Means of Steadfastness: Standing Firm in Islam
Shaykh Saalih al-Munajjid hafidhahullaah

Contents

Introduction
Means of Steadfastness in Islam
Situations where steadfastness is required
Conclusion

Introduction

Praise be to Allaah; we praise Him and seek His help and forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own selves and from our evil deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides cannot be led astray, and whomsoever He leaves astray cannot be guided. I bear witness that there is no god except Allaah alone, with no partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

Steadfastness in the religion of Allaah is a basic requirement for every sincere Muslim who wants to follow the Straight Path with determination and understanding. This matter is of great importance for a number of reasons, including the following:

1. The present situation of the societies in which Muslims live, the types of temptation to which they are painfully exposed and the kinds of whims and desires, doubts and confusion which have caused religion to become something strange, so that those who adhere to it are likened to something weird, and people say: “The one who holds on to his religion is like one who holds on to a burning coal.”

Anyone who has a brain will not doubt that Muslims today need the means of steadfastness more than their predecessors among the salaf did, and that the effort required is greater, because of the corruption of our times, and the scarcity and weakness of brothers and supporters who could help.

2. The high incidence of apostasy (riddah) and backsliding, even among those who are working for Islam, which causes Muslims to fear ending up the same way, so he seeks the means of standing firm so that he can reach dry land, as it were.

3. The relationship of this issue to the heart, of which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “It changes more than a pot of rapidly boiling water.” (Reported by Ahmad, 6/4; al-Haakim, 2/289; al-Silsilat al-Saheehah, 1772). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) 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, 4/408; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 2364).

As a later poet said:

“He is only called insaan (man) because of his nasyaan (forgetfulness)
And it is only called al-qalb (the heart) because it constantly varies (yataqallib).”

Making the one stand firm who is tossed about by the winds of doubt and confusion is a serious matter which needs tremendous means as befits the seriousness and difficulty of the task at hand.

It is part of Allaah’s mercy towards us that He has shown to us, in His Book and through the words and life of His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) many ways of being steadfast in Islam. I will discuss some of them below:

Means of Steadfastness in Islam

Turning towards the Qur’aan

The Qur’aan is the foremost aid to standing firm in Islam. It is the strong rope and clear light of Allaah. Whoever adheres to it, Allaah will protect him; whoever follows it, Allaah will save him; and whoever calls to its way will be guided to the Straight Path.

Allaah has stated that the reason why this Book was revealed in stages was to help His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to stand firm in his faith. In the context of refuting the doubts of the kuffaar, He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And those who disbelieve say, ‘Why is not the Qur’aan revealed to him all at once?’ Thus (it is sent down in parts), that We may strengthen your heart thereby. And We have revealed it to you gradually, in stages. And no example to similitude do they bring (to oppose or to find fault in you or in this Qur’aan), but We reveal to you the truth (against that similitude or example), and the better explanation thereof.” [al-Furqaan 25:32-33]

Why is the Qur’aan such a source of strength?

1. Because it cultivates faith and purifies the soul through contact with Allaah.

2. Because these aayaat bring peace and tranquillity to the heart of the believer, so he will not be tossed about by the winds of fitnah; his heart will be content with the remembrance of Allaah.

3. Because it provides the Muslim with the correct understanding and values with which he will be able to evaluate the situation around him. It also gives him the standards against which he may judge things in a proper and consistent manner, without varying from one situation or person to another.

4. Because it refutes the doubts that are stirred up by the enemies of Islam, kuffaar and munaafiqeen alike, as in the following examples from the early days of Islam:

i) The effect of the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): “Your Lord (O Muhammad) has neither forsaken you nor hated you” [al-Duhaa 93:3] on the heart of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), when the mushrikoon said, “Muhammad has been forsaken…” (See Saheeh Muslim bi Sharh al-Nawawi, 12/156).

ii) The effect of the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): “… The tongue of the man they refer to is foreign, while this (the Qur’aan) is a clear Arabic tongue” [al-Nahl 16:103]. The Quraysh claimed that Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was taught by a human being and that he took the Qur’aan from a Roman carpenter in Makkah.

iii) The effect of the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): “…Surely they have fallen into trial [fitnah]…” [al-Tawbah 9:49] on the hearts of the believers, when the munaafiq had said, “Grant me leave (to be exampted from jihaad) and put me not into trial.” [al-Tawbah 9:49 – interpretation of the meaning].

Is it not the greatest of help, strengthening the heart of the believer, refuting doubts and silencing the voices of falsehood? Indeed it is, by Allaah.

