In The Name Of Allah The Most Gracious The Most Merciful
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
الحمد لله رب العالمين
والصلاة والسلام على أشرف المرسلين سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه ومن تبعهم بإحسان إلى يوم الدين
According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, there are two definitions of the term “steadfast”:
The first definition is “firmly fixed in place” or “not subject to change”. In other words, “immovable”.
The second explanation is “firm in belief, determination or adherence.” In other words, “loyal” or “faithful”.
Other words that are synonymous to the word “steadfast” include:
“Constant”, “dedicated”, “devoted”, “devout”, “staunch”, “steady” and “unwavering”.
Regarding “steadfastness”, Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala said, in Surah Fussilat verse 30:
41:30
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ (30)
Indeed, those who have said, "Our Lord is Allah " and then remained (steadfast) on a right course - the angels will descend upon them, [saying], "Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised. (Surah Fussilat verse 41:30)
And in Surah Hud verse 112, Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala said:
فَاسْتَقِمْ كَمَا أُمِرْتَ وَمَن تَابَ مَعَكَ وَلَا تَطْغَوْا ۚ إِنَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ (112)
(Surah Hud verse 11:112)
"So remain on a right course as you have been commanded, [you] and those who have turned back with you [to Allah], and do not transgress. Indeed, He is Seeing of what you do."
Some examples of scenarios where “steadfastness” is applied are:
1] When a hijabi Muslimah maintains her hijab, even if she is the only one having her hair covered among non-Muslims at work or at school.
2] When a Muslim who works as a pilot or flight attendant manages to perform all his five daily prayers on time in an aircraft, even if most of the crew and passengers are non-Muslims.
3] When a young Muslim student at a public school cafeteria refuses to eat food which are doubtful as they may contain pork.
4] When Muslim students taking online courses choose not to cheat on their online exams. Although there’s no proctor to keep an eye on them, they’re fully aware that Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala is watching at all times.
5] When a Muslim continues to study Islam and learn more about their Deen, whenever they find the chance, despite being busy with their families, profession or college courses.
6] When Muslims do not give up doing Da’wah to their relatives, even if some of them tried to cut all means of communication with them.
7] When a married Muslim couple refuse to leave each other, despite going through multiple miscarriages and later finding out the wife can’t give birth anymore. Because she loves her husband, she encourages him to remarry, so he can father some righteous kids. When he does get a second wife, the affection of his first wife did not decrease, because of trust in Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala, patience and steadfastness.
Being steadfast and patient during tough situations like these can be challenging for many. Nonetheless it is possible to be steadfast
if you take measures to achieve steadfastness for Allah’s sake.
Alhamdulillah there are fifteen ways to attain steadfastness or “Istiqaama”.
The first tip:
1] Remember your actual mission and purpose in life. Fulfill your duties to our Creator Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala.
Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala said, in Surah Adh-Dhaariyaat verse 56:
وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ (56)
MUHSIN KHAN
“And I (Allah) created not the jinns and humans except that they should worship Me (Alone).”
[Surah Adh-Dhaariyaat verse 51: 56]
And Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala said, in Surah Fussilat verse 6:
﴿ قُلْ إِنَّمَا أَنَا بَشَرٌ مِثْلُكُمْ يُوحَى إِلَيَّ أَنَّمَا إِلَهُكُمْ إِلَهٌ وَاحِدٌ فَاسْتَقِيمُوا إِلَيْهِ وَاسْتَغْفِرُوهُ وَوَيْلٌ لِلْمُشْرِكِينَ ﴾ [فصلت: 6].
"Say, O [Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam], "I am only a man like you to whom it has been revealed that your god is but one God; so take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness." And woe to those who associate others with Allah." [Surah Fussilat 41:6]
Knowing the reason why Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala created us, which is to worship Allah Alone and strive to pass His tests, can help us view life as more meaningful and purposeful. Dunya’s temporary trials further become manageable or at least they make sense. Not having a purpose in life is usually what causes some people to feel useless, or when they experience difficulties, they see no point in living, so they commit suicide, unaware that deliberately killing oneself, thereby giving up on Allah’s test, is actually a major sin which we Muslims must avoid.
When tough times happen, we should seek Allah’s Help, look at the bright side of each circumstance and remind ourselves that we weren’t born to simply enjoy dunya, but we’re here mainly to serve Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala Who often sends trials to examine how much faith/Imaan we have, and if we’re really eager to word hard for Jannah.
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The second tip:
2] Recall Allah's blessings on you, especially the blessing of being Muslim.
Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala said, in Surah An-Nahl verse 18:
وَإِن تَعُدُّوا نِعْمَةَ اللَّهِ لَا تُحْصُوهَا ۗ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَغَفُورٌ رَّحِيمٌ (18)
“And if you should count the favors of Allah, you could not enumerate them. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
[Surah An-Nahl verse 18]
The favors and gifts which Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala gave us are too many to list. Among the good things that Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala granted you are: The ability to walk, use your limbs and worship Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala. Access online and offline to learn more about Islam. A roof above your head, while many worldwide are homeless. The capability to swallow and taste food while many receive nutrients through tubes or injections. Your hearing abilities right now, the capacity to absorb information, analyze various input, calculate, write, type and design different characters with your hand.
Alhamdulillah one of the biggest blessings that Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala bestowed upon us is the blessing of being Muslims, guided to the truth Islam which is misunderstood by hundreds of people still searching for meaning in their lives.
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The third tip:
3] Train yourself to stay grateful to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala.
Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala said, in Surah Ibrahim verse 7:
وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ ۖ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِي لَشَدِيدٌ (7)
“And [remember] when your Lord (Allah) proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.' "
[Surah Ibrahim 14:7]
Sa’d Ibn Abi Waqqas RadhiAllahu ‘anhu narrated: Allah’s noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “I am amazed by the believer. If he is granted goodness, he praises Allah and is grateful. If he is afflicted with a calamity, he praises Allah and is patient. The believer is rewarded for every matter, even feeding a morsel of food to his wife.”
