How Can I Achieve Steadfastness in My Faith?
Answered by Shaykh Anas al-Musa
Question
How do I know that I have reached the rank of steadfastness on the truth?
Answer
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,
All praise is due to Allah, Lord of all worlds, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger sent as a mercy to the worlds, our Master and Prophet, Muhammad, and his Family and Companions.
Understanding Steadfastness
Steadfastness on the truth is the foundation of all obligations and the pillar of all dealings. It is a concept that encompasses the entirety of the religion. It means standing before Allah (Most High) with true sincerity and fulfilling promises. It relates to words, actions, and intentions, and steadfastness in them means that they are done for Allah, by Allah, and according to the command of Allah (Most High).
Quranic References and Interpretations
Allah (Most High) says about it:
“Surely those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah,’ and then remain steadfast, the angels descend upon them, (saying,) ‘Do not fear, nor grieve. Rather, rejoice in the good news of Paradise, which you have been promised.’” [Quran, 41:30]
He also says:
“Surely those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah,’ and then remain steadfast—there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve.” [Quran, 46:13]
Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) explained it as not associating anything with Allah. ‘Umar (Allah be pleased with him) described it as maintaining obedience to Allah and not straying like the cunning foxes. ‘Uthman (Allah be pleased with him) said it means to purify the work for Allah alone. [Ibn ‘Ashur, al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir; Sabuni, Safwat al-Tafasir]
Outward and Inward Behavior
Steadfastness involves both the outward and inward behavior of a person. It involves performing what is commanded, avoiding what is prohibited, and persisting in this until death.
The essence of steadfastness is the absence of deviation and inclination. The letters “sin” and “ta” in the word “istiqama” (steadfastness) emphasize uprightness, indicating that to be steadfast is to stand straight without leaning or bending.
Achieving Steadfastness
The term “steadfastness” is metaphorically applied to encompass the meaning of righteous deeds and conduct based on truth and sincerity. Allah (Most High) says:
“So take the Straight Way towards Him, and seek His forgiveness. And woe to the polytheists.” [Quran, 41:6]
He also says:
“So be steadfast as you are commanded.” [Quran, 11:112]
It is said: “The country remained steadfast to the king,” meaning it obeyed. Similarly, Allah (Most High) says:
“So, as long as they are true to you, be true to them. Indeed Allah loves those who are mindful (of Him).” [Quran, 9:7]
Here, steadfastness includes fulfilling obligations, primarily adhering to the foundation of monotheism without changing or turning away from it. [Ibn ‘Ashur, al-Tahrir wa al-Tanwir]
Steadfastness refers to the foundation of righteous deeds, which is being upright on the truth, meaning to be moderate without leaning toward either excess or negligence. The perfection of belief is linked to steadfastness, the relationship between a servant and their Lord is based on steadfastness, and good relations among people and even between nations are also rooted in it.
Prophetic Guidance
By examining the Quran, we find that steadfastness on the truth is mostly directed at the prophets (peace be upon them). But just as it is required of the prophets—the most perfect in steadfastness—it is also required of the believers, and indeed, of all humans and jinn.
Allah (Most High) says, addressing His Prophet:
“So be steadfast as you are commanded (O Prophet), along with those who turn (in submission to Allah) with you. And do not transgress. Surely He is All-Seeing of what you (believers) do.” [Quran, 11:112]
He also says:
“Because of that, you (O Prophet)) will invite (all). Be steadfast as you are commanded, and do not follow their desires. And say, ‘I believe in every Scripture Allah has revealed. And I am commanded to judge fairly among you. Allah is our Lord and your Lord. We will be accountable for our deeds and you for yours. There is no (need for) contention between us. Allah will gather us together (for judgment). And to Him is the final return.’” [Quran, 42:15]
Furthermore, Allah says, addressing Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron):
“Allah responded (to Moses and Aaron), ‘Your prayer is answered! So be steadfast and do not follow the way of those who do not know.’” [Quran, 10:89]
Moreover, Allah informs about humans and jinn:
“Had the deniers followed the Right Way, We would have certainly granted them abundant rain to drink.” [Quran, 72:16]
Sufyan Ibn ‘Abdullah al-Thaqafi reported: I said,
“O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about Islam which I can ask of no one but you.” He said: “Say, ‘I believe in Allah,’ and then remain steadfast.” [Ahmad]
There is no clearer indication of the importance of steadfastness than its role in leading people to embrace Islam in regions where Muslim armies did not reach (where Muslims are not in power or in the majority). Instead, it was the conduct of individual Muslims in economic and commercial dealings that attracted many to Islam. The behavior and integrity of these Muslim traders prompted numerous nations to accept Islam and enter into the religion of Allah in large groups. Although trade is materially driven by profit, it serves as a practical laboratory revealing the principles of religion through the morals of traders. Muslim traders proved themselves as true ambassadors of Islam through their adherence to Islamic ethics, thus inspiring people to embrace their religion out of love for their exemplary conduct and fair dealings.
Final Advice
Finally, steadfastness on the truth is the key to happiness and success in this world and the hereafter. To achieve steadfastness, one must observe Allah (Most High) in private and public, always feeling that Allah sees them and knows their secrets and thoughts. Reflect on Allah’s words:
“There is no activity you may be engaged in (O Prophet) or portion of the Quran you may be reciting, nor any deed you (all) may be doing except that We are a Witness over you while doing it. Not (even) an atom’s weight is hidden from your Lord on earth or in heaven; nor anything smaller or larger than that, but is (written) in a perfect Record.” [Quran, 10:61]
Also, consider His statement:
“Say, (O Prophet,) ‘Yes—by my Lord, (Allah is) the Knower of the unseen—it will certainly come to you!’ Not (even) an atom’s weight is hidden from Him in the heavens or the earth; nor anything smaller or larger than that, but is (written) in a perfect Record.” [Quran, 34:3]
Thawban (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
“Be steadfast, and you will not be able to count (the reward of steadfastness). And know that the best of your deeds is prayer, and none maintains his ablution except a believer.” [Ahmad]
Remember, being part of the group means being on the right path, even if you are alone. When some knowledgeable people were asked about the definition of a miracle, they said, “Steadfastness is the essence of a miracle.” Steadfastness essentially means adhering firmly to righteous behavior and the straight path. May Allah grant you and me steadfastness in words, actions, and states. Amin.
May Allah bless the Prophet Muhammad and give him peace, and his Family and Companions.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Anas al-Musa
Shaykh Anas al-Musa, born in Hama, Syria, in 1974, is an erudite scholar of notable repute. He graduated from the Engineering Institute in Damascus, where he specialized in General Construction, and Al-Azhar University, Faculty of Usul al-Din, where he specialized in Hadith.
He studied under prominent scholars in Damascus, including Shaykh Abdul Rahman al-Shaghouri and Shaykh Adib al-Kallas, among others. Shaykh Anas has memorized the Quran and is proficient in the ten Mutawatir recitations, having studied under Shaykh Bakri al-Tarabishi and Shaykh Mowfaq ‘Ayun. He also graduated from the Iraqi Hadith School.
He has taught numerous Islamic subjects at Shari‘a institutes in Syria and Turkey. Shaykh Anas has served as an Imam and preacher for over 15 years and is a teacher of the Quran in its various readings and narrations.
Currently, he works as a teacher at SeekersGuidance and is responsible for academic guidance there. He has completed his Master’s degree in Hadith and is now pursuing his Ph.D. in the same field. Shaykh Anas al-Musa is married and resides in Istanbul.
