Khawla bint Salabah

 

The great Companion Khawla bint Salabah (may Allah be pleased with her) was one of the most famous women in the history of Islam. She was one of the first to believe in the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and married the famous Companion Aws ibn Samit.

The righteous woman Khawla was famous for her devotion to her husband, her patience and perseverance in raising children. Khawla was a clever and wise woman, she did not spare her family and children, she taught them to ride and shoot arrows.

Historians mention the famous event of Khawla in the sources. During the period of ignorance, Aws ibn Samit said to his wife, "You are like my mother to me," and he regretted what he had said. When Khawla said this to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him),O Khawla, now you are unclean to your husbandThey said. Khawla excused her husband and said, "O Messenger of Allah, my husband is old and mentally retarded, and my children are young. What should I do now?" she said she did not want to leave her husband. Our Prophet again returned the previous answer. Then Khawla bint Salabah wept and prayed to Allahu ta'âlâ: “O Allah, I complain to you, save me from this trouble. My Lord, put the solution of this matter in the language of your Prophet. ”

It is narrated on the authority of 'A'isha that I and others wept over Hawla. At that moment, it became clear that his supplications and cries had reached Allah. Allah revealed a revelation to His Beloved and made her happy. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) smiled and recited the following verse:

maySamiʿaAllahQaẘlaWhichTujādilukaatZaẘjihāWatasẖ̊takīto meAllahI swearYas̊maʿuTaḥāwurakumāthatAllahSamīʿuⁿBaṣīruⁿ (1) WhoseYuẓāhirūnaOf youFromNisāyỉhim̊WhatHunãẠủmãhātihim̊thatTheir mothersExceptẠllãạyỉyWalad̊nahum̊Wāi̹nãhum̊LayaqūlūnaMun̊karaⁿạFromẠl̊qaẘliWazūraⁿạand surelyAllahLaʿafūuⁿ̃forgiving

"O Muhammad, Allah has heard the words of the woman who is arguing with you about her husband and complaining to Allah. God hears you both talking. Surely Allah is Hearing, Seeing. To those of you who "zihar" their wives, they (wives too) are not mothers. Their (Chin) mothers (them) are women who have given birth. They are really inappropriate and lying. (Lekin) Allah is Forgiving and Forgiving".

When Hawla bint Salabah told this news to her husband, Avs was overjoyed.

Khawla did not marry after the death of her husband. She felt sorry for her husband and always prayed for him. She asked Allah for forgiveness from her husband. When the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) saw Hawla, he said:Assalamu alaykum, O woman whose prayer Allah has answered, O woman whose word Allah has heardThey used to greet him.

One day, when 'Umar ibn al-Khattab was returning from the mosque, a woman blocked his way and began to exhort him: “O' Umar, you used to say 'Umarcha' and then you were called 'Umar. Today it is called the Commander of the Faithful. O 'Umar, fear Allah in the matter of responsibility, whoever fears the Day of Resurrection, and whoever fears death, the fleeting things will frighten him.

His companions said to Hadrat 'Umar, "Are you listening to this old woman?" they said. 'Umar said, "Do you not know who this woman is?" She will be Khawla bint Salabah, the wife of Aws ibn Samit. May Allah hear the words of this woman and not 'Umar? ” they said.

This pious woman, who was instrumental in solving the problem of Zihar, and who was faithful to her husband, lived among the Companions like a beautiful and fragrant flower. May Allah be pleased with him.