Source: Musnad Ahmed 1495
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Ahmad Shakir
عَنْ سَعْدِ بْنِ أَبِي وَقَّاصٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَجِبْتُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِ إِذَا أَصَابَهُ خَيْرٌ حَمِدَ اللَّهَ وَشَكَرَ وَإِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ مُصِيبَةٌ حَمِدَ اللَّهَ وَصَبَرَ فَالْمُؤْمِنُ يُؤْجَرُ فِي كُلِّ أَمْرِهِ حَتَّى يُؤْجَرَ فِي اللُّقْمَةِ يَرْفَعُهَا إِلَى فِي امْرَأَتِهِ
1495 مسند أحمد مسند العشرة المبشرين بالجنة
3/51 المحدث أحمد شاكر خلاصة حكم المحدث إسناده صحيح في مسند أحمد
Steadfastness / Istiqaamah can be achieved when you are a grateful servant of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala, thanking Him constantly with your heart by being contented with Allah’s Qadr/Destiny while appreciating what He chose to give you, tongue by saying Dhikr frequently, and limbs by worshiping Him to your utmost ability.
Forgetting to thank Allah the Most Kind and taking His generosity for granted are what cause some people to give up easily.
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The fourth tip:
4] Focus on your journey. Avoid comparing your tests to others' exams.
Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “Look at those below you and do not look at those above you, for it is the best way not to belittle the favors of Allah.”
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhārī 6125, Sahiḥ Muslim 2963
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ عَنْ رَسُولِ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ انْظُرُوا إِلَى مَنْ أَسْفَلَ مِنْكُمْ وَلاَ تَنْظُرُوا إِلَى مَنْ هُوَ فَوْقَكُمْ فَهُوَ أَجْدَرُ أَنْ لاَ تَزْدَرُوا نِعْمَةَ اللَّهِ
6125 صحيح البخاري كتاب الرقاق باب لينظر إلى من هو أسفل منه ولا ينظر إلى من هو فوقه
2963 صحيح مسلم كتاب الزهد والرقائق
Obsessively comparing your journey, growth and progress to the lives of others can make you lose motivation, cancel your plans to improve, or forget about your goals altogether. Don’t compare your chapter one to someone’s middle or final chapter. Someone being advanced, remarkable or successful at something does not automatically make you a failure. What worked well for some people may not necessarily suit you, just as your talents, achievements and experiences in life do not truly measure their value.
When it comes to worldly joys and successes, you’re not obliged to observe those who got their act together, especially if doing so only makes you feel inferior or inadequate. Remember those who don’t have as much as you do, and you’ll find yourself again feeling grateful. Gratitude and contentment are essentials that keep you moving forward with steadfast patience.
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The fifth tip:
5] Understand the virtues of patience.
Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri RadhiAllahu ‘anhu narrated: Some people from the Ansaar asked the Messenger of Allah SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and he gave them. Then they asked for charity again and he SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam gave them. Then they asked again and he SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam gave them until all he had was gone. The Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “If I had anything, I would not withhold it. Whoever refrains from asking others, then Allah will make him content. Whoever would be independent, then Allah will make him independent. Whoever would be patient, then Allah will make him patient. There is no gift that is better and more comprehensive than patience.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Al-Bukhārī 6105, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1053
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
عَنْ أَبِي سَعِيدٍ الْخُدْرِيِّ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ إِنَّ نَاسًا مِنْ الْأَنْصَارِ سَأَلُوا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فَأَعْطَاهُمْ ثُمَّ سَأَلُوهُ فَأَعْطَاهُمْ ثُمَّ سَأَلُوهُ فَأَعْطَاهُمْ حَتَّى نَفِدَ مَا عِنْدَهُ فَقَالَ مَا يَكُونُ عِنْدِي مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَلَنْ أَدَّخِرَهُ عَنْكُمْ وَمَنْ يَسْتَعْفِفْ يُعِفَّهُ اللَّهُ وَمَنْ يَسْتَغْنِ يُغْنِهِ اللَّهُ وَمَنْ يَتَصَبَّرْ يُصَبِّرْهُ اللَّهُ وَمَا أُعْطِيَ أَحَدٌ عَطَاءً خَيْرًا وَأَوْسَعَ مِنْ الصَّبْرِ
6105 صحيح البخاري كتاب الرقاق باب الصبر عن محارم الله وقوله عز وجل
1053 صحيح مسلم كتاب الزكاة باب فضل التعفف والصبر
Sa’d Ibn Abi Waqqas RadhiAllahu ‘anhu narrated: Allah’s noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “I am amazed by the believer. If he is granted goodness, he praises Allah and is grateful. If he is afflicted with a calamity, he praises Allah and is patient. The believer is rewarded for every matter, even for feeding a morsel of food to his wife.”
Source: Musnad Ahmad 1495
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Ahmad Shakir
عَنْ سَعْدِ بْنِ أَبِي وَقَّاصٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَجِبْتُ لِلْمُؤْمِنِ إِذَا أَصَابَهُ خَيْرٌ حَمِدَ اللَّهَ وَشَكَرَ وَإِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ مُصِيبَةٌ حَمِدَ اللَّهَ وَصَبَرَ فَالْمُؤْمِنُ يُؤْجَرُ فِي كُلِّ أَمْرِهِ حَتَّى يُؤْجَرَ فِي اللُّقْمَةِ يَرْفَعُهَا إِلَى فِي امْرَأَتِهِ
1495 مسند أحمد مسند العشرة المبشرين بالجنة
3/51 المحدث أحمد شاكر خلاصة حكم المحدث إسناده صحيح في مسند أحمد
Is there a difference between being “patient” and “steadfast”? Yes, I believe that there are slight differences between the two. When you are patient with something or someone, you make effort to be contented with them, accept their reality or tolerate their existence, without complaining or demonstrating annoyance as much as possible. When you are steadfast in a situation, or steadfast upon a belief or decision, your ideas concerning it, or attitude towards it, remain firm, fixed or unchanging. For us to be successful Muslims, on the way to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala, we actually need both “patience” / Sabr and “steadfastness” / Istiqaamah to function effectively. It’s kind of like seasoning a dish with salt and pepper, two seasonings that usually go together to make a lot of dishes taste better.
