Friday 28 December 2007

12.2, Uprightness and Steadfastness

In the Name of Allah, the Most Glorified and Exalted, Who says in the Qur’an,

"Verily, those who say: 'Our Rabb is (only) Allah,' and thereafter stand firm and straight, on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.

Such shall be the dwellers of Paradise, abiding therein (forever) – a reward for what they used to do."
(46:13-14)

From the first part of the article, insha-Allah, we now understand the importance of coupling faith with actions. But is this enough to achieve salvation?

Abu Hurairah (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, "Follow the right path of faith strictly, and be steadfast; and keep in mind that none of you can achieve salvation through his (good) actions."

Someone asked, "Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?"

He (SAW) said, "Not even me, unless Allah grants me His Mercy and Grace." (Muslim)

Although the importance of faith and actions is beyond doubt, this Hadith tells us that we cannot depend entirely on this. In particular, this is important because very often there are shortcomings in our actions. It is therefore essential that we pray to Allah that He accept from us our good deeds, that He grant us His Infinite Mercy and that He grant us sincerity because even the greatest noble deed is invalid without it.

12.1, Uprightness and Steadfastness

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful, Who says in the Qur’an,

"Verily, those who say: 'Our Rabb is Allah (Alone),' and then they stand firm, on them 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!

'We have been your friends in the life of this world and are (so) in the Hereafter. Therein you shall have (all) that your inner-selves desire, and therein you shall have (all) for which you ask.

'An entertainment from (Allah), the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.'

And who is better in speech than he who invites to Allah and does righteous deeds, and says, 'I am one of the Muslims.'"
(41:30-33)

The topic of this article is the mark of perfect of faith; uprightness and steadfastness. I intend to cover this topic in two parts: In the first part, to highlight the need to couple faith with actions. In the second part, to make clear that there is another element beyond faith and actions that is necessary to achieve salvation.

Sufyaan bin 'Abdullah (RA) reported: I said, "O Messenger of Allah, tell me something of Islam which I will not ask anyone else about it."

He (SAW) said, "Say, 'I believe in Allah' and then be steadfast." (Muslim)

The advice here is twofold: Firstly, to express belief in Allah and, secondly, to be steadfast upon this belief. But what does this mean, to be steadfast?

Steadfastness means to cling firmly to the instructions of Islam, to do that which we have been commanded to do and to leave that which we have been prohibited from doing, to perform dutifully our obligations and to avoid completely that which is unlawful for us.

It is important to understand that faith is not just an expression of the tongue. Real faith is that which is coupled with practice (i.e. actions). Indeed, the practice of religion is the fruit of faith. Just like a tree that it supposed to bear fruit but does not, has no value, similarly; faith becomes meaningless without practice. Steadfastness is the mark of perfect faith.

From Earth to Sky

Consumed, over the shoulder discarded
Buried in humble dust, trampled and retarded
Out of sight, out of mind
Non-existent, if defined

Deep in dirt, sunk underground
Alone, darkness does surround

Nourished by soil and earth,
Reflections and contemplations are given birth
Steadfastness and patience begin to grow
Wisdom and experience in abundance do flow

Spread far and wide the sky is reached
Providing fruit and shade, a parable is breached

Where are the discarders, where are the trampling feet
scratching their heads in bitter defeat

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The above poem was written by a young man currently going through a testing time. My interpretation of his words is as follows: It is a "parable" of a man (the author I would assume) gaining "nourishment" (developing as a person in many unimaginable ways) from the very plots and plans of those intending to defeat, "discard" and "trample" him. The closing two lines are a taunt to the "discarders" and "trampling feet" to let them know that his spirit has not been broken, not in the least.

May Allah alleviate his burden, pour forth upon him patience and make him firm in the face of difficulty.