Abstract
The Qur’an was revealed during a time in which social norms and values depreciated. It introduced humankind in a distinct style and language to a different perspective on interpreting and understanding existence, humankind, and society. This study discusses how to determine the meaning of certain frequently repeated terms in the Qur’an like taqwa, muttaqin, and their different forms within the Qur’anic context; whether or not the word taqwa carries the meaning of fear; and, in particular, whether or not the notions of taqwa and muttaqin encompass all Muslims. Moreover, not only does this article study whether or not the values of taqwa has a societal aspect besides individual, but it also examines if taqwa incorporates key notions for social life such as justice, benevolence, honesty, pacta sund Servanda (agreements must be kept), and abstinence from evil words and ugly behaviors which neither the human mind nor conscience approves of. For all the analyses done in this study, the contribution of Jahiliyya poetry and classical dictionaries in understanding the meaning of taqwa and its derivatives is invaluable. The Qur’an exegeses from the classical and modern period along with recent scientific research will lead us in this study. Eventually it is concluded that taqwa and its linguistic derivatives express not only some but all of the values and norms of the Qur’an.