Suhaib RadhiAllahu ‘anhu narrated: Allah’s noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said:
عَجَبًا لِأَمْرِ الْمُؤْمِنِ إِنَّ أَمْرَهُ كُلَّهُ خَيْرٌ وَلَيْسَ ذَاكَ لِأَحَدٍ إِلَّا لِلْمُؤْمِنِ إِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ سَرَّاءُ شَكَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ وَإِنْ أَصَابَتْهُ ضَرَّاءُ صَبَرَ فَكَانَ خَيْرًا لَهُ
“Amazing is the affair of the believer for there is good for him in every matter and this is not the case with anyone except for the believer. If he is happy, then he thanks Allah and thus there is good for him. If he faces difficulty, then he shows patience and thus there is good for him.”
Source: Sahih Muslim 2999, Grade: Sahih
When we realize that Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala loves those believers who strive to stay patient for His sake, aware of the immense rewards of implementing patience throughout our lives, we can Inn-sha-Allah attain steadfastness, whether it is to remain steadfast upon the truth Islam and Tawheed (belief in the Oneness of Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala), steadfast in obeying Allah’s Commands, steadfast during hardships and difficult moments, steadfast in avoiding the sins that Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala made haraam/forbidden, and steadfast in fighting against our nafs, evil desires and shaytaan’s waswaas to preserve the wellness of our faith/Imaan.
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The sixth tip:
6] Attain happiness by being among those whom Allah loves.
Sahl Ibn Sa’d RadhiAllahu ‘anhu narrated: A man came to the Prophet Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and said, “O Messenger of Allah, tell me about a deed which will make Allah and people love me.” The Prophet SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “Renounce the world and Allah will love you. Renounce what people possess and people will love you.”
Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 4102
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani
عَنْ سَهْلِ بْنِ سَعْدٍ السَّاعِدِيِّ قَالَ أَتَى النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ رَجُلٌ فَقَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ دُلَّنِي عَلَى عَمَلٍ إِذَا أَنَا عَمِلْتُهُ أَحَبَّنِي اللَّهُ وَأَحَبَّنِي النَّاسُ فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ازْهَدْ فِي الدُّنْيَا يُحِبَّكَ اللَّهُ وَازْهَدْ فِيمَا فِي أَيْدِي النَّاسِ يُحِبُّوكَ
4102 سنن ابن ماجه كتاب الزهد باب الزهد في الدنيا
3226 المحدث الألباني خلاصة حكم المحدث صحيح في صحيح ابن ماجه
Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu ‘anhu narrated: Allah’s noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) said: 'Whoever shows hostility to a righteous friend of Mine, I have declared war against him. My servant does not grow closer to Me with anything more beloved to Me than the duties which I have imposed upon him. My servant continues to grow closer to Me with extra good works until I love him. When I love him, I am his hearing with which he hears, his seeing with which he sees, his hand with which he strikes, and his foot with which he walks. Were he to ask something from Me, I would surely give it to him. Were he to ask Me for refuge, I would surely grant it to him. I do not hesitate to do anything as I hesitate to take the soul of the believer, for he hates death and I hate to disappoint him.'”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Al-Bukhārī 6137
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Bukhari
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ إِنَّ اللَّهَ قَالَ مَنْ عَادَى لِي وَلِيًّا فَقَدْ آذَنْتُهُ بِالْحَرْبِ وَمَا تَقَرَّبَ إِلَيَّ عَبْدِي بِشَيْءٍ أَحَبَّ إِلَيَّ مِمَّا افْتَرَضْتُ عَلَيْهِ وَمَا يَزَالُ عَبْدِي يَتَقَرَّبُ إِلَيَّ بِالنَّوَافِلِ حَتَّى أُحِبَّهُ فَإِذَا أَحْبَبْتُهُ كُنْتُ سَمْعَهُ الَّذِي يَسْمَعُ بِهِ وَبَصَرَهُ الَّذِي يُبْصِرُ بِهِ وَيَدَهُ الَّتِي يَبْطِشُ بِهَا وَرِجْلَهُ الَّتِي يَمْشِي بِهَا وَإِنْ سَأَلَنِي لَأُعْطِيَنَّهُ وَلَئِنْ اسْتَعَاذَنِي لَأُعِيذَنَّهُ وَمَا تَرَدَّدْتُ عَنْ شَيْءٍ أَنَا فَاعِلُهُ تَرَدُّدِي عَنْ نَفْسِ الْمُؤْمِنِ يَكْرَهُ الْمَوْتَ وَأَنَا أَكْرَهُ مَسَاءَتَهُ
6137 صحيح البخاري كتاب الرقاق باب التواضع
Although the way to achieving Allah’s Love is easy, it’s not something that is readily embraced by everyone, especially when shaytan is around to distract Allah’s creation with all sorts of temptations and false promises.
To gain the love of our Creator Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala, we need to release ourselves from attachment to dunya and do our best to obey Allah’s Commands. Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala will love us even more if we not only restrict ourselves to what He commanded us of obligations, but we also do other voluntary deeds which His beloved Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam often did, and encouraged us to do.
Some of the extra good deeds that we can do on a regular basis to be closer to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala include: Fasting Sunnah fasts every other day, especially Mondays and Thursdays, six days in Shawwaal after completing one’s fast in the noble month of Ramadan, and fasting on Yawm ‘Ashoora or tenth of Muharram, along with the day before and/or after it. Praying Tahajjud/Qiyaam Al-Layl at night when most people are asleep, Salat Ad-Duha in the forenoon after sunrise, and brushing our teeth before praying are other recommended Sunnahs which we Muslims can do to be more deserving of Allah’s Love.
When Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala loves us, He guides us to doing actions which bring us closer to Jannah Paradise, protects us from what can harm our faith/Imaan, and makes it easy for us to go through varying challenges in life with patience / Sabr and steadfastness / Istiqaamah.