Heraclius’ Investigation on Muhammad

 Heraclius’ Investigation on Muhammad What Was the Outcome? Muslim scholars have discussed different ways to consider the claim of prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him). There are hundreds of scholars who wrote numerous books devoted to this subject. Some mentioned Muhammad’s miracles, especially the miracle of the Qur’an, as proof of his prophethood. Others pointed to the prophecies of previous prophets about his coming as mentioned in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments. Some also referred to prophecies in other ancient religious literatures of Hindus, Buddhists, and Zoroastrians. Others based the proofs on Muhammad’s own character, teachings, and achievements. This is quite a vast subject and can be discussed in many different ways. But figuring out the responses of the great kings of the world at the time might give us a clearer picture of what the world thought of Muhammad. There is a very interesting historical report mentioned by the Muslim scholar Imam Al-Bukhari, among many other scholars of Hadith, from which we learn how a reasonable leader approached this subject. It is mentioned that after the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, 628 CE, Muhammad sent many letters to neighboring chiefs and rulers inviting them to Islam. He sent Dihyah Al-Kalbi with a letter addressed to the Eastern Roman Emperor Heraclius. Heraclius ruled a vast territory of the Middle East at that time. This letter was probably sent to him in 628 CE. Heraclius was in Jerusalem at that time celebrating his victory over the Persians. The letter was given to the governor of Busra, located South of Damascus, who delivered it to the emperor. The emperor was intrigued by the letter and wanted to know more about the one who sent him this letter and whether he was truly, as the letter claimed, God’s Messenger. There was a caravan of Arab traders in the city. Heraclius ordered its people to be brought to his court. Abu Sufian ibn Harb, the chief of this caravan, was not a Muslim at that time. Actually, he was then one of the enemies of Islam. Later when he became Muslim, he related the incident to one of his friends, Abdullah ibn Abbas. Abu Sufian said that Heraclius sent a messenger to him while he was accompanying a caravan from Quraish. They were merchants doing business in the Levant (Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan) at the time when God’s Messenger had a truce with Abu Sufian and the unbelievers of Quraish [the Treaty of Hudaibiyah]. So Abu Sufian and his companions went to Heraclius at Jerusalem. Heraclius called them to his court, and he had all the senior Roman dignitaries around him. He called for his translator who, translating Heraclius’s question, said to them, “Who among you is closely related to the man who claims to be a prophet?” Abu Sufian replied, “I am the nearest relative to him (among the group).” Heraclius said, “Bring him close to me, and make his companions stand behind him.” Heraclius told his translator to tell Abu Sufian’s companions that he wanted to ask him some questions regarding Muhammad and that if he told a lie they should contradict him. Relating the story to his friend, Abu Sufian commented saying, “By God, had I not been afraid of my companions labeling me a liar, I would have lied against him Muhammad.” The dialogue then continued like this: Heraclius: What is his family status among you? Abu Sufian: He belongs to a noble family among us. Heraclius: Has anyone else among you before him ever claimed to be a prophet? Abu Sufian: No. Heraclius: Was anyone among his ancestors a king? Abu Sufian: No. Heraclius: Are the strong and powerful following him or the weak and poor? Abu Sufian: It is the weak and poor that are following him. Heraclius: Are his followers increasing or decreasing day by day? Abu Sufian: They are increasing. Heraclius: Does anyone among those who embrace his religion become displeased and leave the religion afterwards? Abu Sufian: No. Heraclius: Have you ever accused him of telling lies before his claim to be a prophet? Abu Sufian: No. Heraclius: Does he ever betray or is he treacherous in his agreements? Abu Sufian: No, we are at truce with him, but we do not know what he will do in it. Heraclius: Have you ever had a fight with him? Abu Sufian: Yes. Heraclius: What was the outcome of your battles with him? Abu Sufian: The fighting between him and us was undecided, and victory was shared between him and us by turns. Heraclius: What does he order you to do? Abu Sufian:  He tells us to worship God alone and not to worship anything along with Him, and to renounce all that our ancestors had said. He orders us to pray, to speak the truth, to be chaste, and to keep good relations with our kith and kin. Heraclius said to his translator to convey Abu Sufian the following: I asked you about his family and your reply was that he belongs to a noble family among you. In fact, all the messengers come from noble families among their respective peoples.  I asked you whether anyone else among you claimed such a thing, and your reply was no. If you had said yes, I would have thought that this person is copying the previous person’s saying. I asked you whether anyone of his ancestors was a king. Your reply was no. If you had said yes, I would have thought that the man wants to take back his ancestral kingdom. I further asked you whether he was ever accused of telling lies before he said what he said, and your reply was no. So I wonder how a person who does not tell a lie about others could ever tell a lie about God. I then asked you whether the rich or the poor follow him. You replied that it was the poor who followed him. In fact, the poor are always the followers of the messengers. I asked you whether his followers are increasing or decreasing. You replied that they were increasing. In fact, this is the way of true faith, till it is complete in all respects. I asked you whether there was anyone who, after accepting his religion, became displeased with and abandoned his religion. Your reply was no. In fact, this is the sign of true faith, when its delight penetrates the depths of the hearts. I asked you whether he had ever betrayed and your reply was no. Likewise, the messengers never betray. I asked you what he ordered you to do, and your reply was he ordered you to worship God, and not to worship anything along with Him and forbade you to worship idols and ordered you to pray, to speak the truth, and to be chaste. If what you say is true, he will very soon occupy this place underneath my feet. I knew from the scriptures that he was going to come, but I did not know that he would be from you. If I could reach him, I would go immediately to meet him; if I were with him, I would certainly wash his feet.  Heraclius then asked for the letter addressed by the Prophet Muhammad to him. The letter was delivered by Dihyah Al-Kalbi to the governor of Busra, who forwarded it to Heraclius. The letter read: In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. This letter is from Muhammad, the Servant of God and His Messenger to Heraclius, the ruler of Byzantines. Peace be upon who follows the right path. I invite you with the call of Islam. Accept Islam and you will find peace. God will double your reward. But if you turn away, then you will have upon you the sin of Arisiyyin (your subjects). [O People of the Book, come to common terms as between us and you: That we worship none but God; that we associate no partners with him; that we erect not, from among ourselves, lords and patrons other than God.” If then they turn back, say: “Bear witness that we (at least) are Muslims (submitting to God’s will.)”] (Aal `Imran 3:64) Abu Sufian said to Ibn Abbas as he related the story, “When Heraclius finished his speech and read the letter, there arose commotion and many voices in the court, so we were asked to leave.” It is possible that Heraclius accepted Islam secretly, but was unable to declare it because he feared rebellion of his people. Considering all these aspects of the Prophet’s life, he became convinced that Muhammad was indeed a great man, if not the Messenger of God. **Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi

