alTaqi

Al-Taqi is an Arabic masculine given name and honorific meaning “the pious” or “the God-fearing,” derived from taqwa, the concept of God-consciousness in Islam. The form is commonly written with the definite article as al-Taqi or At-Taqi, and it appears across Arabic- and Persian-speaking communities in Muslim-majority regions. As a given name, it is often used in combination with other names or titles, and it can function as a kunya or nisba in historical and religious contexts. In Islamic tradition, the epithet al-Taqi has been attached to various figures to denote piety, and it is also used as an honorific for revered leaders.

Notable bearer: Muhammad al-Taqi (c. 811–835), the ninth Shia Imam, also known as al-Jawad. He is venerated in Twelver Shi’ism for his piety and scholarship from a young age, and he led the Imamate during the early Islamic period. The epithet al-Taqi is one of the titles associated with his legacy, reflecting the emphasis on piety in his portrayal.

In modern usage, al-Taqi continues to appear in personal names, especially among Arabic- and Persian-speaking communities. The name’s central association with piety and God-consciousness remains its most enduring meaning, influencing naming practices in various regions and traditions.

See also: taqwa, Islamic given names, list of Arabic given names.