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The seventh tip:
7] Take good care of your heart.
An-Nu’man Ibn Bashir RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
أَلَا وَإِنَّ فِي الْجَسَدِ مُضْغَةً إِذَا صَلَحَتْ صَلَحَ الْجَسَدُ كُلُّهُ وَإِذَا فَسَدَتْ فَسَدَ الْجَسَدُ كُلُّهُ أَلَا وَهِيَ الْقَلْبُ
"Verily, in the body is a piece of flesh which, if sound, the entire body is sound, and if corrupt, the entire body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart."
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Al-Bukhārī 52, Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi
An-Nu’man Ibn Bashir RadhiAllahu ‘anhu narrated: Allah’s noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “Verily, the lawful is clear and the unlawful is clear, and between the two of them are doubtful matters about which many people do not know. Thus, he who avoids doubtful matters clears himself in regard to his religion and his honor, and he who falls into doubtful matters will fall into the unlawful as the shepherd who pastures near a sanctuary, all but grazing therein. Verily, every king has a sanctum and the sanctum of Allah is His prohibitions. Verily, in the body is a piece of flesh which, if sound, the entire body is sound, and if corrupt, the entire body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Al-Bukhārī 52, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1599
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
ن النعمان بن بشير قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ الْحَلَالُ بَيِّنٌ وَالْحَرَامُ بَيِّنٌ وَبَيْنَهُمَا مُشَبَّهَاتٌ لَا يَعْلَمُهَا كَثِيرٌ مِنْ النَّاسِ فَمَنْ اتَّقَى الْمُشَبَّهَاتِ اسْتَبْرَأَ لِدِينِهِ وَعِرْضِهِ وَمَنْ وَقَعَ فِي الشُّبُهَاتِ كَرَاعٍ يَرْعَى حَوْلَ الْحِمَى يُوشِكُ أَنْ يُوَاقِعَهُ أَلَا وَإِنَّ لِكُلِّ مَلِكٍ حِمًى أَلَا إِنَّ حِمَى اللَّهِ فِي أَرْضِهِ مَحَارِمُهُ أَلَا وَإِنَّ فِي الْجَسَدِ مُضْغَةً إِذَا صَلَحَتْ صَلَحَ الْجَسَدُ كُلُّهُ وَإِذَا فَسَدَتْ فَسَدَ الْجَسَدُ كُلُّهُ أَلَا وَهِيَ الْقَلْبُ
52 صحيح البخاري كتاب الإيمان باب فضل من استبرأ لدينه
1599 صحيح مسلم كتاب المساقاة باب أخذ الحلال وترك الشبهات
Umm Salamah RadhiAllahu ‘anha narrated: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, you often supplicate saying: O Turner of the hearts, affirm my heart upon Your religion.” The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said, “O Umm Salamah, there is no human but that his heart is between the fingers of Allah. Whoever He wills is made steadfast and whoever he wills is deviated.”
Mu’adh recited the verse, “Our Lord (Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala), do not let our hearts deviate after You have guided us.” (Surah Aal-‘Imraan verse 8 3:8)
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhī 3522
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani
عن أم سلمة قَالَتْ فَقُلْتُ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ مَا أَكْثَرَ دُعَاءَكَ يَا مُقَلِّبَ الْقُلُوبِ ثَبِّتْ قَلْبِي عَلَى دِينِكَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَا أُمَّ سَلَمَةَ إِنَّهُ لَيْسَ آدَمِيٌّ إِلَّا وَقَلْبُهُ بَيْنَ أُصْبُعَيْنِ مِنْ أَصَابِعِ اللَّهِ فَمَنْ شَاءَ أَقَامَ وَمَنْ شَاءَ أَزَاغَ
فَتَلَا مُعَاذٌ رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا
3522 سنن الترمذي كتاب الدعوات باب منه
3522 المحدث الألباني خلاصة حكم المحدث صحيح في صحيح الترمذي
From the methods of preserving our heart and making sure it's in a good condition include:
1] Maintaining a strong connection with Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala by striving to be among those believers whom He loves, and not allowing our hearts to get attached to temporary things and people.
2] Saying the Du'a "Allahumma Yaa Muqallib Al-Quloob Thabbit Qalbi 'Ala Deenik. Ameen." every day and night along with other Du'as and supplications you can say in Arabic or in your own language.
3] Protecting our heart from matters that can distract its main mission, which is to serve Only Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala. Doing certain things in excess, like talking unnecessarily so one exposes oneself to sinful talks such as gossip and telling lies to make people laugh, eating excessively, and intentionally wasting time on things that do no benefit our soul can result in the heart getting spiritually weaker.
Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
كُنْ وَرِعًا تَكُنْ أَعْبَدَ النَّاسِ وَكُنْ قَنِعًا تَكُنْ أَشْكَرَ النَّاسِ وَأَحِبَّ لِلنَّاسِ مَا تُحِبُّ لِنَفْسِكَ تَكُنْ مُؤْمِنًا وَأَحْسِنْ جِوَارَ مَنْ جَاوَرَكَ تَكُنْ مُسْلِمًا وَأَقِلَّ الضَّحِكَ فَإِنَّ كَثْرَةَ الضَّحِكِ تُمِيتُ الْقَلْبَ
"Be devout and you will be the most pious of people. Be content and you will be the most grateful of people. Love for people what you love for yourself and you will be a believer. Behave well with your neighbors and you will be a Muslim. Laugh less, for too much laughter will deaden the heart."
Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 4217, Source: Sahih
A pure heart that finds calmness and serenity in remembering Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, and which gives preference to pleasing just Him instead of His servants, is a helpful shield in assuring you remain steadfast throughout your life.
Obsessively comparing your journey, growth and progress to the lives of others can make you lose motivation, cancel your plans to improve, or forget about your goals altogether. Don’t compare your chapter one to someone’s middle or final chapter. Someone being advanced, remarkable or successful at something does not automatically make you a failure. What worked well for some people may not necessarily suit you, just as your talents, achievements and experiences in life do not truly measure their value.