Dialogue between Heraclius and Abu Sufyan

 A part of history many Muslims do not know is that the powerful Byzantine Emperor, Heraclius, came so close to embracing Islam. He knew it was the truth, but his arrogance, greed for power, and fear of losing his prestigious position in the Byzantine Empire blinded him and clouded his judgment.

At the time when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had migrated to Madinah and many people were entering the folds of Islam, Heraclius was the Emperor of the Byzantine or Eastern Roman Empire. Heraclius heard of the Prophet from Arabia, and he wanted to collect more information about this Prophet.

At the time, Aby Sufyan, was still not Muslim. Abu Sufyan’s name was Sakhr bin Harb and he was a prominent leader of Quraish in Makkah. Abu Sufyan was powerful, influential, and wealthy. He led business caravans for trade between Makkah and the area of Syria and Palestine. On one such business trip, Heraclius invited Abu Sufyan and his companions and asked him about Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

The complete dialogue between Heraclius and Abu Sufyan has been recorded in the authentic book of Hadith, Sahih Bukhari, which is a collection of the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions, and the traditions of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Abu Sufyan retold this story after he embraced Islam.

Abdullah bin Abbas narrated,

“Abu Sufyan bin Harb informed me that Heraclius had sent a messenger to him while he had been accompanying a caravan from Quraish. They were merchants doing business in Sham (Syria, Palestine, Lebanon and Jordan), at the time when Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) had truce with Abu Sufyan and Quraish infidels. So Abu Sufyan and his companions went to Heraclius at Ilya (Jerusalem). Heraclius called them in the court and he had all the senior Roman dignitaries around him. He called for his translator who, translating Heraclius’s question said to them, “Who amongst you is closely related to that man who claims to be a Prophet?”

Abu Sufyan replied, “I am the nearest relative to him (amongst the group).”

Heraclius said, “Bring him (Abu Sufyan) close to me and make his companions stand behind him.”

Abu Sufyan added, Heraclius told his translator to tell my companions that he wanted to put some questions to me regarding that man (The Prophet) and that if I told a lie they (my companions) should contradict me.” Abu Sufyan added, “By Allah! Had I not been afraid of my companions labeling me a liar, I would not have spoken the truth about the Prophet.”

The first question he asked me about him was:

“What is his family status amongst you?”

I replied, “He belongs to a good (noble) family amongst us.”

Heraclius further asked, “Has anybody amongst you ever claimed the same (i.e. to be a Prophet) before him?”

I replied, “No.”

He said, “Was anybody amongst his ancestors a king?”

I replied, “No.”

Heraclius asked, “Do the nobles or the poor follow him?”

I replied, “It is the poor who follow him.”

He said, “Are his followers increasing decreasing (day by day)?”

I replied, “They are increasing.”

