists and then they have not been deficient toward you in anything or supported anyone against you; so complete for them their treaty until their term [has ended]. Indeed, Allah loves the mindful.

 

 8. Those who fight the kufar ( concealers )

9:123  O you who have been entrusted, fight those adjacent to you of the concealers and let them find in you fierceness. And know that Allah is with the mindful.

9. Those who brought Truth & Truthful 

39:33  And the one who has brought the truth and truthfulin it - those are the mindful.

 

10. The outcome will be given the Garden.

13:35  The example of the Garden, which the mindful have been promised, is beneath it rivers flow. Its fruit is lasting, and its shade. That is the consequence for the mindful, and the consequence for the concealers (Kafirin) is the Fire.

 

15:45  Indeed, the mindful will be within gardens and springs.

 

16:30  And it will be said to those who are mindful ( ittaqaw ) of Allah, "What did your Lord send down?" They will say, " goodness." For those who do good in this world is good; and the home of the akhirat is better. And how excellent is the home of the mindful-

16:31  Gardens of abode, which they will enter, beneath which rivers flow. They will have therein whatever they wish. Thus does Allah reward the mindful 

 

26:90  And The Garden will be brought near to the mindful.

 

44:51   Indeed, the mindful will be in a secure place;

 

47:15  The Example (Mithalan) of the Garden, which the mindful are promised, wherein are rivers of water unaltered, rivers of milk the taste of which never changes, rivers of wine delicious to those who drink, and rivers of purified honey, in which they will have from all [kinds of] fruits and forgiveness from their Lord, like [that of] those who abide eternally in the Fire and are given to drink scalding water that will sever their intestines?

 

50:13  And Paradise will be brought near to the mindful, not far,

 

51:15  Indeed, the mindful will be among gardens and springs,

52:17  Indeed, the mindful will be in gardens and pleasure,

54:54  Indeed, the mindful will be among gardens and rivers,

68:34  Indeed, for the mindful with their Lord are the Gardens of Pleasure.

77:41  Indeed, the mindful will be among shades and springs

 

and finally,

11. The mindful are always reminded - 

 

69:48  And indeed, the Qur'an is a reminder for the mindful.

 

In summary, the definition of muttaqin according to the Quran:

 

1. Those who do not trangress

2. Those who possess righteousness & being upright:

3. Those who are dutiful:

4. Good doer

5. Observant of the outcome (Cause & effect)

6. Those who received the best outcome

7. Warn those who conceals ( Kafirin ) of the implications.

8. Those who fight the kufar ( concealers )

9. Those who brought Truth & Truthful 

10. The outcome will be given the Garden.

11. The mindful are always reminded - 

2 Surah Al-Baqarah 2:1-2

2:1  Alif Laam Meem

 

So what is Alif Laam Meem ?

 

Traditional tafseer or hadith imams would say Allah knows best. ( Wallahualam ).

That was because the traditional tafseer scholars were not Arabs but Persians.

They say these letters are Muqataat letters.  The Mysterious letters.

But the truth is, they were at the limit of their arabic and it was only a mystery to the Persians.

 

If they were Arabs, they would know that each letter of the Arabic Abjad has meanings.

Arab linguists would have known this.

 

ا - Allah

ل - Benevalent

م – King / Malek

 

But what do these letters mean in this combination ?

The answer is very obvious. It's given in the next verse.

 

2:2 dhālika l-kitābu lā rayba fīhi hudan lil'muttaqīna

That is Al-Kitab ( The Scripture ), no doubt in it, guidance for the muttaqin (Mindful) 

[ Muttaqin in Malay : Orang yang bertaqwa ]

 

 

For this verse, we will unpack on these two kalimah : Al-Kitab and Muttaqin.

 

Because also in verse 2:183, Siyam is prescribed so that we may become Mutaqqin.