When it comes to worldly joys and successes, you’re not obliged to observe those who got their act together, especially if doing so only makes you feel inferior or inadequate. Remember those who don’t have as much as you do, and you’ll find yourself again feeling grateful. Gratitude and contentment are essentials that keep you moving forward with steadfast patience.
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The eighth tip:
8] Strive to always speak the truth.
Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “You must be truthful. Verily, truthfulness leads to righteousness and righteousness leads to Paradise. A man continues to be truthful and encourages honesty until he is recorded with Allah as a truthful person. And beware of falsehood. Verily, falsehood leads to wickedness and wickedness leads to the Hellfire. A man continues to tell lies and encourages falsehood until he is recorded with Allah as a liar.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Al-Bukhārī 5743, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2607
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
عَنْ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ عَلَيْكُمْ بِالصِّدْقِ فَإِنَّ الصِّدْقَ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْبِرِّ وَإِنَّ الْبِرَّ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ وَمَا يَزَالُ الرَّجُلُ يَصْدُقُ وَيَتَحَرَّى الصِّدْقَ حَتَّى يُكْتَبَ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ صِدِّيقًا وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَالْكَذِبَ فَإِنَّ الْكَذِبَ يَهْدِي إِلَى الْفُجُورِ وَإِنَّ الْفُجُورَ يَهْدِي إِلَى النَّارِ وَمَا يَزَالُ الرَّجُلُ يَكْذِبُ وَيَتَحَرَّى الْكَذِبَ حَتَّى يُكْتَبَ عِنْدَ اللَّهِ كَذَّابًا
5743 صحيح البخاري كتاب الأدب باب قول الله تعالى يا أيها الذين آمنوا اتقوا الله وكونوا مع الصادقين
2607 صحيح مسلم كتاب البر والصلة والآداب باب قبح الكذب وحسن الصدق وفضله
Being an honest person in general, trying to ensure that whatever you declare is true, and you consider yourself as reliable, can in the long run keep you reminded of your actual goals in life. Upon recalling your purpose, with awareness that Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala is always watching, you activate yourself to apply steadfastness / Istiqaamah and patience / Sabr for Allah's sake.
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The ninth tip:
9] Join those who seek Allah's Forgiveness often.
Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, if you did not sin, Allah would replace you with people who would sin and they would seek forgiveness from Allah and He would forgive them.”
Source: Sahih Muslim 2749
Grade: Sahih (Authentic )according to Muslim
Al-Tibi said, “It is a declaration of the forgiveness of Allah and His overlooking of those who sin, that they might find hope in repentance.”
Source: Mirqāt Al-Mafātīḥ 2328
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ وَالَّذِي نَفْسِي بِيَدِهِ لَوْ لَمْ تُذْنِبُوا لَذَهَبَ اللَّهُ بِكُمْ وَلَجَاءَ بِقَوْمٍ يُذْنِبُونَ فَيَسْتَغْفِرُونَ اللَّهَ فَيَغْفِرُ لَهُمْ
2749 صحيح مسلم كتاب التوبة باب سقوط الذنوب بالاستغفار توبة
وَقَالَ الطِّيبِيُّ بَيَانٌ لِعَفْوِ اللَّهِ تَعَالَى وَتَجَاوُزِهِ عَنِ الْمُذْنِبِينَ لِيَرْغَبُوا فِي التَّوْبَةِ
2328 مرقاة المفاتيح شرح مشكاة المصابيح كتاب أسماء الله تعالى باب الاستغفار والتوبة
Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “A servant committed a sin and he said: O Allah, forgive my sin! Allah the Almighty said: 'My servant has committed a sin and he knows he has a Lord who forgives sins and holds him accountable.' Then the servant returned to his sin and he said: O Allah, forgive my sin! Allah said: 'My servant has committed a sin and he knows he has a Lord who forgives sins and holds him accountable.' Then the servant returned to his sin and he said: O Allah, forgive my sin! Allah said: 'My servant has committed a sin and he knows he has a Lord who forgives sins and holds him accountable, so do what you will for I have forgiven you.'”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Al-Bukhārī 7068, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2758
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authentic) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فِيمَا يَحْكِي عَنْ رَبِّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ قَالَ أَذْنَبَ عَبْدٌ ذَنْبًا فَقَالَ اللَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي فَقَالَ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى أَذْنَبَ عَبْدِي ذَنْبًا فَعَلِمَ أَنَّ لَهُ رَبًّا يَغْفِرُ الذَّنْبَ وَيَأْخُذُ بِالذَّنْبِ ثُمَّ عَادَ فَأَذْنَبَ فَقَالَ أَيْ رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي فَقَالَ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى عَبْدِي أَذْنَبَ ذَنْبًا فَعَلِمَ أَنَّ لَهُ رَبًّا يَغْفِرُ الذَّنْبَ وَيَأْخُذُ بِالذَّنْبِ ثُمَّ عَادَ فَأَذْنَبَ فَقَالَ أَيْ رَبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي ذَنْبِي فَقَالَ تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَى أَذْنَبَ عَبْدِي ذَنْبًا فَعَلِمَ أَنَّ لَهُ رَبًّا يَغْفِرُ الذَّنْبَ وَيَأْخُذُ بِالذَّنْبِ اعْمَلْ مَا شِئْتَ فَقَدْ غَفَرْتُ لَكَ
7068 صحيح البخاري كتاب التوحيد باب قول الله تعالى يريدون أن يبدلوا كلام الله
2758 صحيح مسلم كتاب التوبة باب قبول التوبة من الذنوب وإن تكررت الذنوب والتوبة
As human beings, we are prone to forgetting, making mistakes, and misjudging from time to time. No matter how many times you've committed a certain sin, disobeyed Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, or made different kinds of errors that caused the level of your faith/Imaan to drop at one point or another, understand that Allah's Mercy is far greater than the affection of your own mother. Strive to stay steadfast, and do not lose track of your goal, upon knowing that we have a Merciful God Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala Who can forgive our wrongdoings, as long as our Tawbah/repentance is sincere.