He then asked, “Does anybody amongst those who embrace his religion become displeased and renounce the religion afterwards?”

I replied, “No.”

Heraclius said, “Have you ever accused him of telling lies before his claim (to be a Prophet)?”

I replied, “No.”

Heraclius said, “Does he break his promises?”

I replied, “No. We are at truce with him but we do not know what he will do in it.” I could not find opportunity to say anything against him except that.

Heraclius asked, “Have you ever had a war with him?”

I replied, “Yes.”

Then he said, “What was the outcome of the battles?”

I replied, “Sometimes he was victorious and sometimes we.”

Heraclius said, “What does he order you to do?”

I said, “He tells us to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship anything along with Him, and to renounce all that our ancestors had said. He orders us to pray, to speak the truth, to be chaste and to keep good relations with our kin.”

Heraclius asked the translator to convey to me the following, “I asked you about his family and your reply was that he belonged to a very noble family. In fact all the Apostles come from noble families amongst their respective peoples. I questioned you whether anybody else amongst you claimed such a thing, your reply was in the negative. If the answer had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man was following the previous man’s statement. Then I asked you whether anyone of his ancestors was a king. Your reply was in the negative, and if it had been in the affirmative, I would have thought that this man wanted to take back his ancestral kingdom.

I further asked whether he was ever accused of telling lies before he said what he said, and your reply was in the negative. So I wondered how a person who does not tell a lie about others could ever tell a lie about Allah. I then asked you whether the rich people followed him or the poor. You replied that it was the poor who followed him. And in fact, all Apostles have been followed by this very class of people. Then I asked you whether his followers were increasing or decreasing. You replied that they were increasing, and in fact this is the way of true faith, till it is complete in all respects. I further asked you whether there was anybody, who, after embracing his religion, became displeased and discarded his religion. Your reply was in the negative, and in fact this is (the sign of) true faith, when its delight enters the hearts and mixes with them completely. I asked you whether he had ever betrayed. You replied in the negative and likewise the Apostles never betray. Then I asked you what he ordered you to do. You replied that he ordered you to worship Allah and Allah alone and not to worship anything along with Him and forbade you to worship idols and ordered you to pray, to speak the truth and to be chaste. If what you have said is true, he will very soon occupy this place underneath my feet and I knew it (from the scriptures) that he was going to appear but I did not know that he would be from you, and if I could reach him definitely, I would go immediately to meet him and if I were with him, I would certainly wash his feet.’ Heraclius then asked for the letter addressed by Allah’s Apostle which was delivered by Dihya to the Governor of Busra, who forwarded it to Heraclius to read. The contents of the letter were as follows: “In the name of Allah the Beneficent, the Merciful (This letter is) from Muhammad the slave of Allah and His Apostle to Heraclius the ruler of Byzantine. Peace be upon him, who follows the right path. Furthermore I invite you to Islam, and if you become a Muslim you will be safe, and Allah will double your reward, and if you reject this invitation of Islam you will be committing a sin by misguiding your peasants. And I recite to you Allah’s Statement:

“O people of the scripture! Come to a word common to you and us that we worship none but Allah and that we associate nothing in worship with Him, and that none of us shall take others as Lords beside Allah. Then, if they turn away, say: Bear witness that we are Muslims (those who have surrendered to Allah).” (Holy Qur’an 3:64).

Abu Sufyan then added, “When Heraclius had finished his speech and had read the letter, there was a great hue and cry in the Royal Court. So we were turned out of the court. I told my companions that the question of Ibn-Abi-Kabsha) (the Prophet Muhammad) has become so prominent that even the King of Bani Al-Asfar (Byzantine) is afraid of him. Then I started to become sure that he (the Prophet) would be the conqueror in the near future till I embraced Islam (i.e. Allah guided me to it).”

The sub narrator adds, “Ibn An-Natur was the Governor of Jerusalem and Heraclius was the head of the Christians of Sham. Ibn An-Natur narrates that once while Heraclius was visiting Jerusalem, he got up in the morning with a sad mood. Some of his priests asked him why he was in that mood. Heraclius was a foreteller and an astrologer. He replied, “At night when I looked at the stars, I saw that the leader of those who practice circumcision had appeared (become the conqueror). Who are they who practice circumcision?”

The people replied, “Except the Jews nobody practices circumcision, so you should not be afraid of them (Jews). Just issue orders to kill every Jew present in the country.”

