Striving to be steadfast (I)

Any sensible person will  have no doubt that Muslims today need steadfastness more than their  predecessors among the salaf did, and that the effort required is greater, because of the corruption of our times, level of ignorance among the ummah, the scarcity and weakness of brethrens and supporters who could help. Glory be to almighty […]

Any sensible person will  have no doubt that Muslims today need steadfastness more than their  predecessors among the salaf did, and that the effort required is greater, because of the corruption of our times, level of ignorance among the ummah, the scarcity and weakness of brethrens and supporters who could help. Glory be to almighty Allah who honours whosoever that is steadfast among His slaves with bounties of blessing. Allah established this in His statement;
“Verily, those who say: ‘Our Lord is Allah (Alone),’ and then they stood straight (followed Islam truly), on them by the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying): ‘Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!’” [Fussilat]
About this Ayah, Waqee said in fat’hul Qadeer of Imaam Ash Shawkani; “glad tidings are in three states which are; when the soul is departing the body, in the grave and during resurrection’’
Literarily, “Istiqamah” means: to go straight into the right direction, acting rightly, allowing no deviation. It is derived from the stem “Qiyyam”, which implies the continuity of doing something, following up with it and making sure that it is done in the right way and there is neither deviation nor swerving. The term has been used by the Qur’an in many verses. Allah the Almighty says: “Therefore, stand firm (on the straight path) as you are commanded and those who turn in repentance with you. And do not transgress, for He (Allah) sees well all that you do.” – Surah Hud.
Ibn  Abbas said that this verse was the hardest and most difficult verse of the Qur’an on the Prophet, SAW. Indeed it is a difficult task to achieve Istiqamah, hence, the Prophet, sallallahu ‘alayhiwasallam, said; “Be straight on the path or be close to it.”
Based on these verses, it can be inferred that Istiqamah is to stand firm and steadfast to fulfill obligations and to avoid prohibitions. Also, we should not allow ourselves to follow or be misled by desires (whether it is our desires or the desires of others) as it will cause deviation and lead us astray. From the sunnah, the messenger of Allah established the fact that iman is not complete without istiqamah. What many Muslims do emphasise is the concept of iman, however iman can increase or decrease and the only thing that increases iman is istiqamah as highlighted in the hadith: On the authority of Abu ‘Amr, though others call him Abu ‘Amrah Sufyan bin ‘Abdullah, RA who said:
I said: “O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about Islam which I could not ask anyone about save you.” He answered: “Say: ‘I believe in Allah’, and then stand firm and steadfast.” [Muslim].
Ibn Qayyim rahimahullah said; ‘Istiqamah is connected with our speech, deeds and dispositions, position of istiqamah in the faith is like the position of soul to the body’’. ..be a bearer of istiqamah not the seeker of honour, Indeed your soul wanders endlessly while seeking for honour, your Lord with give you istiqamah on the platform of ease.’’ – (Madarijus-salikeen)
Thus, the relationship of this issue to the heart, make it very essential to be constantly discussed in our generation. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “It changes more than a pot of rapidly boiling water.” (Reported by Ahmad, al-Hakim; al Silsilat al-Saheehah).
The Prophet (SAW) also gave another example of the heart: “The heart (qalb) takes its name from its constant changes (taqallub – alteration, variation, ups and downs). The likeness of the heart is that of a feather at the root of a tree, being turned over and over by the wind.” (Reported by Ahmad; Saheeh al-Jaami’).
A poet said:“He is only called insan (man) because of his nasyan (forgetfulness)
And it is only called al-qalb (the heart) because it constantly varies (yataqallib).”                   
Situation where steadfastness is required
Trials and tribulations can cause the heart to change. Whether they are the trials of economic hardship, oppression of rulers and health, only those who have understanding and whose hearts are filled with istiqamah can still maintain their faith.
Al-Bukhari reported from Khabbab (R.A) who said: “We complained to the Messenger of Allah (SAW) when he was reclining on his cloak in the shade of the Ka’bah. He (SAW) said: “Among the people who came before you, there was a man who was taken and put into a hole dug for him in the earth, then a saw was put on his head and he was cut into two pieces, and an iron comb was used to tear the flesh from his bones, but this still did not turn him away from his religion.” (Reported by al-Bukhari, see Fath al-Baari, 12/315).
Dr. Nurudeen is member, Dawah Department, Organisation of Tadhamunul Muslimeen (OTM), FCT chapter.