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The tenth tip:
10] Don't be too hard on yourself. Acknowledge Allah's Mercy.
Jabir RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “None of you will enter Paradise by his good deeds alone, nor would you be rescued from the Hellfire, not even myself, but by the Mercy of Allah.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2817
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Muslim
عَنْ جَابِرٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَا يُدْخِلُ أَحَدًا مِنْكُمْ عَمَلُهُ الْجَنَّةَ وَلَا يُجِيرُهُ مِنْ النَّارِ وَلَا أَنَا إِلَّا بِرَحْمَةٍ مِنْ اللَّهِ
2817 صحيح مسلم كتاب صفة القيامة والجنة والنار باب لن يدخل أحد الجنة بعمله بل برحمة الله تعالى
Wrongly assuming that you're not good enough, that you can never be as pious as so-and-so, or that Allah the Most Forgiving may not forgive you, is a dangerous attitude that can prevent you from being steadfast. Say "Alhamdulillah" and acknowledge the fact that Allah's Mercy prevails over His Wrath. Do what you can to fulfill your duties to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala with the means that He gave you, at a tranquil pace, with moderation, sincerity/Ikhlaas, perseverence and steadfastness.
Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “When Allah completed the creation, He wrote in His Book with Him upon the Throne: Verily, My Mercy prevails over My Wrath.”
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Al-Bukhārī 3022, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2751
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَمَّا قَضَى اللَّهُ الْخَلْقَ كَتَبَ فِي كِتَابِهِ فَهُوَ عِنْدَهُ فَوْقَ الْعَرْشِ إِنَّ رَحْمَتِي غَلَبَتْ غَضَبِي
3022 صحيح البخاري كتاب بدء الخلق باب ما جاء في قول الله تعالى وهو الذي يبدأ الخلق ثم يعيده وهو أهون عليه
2751 صحيح مسلم كتاب التوبة باب في سعة رحمة الله تعالى وأنها سبقت غضبه
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The eleventh tip:
11] Be consistent and continue moving forward towards Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala.
Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.”
Source: Sunan Ibn Mājah 4240
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani
عن أبي هريرة قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ اكْلَفُوا مِنْ الْعَمَلِ مَا تُطِيقُونَ فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ الْعَمَلِ أَدْوَمُهُ وَإِنْ قَلَّ
4240 سنن ابن ماجه كتاب الزهد باب المداومة على العمل
3437 المحدث الألباني خلاصة حكم المحدث صحيح في صحيح ابن ماج
Accomplishing steadfastness / Istiqaamah requires that we do not overexert ourselves recklessly, as too much of something and extremism ultimately lead to destruction.
To be steadfast for Allah's sake, be consistent in doing good deeds to please Allah sincerely, giving more importance to the actions' quality, not quantity. It is better to do a good deed, say praying Salat Ad-Duha every other day and you remain steadfast upon this good habit, than to pray Salat Ad-Duha every single day and then one day decide to stop doing it.
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The twelfth tip:
12] Sincerely acquire authentic Islamic knowledge.
Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "Whoever relieves the hardship of a believer in this world, Allah will relieve his hardship on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever helps ease one in difficulty, Allah will make it easy for him in this world and in the Hereafter. Whoever conceals the faults of a Muslim, Allah will conceal his faults in this world and in the Hereafter. Allah helps the servant as long as he helps his brother. Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise. People do not gather in the houses of Allah, reciting the Book of Allah and studying It together, but that tranquility will descend upon them, mercy will cover them, angels will surround them, and Allah will mention them to those near Him. Whoever is slow to good deeds will not be hastened by his lineage."
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2699
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Muslim
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم مَنْ نَفَّسَ عَنْ مُؤْمِنٍ كُرْبَةً مِنْ كُرَبِ الدُّنْيَا نَفَّسَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ كُرْبَةً مِنْ كُرَبِ يَوْمِ الْقِيَامَةِ وَمَنْ يَسَّرَ عَلَى مُعْسِرٍ يَسَّرَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالآخِرَةِ وَمَنْ سَتَرَ مُسْلِمًا سَتَرَهُ اللَّهُ فِي الدُّنْيَا وَالآخِرَةِ وَاللَّهُ فِي عَوْنِ الْعَبْدِ مَا كَانَ الْعَبْدُ فِي عَوْنِ أَخِيهِ وَمَنْ سَلَكَ طَرِيقًا يَلْتَمِسُ فِيهِ عِلْمًا سَهَّلَ اللَّهُ لَهُ بِهِ طَرِيقًا إِلَى الْجَنَّةِ وَمَا اجْتَمَعَ قَوْمٌ فِي بَيْتٍ مِنْ بُيُوتِ اللَّهِ يَتْلُونَ كِتَابَ اللَّهِ وَيَتَدَارَسُونَهُ بَيْنَهُمْ إِلاَّ نَزَلَتْ عَلَيْهِمُ السَّكِينَةُ وَغَشِيَتْهُمُ الرَّحْمَةُ وَحَفَّتْهُمُ الْمَلاَئِكَةُ وَذَكَرَهُمُ اللَّهُ فِيمَنْ عِنْدَهُ وَمَنْ بَطَّأَ بِهِ عَمَلُهُ لَمْ يُسْرِعْ بِهِ نَسَبُهُ
2699 صحيح مسلم كتاب الذكر والدعاء والتوبة والاستغفار باب فضل الاجتماع على تلاوة القرآن وعلى الذكر
Without sufficient knowledge of Islam, let alone the basics of what Muslims are required to do, a person may feel lost in this journey of life, aimless and confused. The more you actively pursue authentic Islamic knowledge, through dependable sources from the Noble Qur'an and Sunnah/tradition of the beloved Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam, the more good deeds you discover which makes it easier, with Allah's Will, to travel towards Jannah Paradise. Being knowledgeable of the virtues of patience and steadfastness can be a huge asset for you in life.