While they were discussing it, a messenger sent by the king of Ghassan to convey the news of Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) to Heraclius was brought in. Having heard the news, he (Heraclius) ordered the people to go and see whether the messenger of Ghassan was circumcised. The people, after seeing him, told Heraclius that he was circumcised. Heraclius then asked him about the Arabs. The messenger replied, “Arabs also practice circumcision.”

Heraclius remarked that sovereignty of the Arabs had appeared. Heraclius then wrote a letter to his friend in Rome who was as good as Heraclius in knowledge. Heraclius then left for Homs, a town in Syrian, and stayed there until he received the reply of his letter from his friend who agreed with him in his opinion about the emergence of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and the fact that he was a Prophet.

On that Heraclius invited all the heads of the Byzantines to assemble in his palace at Homs. When they assembled, he ordered that all the doors of his palace be closed. Then he came out and said, “O Byzantines! If success is your desire and if you seek right guidance and want your empire to remain then give a pledge of allegiance to this Prophet (i.e. embrace Islam).”

(On hearing the views of Heraclius) the people ran towards the gates of the palace but found the doors closed. Heraclius realized their hatred towards Islam and when he lost the hope of their embracing Islam, he ordered that they should be brought back in audience.

(When they returned) he said, “What already said was just to test the strength of your conviction and I have seen it.” The people prostrated before him and became pleased with him, and this was the end of Heraclius’s story (in connection with his faith).

(Sahih Bukhari, Book 1, Hadith 7)

Prayers

اللهم اهدِنا فيمَن هديت .. وعافنا فيمن عافيت .. وتولنا فيمن توليت .. وبارك لنا فيما أعطيت .. وقِنا شر ما قضيت .. انك تقضي ولا يقضى عليك.. اٍنه لا يذل مَن واليت .. ولا يعزُ من عاديت .. تباركت ربنا وتعاليت .. لك الحمد على ما قضيت .. ولك الشكر على ما أعطيت .. نستغفرك اللهم من جميع الذنوب والخطايا ونتوب اٍليك.

اللهم أقسم لنا من خشيتك ما تحول به بيننا وبين معصيتك .. ومن طاعتك ما تبلّغنا به جنتَك .. ومن اليقين ما تُهون به علينا مصائبَ الدنيا .. ومتعنا اللهم باسماعِنا وأبصارِنا وقواتنا ما أبقيتنا .. واجعلهُ الوارثَ منا .. واجعل ثأرنا على من ظلمنا.. وانصُرنا على من عادانا .. ولا تجعل مصيبتَنا في ديننا .. ولا تجعل الدنيا أكبرَ همِنا .. ولا مبلغَ علمِنا .. ولا اٍلى النار مصيرنا .. واجعل الجنة هي دارنا .. ولا تُسلط علينا بذنوبنا من لايخافك فينا ولا يرحمنا.

اللهم أصلح لنا ديننا الذي هو عصمةُ أمرِنا .. وأصلح لنا دنيانا التي فيها معاشُنا .. وأصلح لنا آخرتنا التي اٍليها معادنا .. واجعل الحياة زيادةً لنا في كل خير .. واجعل الموتَ راحةً لنا من كلِ شر.

اللهم انا نسألك فعلَ الخيرات .. وتركَ المنكرات .. وحبَ المساكين.. وأن تغفر لنا وترحمنا وتتوب علينا .. واٍذا أردت بقومٍ فتنةً فتوَفنا غير مفتونين .. ونسألك حبَك.. وحبَ مَن يُحبك.. وحب عملٍ يقربنا اٍلى حبك .. يا رب العالمين.

اللهم اغفر لجميع موتى المسلمين .. الذين شهدوا لك بالوحدانية ..ولنبيك بالرسالة .. وماتوا على ذلك .. اللهم اغفر لهُم وارحمهُم وعافهم وأعفو عنهم .. واكرِم نزلَهم .. ووسِع مدخلهم .. واغسلهم بالماء والثلج والبرَد.. ونقهم كما ينقى الثوب الأبيض من الدنس وارحمنا اللهم برحمتك اذا صرنا الى ما صاروا اٍليه .. تحت الجنادل والتراب وحدنا.

اللهم اغفر لنا .. وارحمنا .. وأعتق رقابنا من النار .