When the believers were coming back from al-Hudaybiyah, Allaah promised them much war booty which they alone would go and take (i.e., the booty of Khaybar). [He told them that] the munaafiqoon would ask to accompany them, but the Muslims would say, “You shall not follow us.” They would persist in trying to change the words of Allaah, and they would say to the believers, “Nay, you envy us,” to which Allaah responded by saying, “Nay, but they understand not except a little.” [al-Fath, 48:15 – interpretation of the meaning]. Then all of this happened to the believers, step by step, word by word.

From this we can see the difference between those whose lives are connected to the Qur’aan, who read it, recite it, memorize it, study it, ponder its meanings and take it as their starting-point and their refuge, and those who are preoccupied with the words of man.

Would that those who seek knowledge would devote most of their efforts to understanding the Qur’aan properly!

Adhering to the laws of Allaah and doing righteous deeds

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Allaah will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world and in the Hereafter. And Allaah will cause to go astray those who are zaalimoon (polytheists and wrong-doers, etc.), and Allaah does what He wills.” [Ibraaheem 14:27].

Qutaadah said: “As for the life of this world, Allaah will help them to be steadfast in doing good and righteous deeds, and in the Hereafter (He will help them) to remain steadfast in the grave.” A similar interpretation was narrated from more than one of the Salaf. (Tafseer al-Qur’aan al-‘Azeem by Ibn Katheer, 3/421).

Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “… but if they had done what they were told, it would have been better for them, and would have strengthened their (Faith)” [al-Nisa’ 4:66], i.e., it would have strengthened them in their adherence to the Truth.

This is clear, for how can you expect steadfastness on the part of those who are too lazy to do righteous deeds when fitnah raises its ugly head and calamity increases? But Allaah will guide those who believe and do righteous deeds by their faith to the Straight Path. So the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to persevere in doing righteous deeds, and the most beloved of good deeds to him were those that were continuous, even if they were small. When his Companions started to do anything, they would persist in it, and when ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) did something, she would keep it up.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) used to say: “Whoever perseveres in doing twelve rak’ahs [i.e., the sunan rawaatib or sunnah prayers which the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) did constantly], Paradise will be his right.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 2/273; he said, the hadeeth is hasan or saheeh; see also Saheeh al-Nisaa’i, 1/388 and Saheeh al-Tirmidhi, 1/131).

According to a hadeeth qudsi, Allaah says: “My slave will keep drawing near to me with naafil acts of worship until I love him.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari; see Fath al-Baari, 11/340).

Studying the stories of the Prophets and following their example

The evidence for this is the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): “And all that We relate to you (O Muhammad) of the news of the Messengers is in order that We may make strong and firm your heart thereby. And in this has come to you the truth, as well as an adminition and a reminder for the believers.” [Hood 11:120].

These aayaat were not revealed at the time of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) for the purpose of mere entertainment and amusement. They were revealed for an important purpose, which was to strengthen the heart of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and likewise the hearts of the believers.

1. Think about the meaning of the aayah (interpretation of the meaning): “They said: ‘Burn him and help your aalihah (gods), if you will be doing.’ We (Allaah) said: ‘O fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibraaheem!’ And they wanted to harm him, but We made them the worst losers.” [al-Anbiya’ 21:68-70]. Ibn ‘Abbaas said: “The last thing Ibraaheem said when he was thrown in the fire was, ‘Allaah is Sufficient for me and He is the Best Disposer of affairs.’” (Al-Fath, 8/22) Do you not feel how he stood firm in the face of oppression and torture, when you read this story?

2. Think about the aayah in which Allaah tells us about Moosa (interpretation of the meaning): “And when the two hosts saw each other, the companions of Moosa said: ‘We are sure to be overtaken.’ Moosa said: ‘Nay, verily! With me is my Lord, He will guide me.’” [al-Shu’ara’ 26:61-62]. Do you not feel how he stood firm when he was being pursued by the hosts of Pharaoh and was surrounded by cries of despair from his own people?

3. Read the story of the magicians of Pharaoh, which is an example of a small group that adhered firmly to the truth once it had become apparent to them. Do you not see how they stood firm in the face of threats issued by the oppressor who said, “Believe you in him (Moosa) before I give you permission? Verily! He is your chief who taught you magic. So I will surely cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you on the trunks of date-palms, and you shall surely know which of us [I (Pharaoh) or the Lord of Moosa] can give the severe and more lasting torment.” [Ta-Ha 20:71 – interpretation of the meaning]. The small group of believers stood firm, with no thought of retreat, and said: “We prefer you not over the clear signs that have come to us, and to Him Who created us. So decree whatever you desire to decree, for can only decree (regarding) the life of this world.” [Ta-Ha 20:72 – interpretation of the meaning].