 

2:183

yāayyuhā alladhīna āmanū – O you who are entrusted, 

kutiba ʿalaykumu – is prescribed upon you

l-ṣiyāmu – abstention

kamā kutiba – as prescribed

ʿalā alladhīna – to those

min qablikum – from before you

laʿallakum – so you may

tattaqūna – be mindful.

 

The question is, how does abstaining from eating and drinking makes you a mindful person / muttaqin?

The Quran defines Muttaqin as follows:

1. Those who do not trangress ( 2:65 2:66 ) 

2. Those who possess righteousness & being upright: ( 2:177,9:7 )

3. Those who are dutiful: 2:180 

4. Good Doer 3:115 

5. Observant of the outcome (Cause & effect) 3:137-138  

6. Those who received the best outcome  (7:128,  11:49)

7. Warn those who conceals ( Kafirin ) of the implications. 9:3-4

8. Those who fight the kufar ( concealers ) 9:123  

9. Those who brought Truth & Truthful  39:33 

10. The outcome will be given the Garden.  ( 13:35, 15:45  16:30 -31, 26:90, 44:51, 47:15, 50:13, 51:15, 54:54, 77:41

11. The mindful are always reminded - 69:48  

A post on this Muttaqin follow after this.

Now let's return to verse 2:2

2:2 dhālika L-KITABU lā rayba fīhi hudan lil'muttaqīna

 

We have now understood the meaning of Muttaqin, we can then ponder how Al-Siyam would make us Muttaqin.  The answer is already in all the verses given.

 

Let us now focus next on the word Al-Kitab that is said to be the Guide for the Muttaqin.

 

Kitab means something that is written and documented. In English, we may call it The Scripture.

 

Misconceptions:

Al-Kitab is not Al-Quran.  Al-Quran simply means The Reading. It’s a process.

 

Al-Quran & Al-Kitab are both mentioned in this verse, indicating, they are distinct.

 

10:37  And it was not for this Qur'an to be produced by other than Allah , but  a confirmation of what was before his hands and a detailed explanationof Al-Kitabi, about which there is no doubt, from the Lord of the worlds.

 

So Al-Quran explains Al-Kitab in detailed.

 

Al-Kitab is not Torah, not The Old Testament, not The New Testament, not The Bible.

 

Al-Kitab is not Al-Tawrata or Al-Injeela that is mentioned in the Quran because,

in the Quran, Al-Kitab is mentioned along side Al-Tawrata and  Al-Injeela.

So they are clearly distinct components.

 

So let’s take a look what the Quran says, as everything that we need to know have been detailed:

 

41:3  A Book ( Kitabun ) whose verses have been detailed, an articulated (*arabbiyan) Qur'an for a people who know,

 

*traditional translation translate arabiyyan as Arabic language, which is not really the case.

 

Surah Al-Imran

3:3

nazzala ʿalayka – He revealed to you

l-kitāba – The Scripture

bil-ḥaqi – with Truth

muṣaddiqan - confirming

limā bayna – that is what between

yadayhi – your hands

wa-anzala – and He revealed

l-tawrāta – the Tawrat

wal-injīla – the Injeela

 

3:4

min qablu – from before

hudan – A guide

lilnnāsi – for mankind

wa-anzala – and He revealed

l-fur'qāna – The Furqan ( The Criterion )

inna alladhīna kafarū – verily, those who concealed

biāyāti l-lahi – with the signs of Allah

lahum ʿadhābun – for them, a suffering

shadīdun - severe

wal-lahu – and Allah

ʿazīzun – All mighty

dhū – All Able

intiqāmin – of retribution.

 

From these two verses, we can see that Al-Kitab, Al-Tawrata, Al-Injeela and Al-Furqan have been revealed to us, a guide for mankind.

 

 

So where are they? 

 

How do we recognized Al-Kitab?

 

2:146 Those to whom We have given the AL-KITAB,  recognize it just as they recognize their own sons. But, some of them knowingly conceal the truth.

 

This verse says we will definitely recognized Al-Kitab.

