Taqwa

From the morals and manners of the preceeders was that they would strictly analyse their piety (Taqwa) never claiming to be a possessor of such. Allah the Most High has said, "Therefore do not declare yourselves as being purified. He knows best who has Taqwa." [53:32]
The Messenger of Allah (Sall Allaho alaihe wasallam) said: "Taqwa is here," and he pointed to his chest. [Muslim (16/120, 121) in al-Birr and at-Tirmizi (8/115) in al-Birr and Ahmad (2/277)]
Umar bin Abdul Aziz used to say, "None can reach the station of Taqwa until he possesses neither action nor words that can be exposed to his embarrassment either in this world or the Hereafter."
He was once asked, "When does the worshipper reach the peak of Taqwa?" He replied, "If he put all his thoughts and desires in his heart on a plate and then wandered around in the market, he should not feel ashamed of anything there."
He would frequently say, "The sign of Muttaqi (a pious person) is to bridle oneself from speaking just like one in Ihraam bridles himself from speaking. The Muttaqi needs to be a scholar ('Aalim) of the Shari'ah, all of it, otherwise he leaves Taqwa without realising."
Abu Darda said: "From the completion of Taqwa is that the slaves fears from his Lord even with regards to things the weight of an atom."