4. Also think about the story of the believer in Soorat Yaa-Seen, the believer of Pharaoh’s household, the people of the Ditch (al-ukhdood), and others, which teach us the greatest lessons we could ever learn about standing firm in our faith.

Du’aa’ (supplication)

One of the characteristics of the believing slaves of Allaah is that they turn to Allaah with du’aa’, asking Him to help them to stand firm: “Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us…” [Aal ‘Imraan 3:8 – interpretation of the meaning]; “Our Lord! Pour out constancy [patience] on us and make our steps firm…” [al-Baqarah 2:250 – Yusuf ‘Ali’s translation].

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) told us that “The hearts of the sons of Adam are as one between the fingers of the Most Merciful, and He directs them as He wills.” (Reported by Imaam Ahmad from Ibn ‘Umar; see Saheeh Muslim bi Sharh al-Nawawi, 16/204). The Messenger of Allaah often used to say, “O Controller of the hearts, make my heart adhere firmly to Your religion.” (Reported by al-Tirmidhi from Anas. Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi, 6/349; Saheeh al-Jaami’, 7864).

Remembrance of Allaah (dhikr)

This is one of the greatest means of being steadfast in Islam.

Think about the combination described in this aayah (interpretation of the meaning): “O you who believe! When you meet (an enemy) force, take a firm stand against them and remember the Name of Allaah much, so that you may be successful.” [al-Anfaal 8:45]. Dhikr is one of the most effective aids to standing firm in jihaad.

“Think about how the physical strength of the Persians and Romans let them down when they needed it most” (Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allaah have mercy on him, in Al-Daa’ wa’l-Dawaa’) – despite the small numbers of men and weapons of those who remembered the Name of Allaah much.

How did Yoosuf (upon whom be peace) stand firm in the face of temptation of the part of the powerful and beautiful woman who called him to do wrong? Did he not enter the fortress of “seeking refuge in Allaah” and thus defeat the waves of temptation? This is the effect of adhkaar (remembering Allaah) on making the believers steadfast.

Striving to follow the correct way

The only correct way, which every Muslim must follow, is the way of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah, the path of the victorious group and the saved sect, the people of pure ‘aqeedah and sound methodology, the followers of the Sunnah and the (sound) evidence. The Muslim must be distinct from the enemies of Allaah and be different from the people of falsehood.

If you want to know the value of this in standing firm, then ask yourself: why have so many people, in the past and nowadays, been led astray? Why have they become confused? Why have their feet not stood firm on the Straight Path? Why did they not die following it, or why did they come to it so late in life, after wasting so much precious time?

So you see them, moving from one kind of misguided bid’ah to another, from philosophy to ‘ilm al-kalaam (Islamic philosophy), from Mu’tazili thought to the way of twisting and misinterpreting the clear aayaat of the Qur’aan, from one Sufi tareeqah to another…

Thus are the people of bid’ah, confused and shaky in their faith. See how the people of ‘ilm al-kalaam are deprived of steadfastness at the time of death. Hence the salaf said, “The people who suffer the most doubt at the time of death are the people of al-kalaam.” But think about it: has any follower of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah ever turned his back on this way in discontent after he has come to know and understand it? People may abandon it because of their whims and desires, or because of doubts if their understanding is weak, but no one has left because he saw something more correct or because he thought this way was wrong.

The proof of this is to be seen in the questions posed by Heraclius to Abu Sufyaan about the followers of Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). He asked, “Has anyone ever left this religion out of discontent after entering it?” Abu Sufyaan said, “No.” Then Heraclius said, “This is how it is when the joy of faith fills the heart.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, al-Fath, 1/32).

We have heard a lot about great leaders who moved from one kind of bid’ah to another, and others whom Allaah guided and so they left falsehood behind and joined the madhhab of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah, despising their former ways. But do we ever hear about the opposite?

If you want to stand firm in your Islam, then you must follow the way of the believers.

Training and education

Gradual, conscious training in faith, based on knowledge, is one of the basic factors in standing firm in Islam.

Training in faith is that which fills the heart and consciousness with fear, hope and love (of Allaah), as opposed to the dryness which results from ignoring the texts of the Qur’aan and Sunnah and devoting too much attention to the words of men.