 

 

Al-KItab is complete. Nothing has been left out. 

Surah Al-An’am

6:38 there is not an animal that moves about on the earth, nor a bird that flies on its two wings, but are creatures like you. We have left out nothing in Al-Kitabthey shall all be gathered before their Lord.

 

Al-Kitab fully detailed

Surah Al-An’am

6:114“Shall I then seek a Judge other than Allah? When  it is He Who has revealed to you Al-Kitab fully detailed?” 

6:115 “The words of your Lord are completein its truth and justice. Nothing can change His words – He is the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing. If you obeyed most of those on earth, they would lead you away from the path of Allah. 

6:116 They follow nothing but speculation – they are merely guessing.” 

 

Al-Kitab explains clearly everything

Surah An-Nahl

16:89 And on the day when We will raise up in every people a witness against them from among themselves, and bring you as a witness against these - and We have revealed AL-Kitab to you explaining clearly everything, and a guidance and benefit and good news for the muslimin.

 

 

So where is Al-Kitab?

 

Surah Al-Kahf

18:109  Say: "If the ocean were ink, the words of my Lord, sooner wouldthe ocean be exhaustedthan would the words of my Lord, even if we added another ocean like it, for its aid."

 

Surah Luqman

31:27  And if all the trees on the earth were pens and the sea, with seven seas behind it to add to its, yet the Words of Allah would not be exhausted. Verily, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.

 

Al-Quran has only 6236 verses. It will only take a few gallons of ink to write the Quran.  Clearly these two verses are not referring to the Quran.

These two verses obviously are saying that Al-Kitab are written all around us.

These two verses are referring to the scripture that is embedded in us and around us.

 

Deep inside us were already written about right and wrong, do’s and don’t. There are messages coming from deep inside us all the time. Are we listening to them?

 

A simple example is the newly hatched turtles.

They knew they have to crawl towards the sea water.  How do these baby turtles know when their mothers are nowhere to be seen?

Did the baby turtles read any book that tells them to head for the ocean?

What scripture did they read? 

 

 

 

So how about us humans?  Are we any different?

This is why the Quran starts of with Al-Kitab as our guide so we may become mindful. 

Now that we have known what is Al-Kitab, what is the function of Al-Quran.

 

The Quran is the reading to awaken our consciousness and to return to Al-Kitab.

 

Surah Yunus

10:37  And it was not for this Qur'anto be produced by other than Allah , but  a confirmation of what was before his hands and a detailed explanation of Al-Kitabi, about which there is no doubt, from the Lord of the worlds.

 

There is no doubt in the Quran.  There is no need to label it as Sahih like the others.

 

And around us there are writings, written all over the universe. Inks from the oceans will not be enough.

 

E=Mc2 for example is part of Al-Kitab.  This important formula discovered by Einstein is being read  and use as guide for scientists.  All scientific formulas are part of Al-Kitab.  This is why scientists are mindful of consequences of science.  

Allah forbid conjectures.  So who follows conjectures?

 

 

The Quran also explains Al-Taurat and Al-Injeela in verse 7:157.

 

Because Al-Quran explain itself.

 

75:19 Then it is We who will explain it.

Conclusion :

Verse 2:1 & 2 is saying that we shall always revert to Al-Kitab as guidance so that we may become mindful.

A mindful person is very conscious of his surroundings and will take all considerations, impact and strive for righteousness. 

He must be be knowledgeable or strive to obtain true knowledge (39:33) before making such decisions or actions.

A muttaqin shall be successful and receive the best outcome. (7:128,  11:49)

MILLATA

Millat

Since we have seen how traditional translations render the word Deen as “religion,” the same approach has also been applied to the word Millat. However, this is equally inaccurate.

In this post, we will examine the meaning of Millat based on its actual usage in the Quran.

root :  mīm lām lām (م ل ل).