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The thirteenth tip:
13] Remain steadfast upon the correct path, not on misguidance or bid'ah.
Al-‘Irbad Ibn Sariyah RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam prayed with us one day. Then, he faced us and delivered an eloquent sermon that brought tears to our eyes and by it shook our hearts. It was said, “O Messenger of Allah, it is as if this is a farewell address. What do you instruct for us?” The Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “I advise you to fear Allah, listen, and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave is put in charge of you. Whoever lives after me will see many conflicts. You must adhere to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the righteous, guided successors. Hold firmly to it as if biting with your molar teeth. Beware of newly invented matters, for every new matter is an innovation and every innovation is misguidance.”
Source: Sunan Abī Dāwūd 4607
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Arna’ut
عَنْ الْعِرْبَاضِ بْنِ سَارِيَةَ قَالَ صَلَّى بِنَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ ذَاتَ يَوْمٍ ثُمَّ أَقْبَلَ عَلَيْنَا فَوَعَظَنَا مَوْعِظَةً بَلِيغَةً ذَرَفَتْ مِنْهَا الْعُيُونُ وَوَجِلَتْ مِنْهَا الْقُلُوبُ فَقَالَ قَائِلٌ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ كَأَنَّ هَذِهِ مَوْعِظَةُ مُوَدِّعٍ فَمَاذَا تَعْهَدُ إِلَيْنَا فَقَالَ أُوصِيكُمْ بِتَقْوَى اللَّهِ وَالسَّمْعِ وَالطَّاعَةِ وَإِنْ عَبْدًا حَبَشِيًّا فَإِنَّهُ مَنْ يَعِشْ مِنْكُمْ بَعْدِي فَسَيَرَى اخْتِلَافًا كَثِيرًا فَعَلَيْكُمْ بِسُنَّتِي وَسُنَّةِ الْخُلَفَاءِ الْمَهْدِيِّينَ الرَّاشِدِينَ تَمَسَّكُوا بِهَا وَعَضُّوا عَلَيْهَا بِالنَّوَاجِذِ وَإِيَّاكُمْ وَمُحْدَثَاتِ الْأُمُورِ فَإِنَّ كُلَّ مُحْدَثَةٍ بِدْعَةٌ وَكُلَّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلَالَةٌ
4607 سنن أبي داود كتاب السنة باب في لزوم السنة
4607 المحدث شعيب الأرناؤوط خلاصة حكم المحدث صحيح في تخريج سنن أبي داود
Jabir Ibn Abdullah RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam would praise Allah in his sermon, as He deserves to be praised, and then he would say, “Whomever Allah guides, no one can lead him astray. Whomever Allah sends astray, no one can guide him. The truest word is the Book of Allah and the best guidance is the guidance of Muhammad (SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam).
The most evil matters are those that are newly invented, for every newly invented matter is an innovation. Every innovation (bid'ah) is misguidance, and every misguidance is in the Hellfire.”
Source: Sunan Al-Nasā’ī 1578
Grade: Sahih (Authentic) according to Al-Albani
عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ قَالَ كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ فِي خُطْبَتِهِ يَحْمَدُ اللَّهَ وَيُثْنِي عَلَيْهِ بِمَا هُوَ أَهْلُهُ ثُمَّ يَقُولُ مَنْ يَهْدِهِ اللَّهُ فَلَا مُضِلَّ لَهُ وَمَنْ يُضْلِلْهُ فَلَا هَادِيَ لَهُ إِنَّ أَصْدَقَ الْحَدِيثِ كِتَابُ اللَّهِ وَأَحْسَنَ الْهَدْيِ هَدْيُ مُحَمَّدٍ وَشَرُّ الْأُمُورِ مُحْدَثَاتُهَا وَكُلُّ مُحْدَثَةٍ بِدْعَةٌ وَكُلُّ بِدْعَةٍ ضَلَالَةٌ وَكُلُّ ضَلَالَةٍ فِي النَّارِ
1578 سنن النسائي كِتَاب صَلَاةِ الْعِيدَيْنِ من يهده الله فلا مضل له ومن يضلله فلا هادي له
1577 المحدث الألباني خلاصة حكم المحدث صحيح في صحيح النسائي
People can be patient and steadfast in doing something that is good for them, or they can have patience and steadfastly embark on projects that will eventually cause self-destruction.
The similitude of doing good deeds for Allah's sake which are in accordance to the Sunnah of the beloved Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam in contrast to doing something that is bid'ah, like celebrating the so-called "mawlid" or going on a 40-day mission to propagate Islam while neglecting your family, is that of patiently building a castle with strong foundation versus having patience in constructing a bridge that leads to a volcanic mountain.
It doesn't make sense to be patient and steadfast upon tiresome tasks that create problems or confusion.
So try your best from now on
Inn-sha-Allah to make sure that you seek authentic knowledge from the right sources, and you practice Sabr and Istiqaamah in correctly worshiping Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala, not misuse steadfastness on acts of disobedience or rebellion.
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The fourteenth tip:
14] Genuinely help other Muslims for Allah's sake. Support one another in what is right.
Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "The believer is a mirror to his faithful brother. He protects him against loss and defends him behind his back."
Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu said, “The believer is a mirror to his brother. If he sees something wrong in him, he should correct it.”
Source: al-Adab al-Mufrad 239
Grade: Hasan (fair) according to Al-Albani
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ الْمُؤْمِنُ مَرْآةُ أَخِيهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُ أَخُو الْمُؤْمِنِ يَكُفُّ عَلَيْهِ ضَيْعَتَهُ وَيَحُوطُهُ مِنْ وَرَائِهِ
وقال أبو هريرة الْمُؤْمِنُ مَرْآةُ أَخِيهِ إِذَا رَأَى فِيهَا عَيْبًا أَصْلَحَهُ
239 الأدب المفرد للبخاري باب المسلم مرآة أخيه
178 المحدث الألباني خلاصة حكم المحدث حسن في صحيح الأدب المفرد
Abu Musa RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, “Verily, the believers are like a structure, each part strengthening the other,” and the Prophet SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam clasped his fingers together.