Training based on knowledge is that which is based on saheeh evidence, as opposed to mere imitation and blind following.

Conscious training is that which recognizes the way of the sinners and wrongdoers, studies the plots of the enemies of Islam and properly understands and evaluates reality and events, as opposed to a blinkered worldview and narrow horizons.

Gradual training is that which takes the Muslim step by step towards achieving perfection with proper planning, as opposed to spontaneous and hasty progress in fits and starts.

In order to understand the importance of this element in standing firm, let us go back to the seerah of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and ask ourselves:

What was the source of the Companions’ steadfastness in Makkah, at the time of their persecution?
How could Bilaal, Khabbaab, Mas’ab, the family of Yaasir and other dispossessed Muslims stand firm? How could even the greatest of the Sahaabah stand firm when they were boycotted by others?
Is it possible that they could have stood firm without extensive training under the supervision of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), which had honed and refined their personalities?
Take, for example, the Sahaabi Khabbaab ibn al-Arat (may Allaah be pleased with him), whose owner used to heat an iron skewer until it was red-hot, then place it on his bare back where it would burn until it was extinguished by the fat of his back flowing over it. What made him able to bear all that with patience and perseverance?

And think of Bilaal beneath the rock on the burning sands, and Sumayyah in chains and fetters…
Look at the Madani period: we may ask, who was it who stood firm with the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) at Hunayn when most of the Muslims fled? Was it the new converts who had become Muslim at the Conquest of Makkah, and who had not yet received sufficient training at the hands of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), most of whom had gone out only in search of booty? No… most of those who stood firm were the crème de la crème of the believers, who had already received that great training.
If they had not received such training, do you think they would have stood firm?

Having confidence in the road you are following

No doubt the more confident the Muslim is of the path he is following, the more steadfast he will be in adhering to it. There are many ways of achieving this, including the following:

Feeling that the way which you are following is not something new that started in this century, but that it is an ancient and venerable way which the Prophets, speakers of truth, scholars, martyrs and righteous people have followed before you. This will reduce your feelings of loneliness and replace your alienation with a sense of comfort, and your sadness will turn to joy because you will feel that all these people are your brothers in this way and methodology.

Feeling that you are among the chosen. Allaah says (interpretation of the meanings):

“…Praise and thanks be to Allaah, and peace be on His slaves whom He has chosen (for His Message)! …” [al-Naml 27:59]

“Then We gave the Book (the Qur’aan) for inheritance to such of Our slaves as We chose…” [Faatir 35:32]

“Thus will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of dreams (and other things)…” [Yoosuf 12:6]

Just as Allaah has chosen the Prophets, so the righteous have a share in this being chosen, which is that they have inherited the knowledge of the Prophets.

How would you feel if Allaah had created you inanimate, or a dumb beast, or an atheist kaafir, or one who calls to bid’ah, or an immoral wrongdoer, or a Muslim who does not call others to Islam, or one who calls to a way that is filled with error?

Do you not see that this feeling of having been chosen by Allaah and been made one of those who call to the way of Ahl al-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’ah is one of the factors which will keep you steadfast in your methodology and in this path?

Calling others to Allaah (da’wah)

The soul that is not active will stagnate. One of the most important fields in which one can be active is the field of da’wah, calling others to Allaah. This is the work of the Prophets, work which will save you from punishment, realize your potential and enable you to achieve great things. “Now then, for that (reason), call (them to the Faith), and stand steadfast as you are commanded…” [al-Shoora 42:15 – interpretation of the meaning]. It is not true to say that someone is neither making progress nor slipping back (for if you are not making progress, you are therefore falling back – no one is static). If a person is not occupied in acts of worship and obedience, he will be busy with sin and disobedience, and faith can wax and wane (it does not remain constant).

Calling to the correct methodology – by devoting time to it, making mental and physical efforts, and speaking out, so that da’wah becomes the main concern of the Muslim – will block the Shaytaan’s efforts to tempt him and lead him astray.

In addition to that, being challenged by obstacles and stubborn people on the journey of da’wah will make the da’iyah stronger in faith.

Besides bringing a great reward, da’wah is also a means of being steadfast in one's faith and protecting oneself from backsliding, because the one who is attacking does not need to defend himself, and Allaah is with the da’iyahs, making them stand firm. The da’iyah is like a doctor fighting illness with his experience and knowledge: by fighting the illness in others he will be the least likely to suffer it h