1. To Dictate (Verb)

The verb form appears clearly in 2:282, where its meaning is explicitly demonstrated:

• walyum’lili — to dictate
• yumilla — dictate
• falyum’lil — then let dictate

 

2:282. O you who attained security,

When you contract with one another any debt for a term fixed,

then write it. 

And let write between you a scribe in justice. 

And not should refuse a scribe that he writes as has taught him, Allah. 

So let him write and LET DICTATE (walyum'lili) 

the one on whom is the right and let him fear Allah, his Lord, 

and not diminish from it anything. 

Then if is the one on him is the right, of limited understanding, 

or weak, or not capable that can DICTATE (yumilla) himself, 

then let DICTATE (falyum’lil) his guardian with justice. 

And call for evidence two witnesses among your men. 

And if not there are two men then one man 

and two women of whom you agree of the witnesses, 

so that if she errs, one of the two, 

then will remind one of the two the other. 

And not should refuse the witnesses when that they are called.

And not be weary that you write it - small or large for its term. 

That is more just near Allah, and more upright for evidence 

and nearer that not you have doubt, 

except that be a transaction present, you carry out among you,

then not on you any sin that not you write it. 

And take witness when you make commercial transaction. 

And not should be harmed the scribe and not the witness, 

and if you do, then indeed it (is) sinful conduct for you, 

and fear Allah. And teaches Allah. 

And Allah of every thing (is) All-Knower.

 

In this verse, yumilla clearly conveys the act of dictating — literally to speak or recite aloud. 

It also carries the sense of prescribing, laying down, or determining something with authority.

Within the context of the verse, it refers to decisively establishing what is to be recorded and agreed upon.

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2. Millat – Principle / Creed / Doctrine

The noun millat in the Quran reflects a structured belief system. It is best understood through related concepts such as doctrine, principle, and creed — each overlapping, yet distinct:

• Doctrine: A specific teaching or body of beliefs, often authoritative.
• Principle: A broader, foundational truth that guides behavior.
• Creed: A concise and formal expression of core beliefs.

The Quran uses millat in ways that align with these meanings depending on context.

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2.1 The Doctrine of a Community

2:120  And never will be please with you the Yahūdu nor the Nasārā 

until you follow their doctrine ( millatahum ). 

Say, "Indeed, the guidance of Allah is the [only] guidance." 

If you were to follow their desires 

after what has come to you of knowledge, 

you would have against Allah no protector or helper.

 

2:135 And they said, "Be Hūdan or Nasārā, [so] you will be guided." 

Say, "Nay, the creed  ( millata ) of Ibrahim, 

inclining toward truth ( hanīfan ), 

and not he was of those who associates  (l-mush’rikīn )."

 

These verses indicate that millat refers to a defined system of belief that communities invite or persuade others to adopt.

 

A note on Yahūdu:
The term is commonly translated as “Jews,” but its root (ه و د) relates to turning or returning — whether toward good or otherwise. For example:

He returned from evil to good or from good to evil

he turned him to the religion of the Jews

In verse 7:156 … indeed, we have turned (hud’nā)  to You (to  Allah – in repentance )

Thus, Yahūdu can be understood more broadly as those who seek to turn or guide others—particularly into a specific belief system.

In this context, the emphasis is on persuasion or conversion into a doctrine, which aligns with the usage of millat in these verses.

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2.2 The Doctrine of Shuaib’s Community

7:88 Said the chiefs (of) those who were arrogant among his people, 

"We will surely drive you out O Shuaib! 

And those who (have) believed with you from our city, 

or you must return to our doctrine (millatinā)." 

He said, "Even if we are (the) ones who hate (it)?

Here, millat clearly represents the established doctrine or belief system of a community, which they expect conformity to.

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2.3 The Young Men of the Cave

18:20. Indeed, if they come to know of you, 

they will stone you or return you to their doctrine (millati-him). 

And never would you succeed, then - ever."

Again, millat reflects a dominant belief system enforced upon others.

