The root of taqwā is wiqāya, "to guard, to be wary"; in the Qur'an it means being God-conscious / mindful and keeping His limits.
The measure of worth
- "The most honoured of you before God is the most mindful (muttaqī)." (49:13) — not lineage, race or wealth, but awareness.
What taqwā brings
- "Whoever is mindful of God, He makes for him a way out, and provides for him from where he does not expect." (65:2-3)
- "The patient will be given their reward without measure." (39:10)
True taqwā
- "Be mindful of God as He deserves." (3:102)
Taqwā is not display but a constant inner awareness that shows in deeds.
Source: Qur'anic verses (M. Okuyan meal). Presented with a text/interpretation distinction.