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Al-Bukhārī 467, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2585
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (Authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
عَنْ أَبِي مُوسَى عَنْ النَّبِيِّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ إِنَّ الْمُؤْمِنَ لِلْمُؤْمِنِ كَالْبُنْيَانِ يَشُدُّ بَعْضُهُ بَعْضًا وَشَبَّكَ أَصَابِعَهُ
467 صحيح البخاري كتاب الصلاة أبواب استقبال القبلة باب تشبيك الأصابع في المسجد وغيره
2585 صحيح مسلم كتاب البر والصلة والآداب باب تراحم المؤمنين وتعاطفهم وتعاضدهم
Another way of learning is to teach others what you have learned, instead of keeping your wealth of knowledge to yourself selfishly. Another technique to be more patient and steadfast is to assist others and motivate fellow Muslims to have patience.
Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala said, in Surah Al-'Asr:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيمِ
In The Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful
وَالْعَصْرِ
إِنَّ الْإِنسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ
إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ
1. "By the Time",
2. "Surely man is in loss,"
3. "Except for those who believe and do good deeds, and enjoin on one another truth, and enjoin on each other patience."
Whenever you encounter someone struggling with a problem, whether it's financial, emotional or work related etc. try to be kind enough to at least tell them some words of encouragement, such as saying "Don't worry, you got this, just hang in there, stay patient. Allah the Most Merciful is testing you because He loves you.
Inn-sha-Allah this predicament will pass and in the future you'll look back and be glad Alhamdulillah you didn't quit."
Naturally if you're a decent person who values integerity, you'll find yourself making sure that the advice you give others is also applied by you. So occasionally cheering others to be patient and steadfast renders you steadfast and patient as well.
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The fifteenth tip:
15] Say Du'a and supplicate to Allah that He grants you steadfastness.
Anas Ibn Malik RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said, "When one of you supplicates, let him be determined in the supplication and he should not say: 'O Allah, give me if You will. There is none to coerce Allah."
Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Al-Bukhārī 5979, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2678
Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim
Al-Nawawi said, “It is to have good expectations of Allah Almighty in answering you.”
Source: Sharḥ al-Nawawī ‘alá Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2678
عَنْ أَنَسٍ قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم إِذَا دَعَا أَحَدُكُمْ فَلْيَعْزِمْ فِي الدُّعَاءِ وَلاَ يَقُلِ اللَّهُمَّ إِنْ شِئْتَ فَأَعْطِنِي فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ لاَ مُسْتَكْرِهَ لَه
5979 صحيح البخاري كتاب الدعوات باب ليعزم المسألة فإنه لا مكره له
2678 صحيح مسلم كتاب الذكر والدعاء والتوبة والاستغفار باب العزم بالدعاء ولا يقل إن شئت
وقال النووي هُوَ حُسْنُ الظَّنِّ بِاَللَّهِ تَعَالَى فِي الْإِجَابَةِ
2678 شرح النووي على مسلم
Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala is the Only One Who grants what He wants to whom He chooses. Good qualities like patience, steadfastness, resilience, sincerity, cheerful character, wisdom and insight all come from Allah the Most Wise. If you eagerly wish to obtain Istiqaamah or steadfastness as a Muslim, make it a must to say Du'a, and ask Allah for your wants and needs, whenever you can, particularly in the last third of every night when praying Tahajjud, and while fasting.
To list the fifteen tips to gain patience and steadfastness in Islam, they are:
1] Remember your actual mission and purpose in life. Fulfill your duties to our Creator Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala.
2] Recall Allah's blessings on you, especially the blessing of being Muslim.
3] Train yourself to stay grateful to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala.
4] Focus on your journey. Avoid comparing your tests to others' exams.
5] Understand the virtues of patience.
6] Attain happiness by being among those whom Allah loves.
7] Take good care of your heart.
8] Strive to always speak the truth.
9] Join those who seek Allah's Forgiveness often.
10] Don't be too hard on yourself. Acknowledge Allah's Mercy.
11] Be consistent and continue moving forward towards Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala.
12] Sincerely acquire authentic Islamic knowledge.
13] Remain steadfast upon the correct path, not on misguidance or bid'ah.
14] Genuinely help other Muslims for Allah's sake. Support one another in what is right.
15] Say Du'a and supplicate to Allah that He grants you steadfastness.
Before Salat Al-Maghreb today, even if some of you are currently having your monthly period, take at least 15 minutes or so, and use them to say some wholehearted Du'as to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala Who is always with us observing and listening.
Abu Huraira RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: Allah's noble Messenger Muhammad SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
لَا تَدْخُلُونَ الْجَنَّةَ حَتَّى تُؤْمِنُوا وَلَا تُؤْمِنُوا حَتَّى تَحَابُّوا أَوَلَا أَدُلُّكُمْ عَلَى شَيْءٍ إِذَا فَعَلْتُمُوهُ تَحَابَبْتُمْ أَفْشُوا السَّلَامَ بَيْنَكُمْ
You will not enter Paradise until you believe and you will not believe until you love each other. Shall I show you something that, if you did, you would love each other? Spread peace between yourselves.
Source: Sahih Muslim 54, Grade: Sahih
Indeed, the closest of the people to Allah are those who greet others with peace first.
Abu Umamah RadhiAllahu 'anhu narrated: He said, “O Messenger of Allah, when two people meet each other, who should greet with peace first?” The Messenger of Allah SallAllahu 'alaihi wa sallam said:
أَوْلَاهُمَا بِاللَّهِ
The one closest to Allah will greet first.
Source: Sunan At-Tirmidhi 2694, Grade: Hasan
I pray that Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'aala accepts our good deeds, forgives all our sins, protects us from entering Hell, makes us among those who make it to Jannatul Ferdaus, join us with those who observe Laylat Al-Qadr and who evolve into better Muslims during and after this blessed month of Ramadan. Ameen.
As-salaaamu 'alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.