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2.4 The Creed (millat) of Ibrahim

2:130  And who will turn away of the creed ( millat ) of Ibrahim 

except one who fooled of himself. 

And indeed We had chosen him in this present worldliness (l-dun’yā), 

and indeed he, in the everlasting (l-ākhirat), will be among the righteous.

 

4:125 And who is better in conduct ( dīnan ) 

than one who submits his purpose (wajha-hu) to Allah 

while being a doer of good and follows the creed ( millat )of Ibrahim, 

inclining toward truth ( hanĪfan ) 

And was taken by Allah, Ibrahim as a friend.

 

16:123 Then We revealed to you, that, 

"You follow the creed ( millat )  of Ibrahim,

 inclining toward truth ( hanĪfan ). 

and not he was of those who associates  (l-mush’rikīn )."

 

What stands out in these verses is that the millat of Ibrahim is defined not by ritual or identity, but by a principle: inclination toward truth (ḥanīf).

Those who turn away from it are described as deceiving themselves (2:130), indicating a rejection of truth rather than merely a change of affiliation.

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2.5 Deen vs Millat

The distinction between Deen and Millat becomes clear when both appear in the same verse:

4:125 And who is better in conduct ( dīnan ) 

than one who submits his purpose (wajha-hu) to Allah 

while being a doer of good and follows the creed ( millat )of Ibrahim, 

inclining toward truth ( hanĪfan ) 

And was taken by Allah, Ibrahim as a friend.

6:161  Say, "Indeed, my Lord has guided me 

to a path upright ( Siratin Mustaqim )

- an established code of conduct ( Deenan Qiyaman )

- the creed ( millat ) of Ibrahim, 

inclining toward truth ( hanĪfan ). 

and not he was of those who associates  (l-mush’rikīn )."

 

22:78  And strive for Allah with the striving due to Him. 

He has chosen you and has not placed upon you 

in the code of conduct (l-deeni) any difficulty. 

The creed (millata) of your father, Ibraham. 

Allah elevated you the submitters (al-Muslimin),

 from acceptance and in this, 

that the Messenger may be a witness over you 

and you may be witnesses over the human race. 

So establish the relations and contribute to growth 

and hold fast with Allah. 

He is your protector; and excellent is the protector, 

and excellent is the helper.

From these usages:

• Deen → a system of conduct or way of living
• Millat → the underlying creed or doctrinal foundation

Thus, while both are often translated as “religion,” they operate at different levels.

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2.6 Yusuf and the Choice of Millat

12:37 He said, "Not (will) come to both of you food, you are provided with

but I will inform both of you of its interpretation, 

before that, it comes to both of you. 

That is of what has taught me, my Lord. 

Indeed, I have abandon the doctrine ( millat ) of a community, 

not they will attain security with Allah, 

and they in the Everlasting they are concealers (kāfirūn).

 

12:38 And I follow the creed ( millat ) of my forefathers,

Ibrahim, and Ishaq and Yaqub. 

Not was for us that we associate with Allah any thing. 

That is from the grace of Allah upon us, 

and upon the human race,

but most of the human race are not grateful.

 

Here, millat clearly represents a system of belief or principle.

Yusuf contrasts two millat:

• one that is flawed and rejected
• one rooted in truth, inherited from Ibrahim

This reinforces that millat is not merely identity, but a chosen framework of belief.

Key Distinction at a Glance

 

Feature	Doctrine	Principle	Creed
Definition	Specific taught belief	Guiding truth or rule	Formal summary of beliefs
Purpose	Define truths	Guide conduct	Define identity & boundaries
Scope	Specific	Broad	Core / condensed
Authority	Often authoritative	Internalized / flexible	Highly authoritative

 

Final Reflection

From its Quranic usage, millat consistently refers to a defined system of belief—whether imposed, inherited, or consciously chosen.

Unlike Deen, which governs conduct and lived practice, Millat represents the underlying creed or doctrinal orientationthat shapes that conduct.