8 – Chapter on Steadfastness

Allah the Exalted says, “So remain steadfast as you have been commanded” [Hūd: 112].

And He says, “Indeed, those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah,’ and then remain steadfast, the angels will descend upon them, saying, ‘Do not fear and do not grieve; rather, rejoice in the Garden that you have been promised. (1) We are your allies in the life of this world and in the Hereafter; there you shall have whatever your souls desire and there you shall have whatever you ask for (2) as a welcoming gift from the All-Forgiving, the Most Merciful.’” [Fussilat: 30–32].

He also says, “Indeed, those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah,’ and then remain steadfast—no fear shall come upon them, nor shall they grieve. Those are the people of the Garden, abiding therein forever, as a recompense for what they used to do.” [al-Aḥqāf: 13–14].

86 – Abū ʿAmr—or, in another wording, Abū ʿAmrah—Sufyān ibn ʿAbdullāh (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “I asked, ‘Messenger of Allah, tell me something about Islam that will spare me from asking anyone else besides you.’ He replied, ‘Say: I believe in Allah, and then keep steadfast.’” Related by Muslim.

87 – Abū Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Keep close and aim straight, and know that none of you will be saved by his deeds.” They asked, “Not even you, Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Not even I, unless Allah envelops me in mercy from Him and in His bounty.” Related by Muslim.

al-muqārabah (measured moderation) is a deliberate course free from excess or negligence; al-sadād (aiming straight) is steadfastness and hitting the mark; and yataghammadunī (He envelops me) means that He clothes me in it and covers me with it.

The scholars state that al-istiqāmah (steadfastness) is persistent adherence to obedience to Allah Most High. It is among the concise comprehensive expressions and is the organizing principle of all affairs. Success comes only from Allah.