اللهم تقبل منا اٍنك أنت السميع العليم .. وتُب علينا اٍنك أنت التواب الرحيم .
وصلي اللهم على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم

اللهم أحسِن عاقبتنا في الأمور كلها .. وأجرِنا من خِزي الدنيا وعذاب الآخرة .. اللهم اٍن
نسألك اٍيمانا كاملاً .. ويقينا صادقا .. وقلبًا خاشعًا ..ولسانًا ذاكرًا ..وتوبة نصوحة .. وتوبة
قبل الموت .. وراحة عند الموت .. والعفو عند الحساب .. ونسألك الجنةَ ونعيمَها .. ونعوذ
بك من النار .. يارب العالمين.

اللهم اٍنا نسألك موجباتِ رحمتك .. وعزائمَ مغفرتك .. والغنيمةَ من كل بر .. والسلامة من كل
اٍثم .. والفوزَ بالجنة.. والنجاة من النار .. يا ذا الجلال والاكرام.

اللهم اغفر لنا ذنوبنا .. ووسع لنا خُلُقنا .. وطيّب لنا كسبنا .. وقنعنا بما رزقتنا .. ولا تذهِب
قلوبنا اٍلى شيء ٍ صرفتَه عنا.

اللهُم اٍنا نعوذ بك أن نَضِل أو نضَل .. أو نَزِل أو نُزَل .. أو نَجهل أو يُجهَل علينا .. أو
نظلِم أو نظلم .

اللهُم اٍنا نسألك عيشةً نقيةً .. وميتةً سويةً .. ومرَداً غير مخزٍ ولا فاضِح.

اللهم رضِنا بما قضيت لنا .. وعافنا فيما أبقيت .. حتى لا نُحِب تعجيلَ ما أخّرت .. ولا تأخير
ما عجّلت.

اللهُم اٍنا نعوذ ُ بك من زوال نعمتِك .. وتحوّل عافيتك .. وفَجأةِ نِقمتك .. وجميعِ سَخطك.

اللهم اٍنا نعوذ ُ بك من يومِ السوء .. ومن ليلةِ السوء .. ومن ساعةِ السوء .. ومن صاحبِ
السوء .. ومن جار السوء في دار المقامة.

اللهم اٍنا عبيدُك .. بنوعبيدك ..بنو اٍمائك .. نواصِينا بيدك .. ماضٍ فينا حُكمك .. عدلٌ
فينا قضاؤك .. نسألك بكلِ اسم هو لك .. سمّيتَ به نفسَك .. أو أنزلتهُ في كتابك .. أو
علّمته أحداً من خلقك .. أو استأثرت به في علم الغيبِ عندك .. أن تجعل القرآن ربيعَ
قلوبنا .. ونورَ صدورنا ..وجَلاء حُزننا .. وذهاب همِنا وغمِنا .

وصلى الله على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم.

اللهم ما أصبح أو أمسى بنا من نعمة أو بأحد من خلقك فمنك وحدك ..لا شريك لك فلك الحمد .. ولك الشكر.

اللهم أعنا على ذكرك وشكرك وحسن عبادتك .

اللهم اجعلنا هادين مهتدين ..غير ضالين ولا مُضلين سلما لأوليائك .. وعدوا لأعدائك نحب بحبك مَن أحبك ونعادي بعداوتك من خالفك.

اللهم اعطنا اٍيمانا ويقينا ليس بعده كفر .. ورحمة ننال بها شرف كرامتك في الدنيا والآخرة.

اللهم اٍنا نسألك الفوز في العطاء والقضاء ، ونزل الشهداء وعيش السُعداء والنصر على الأعداء.

اللهم ذا الحبل الشديد .. والأمر الرشيد .. نسألك الأمنيوم الوعيد .. والجنة يوم الخلود مع المقرّبين الشهود الركّع السجود .. الموفين بالعهود .. اٍنك رحيمٌ ودود وأنت تفعل ما تريد.

اللهم اٍنا نسألك من خير ما سألك منه محمد - صلى الله عليه وسلم - ونعوذ بك من شر ما استعاذ منه نبيك محمد - صلى الله عليه وسلم - وأنت المستعان وعليك البلاغ ولا حول ولا قوة اٍلا بالله.


اللهم انا نسألك من الخير كله عاجله وآجله .. ما علِمنا منه وما لم نعلم .. ونعوذ بك من الشر كله عاجله وآجله ماعلمنا منه وما لم نعلم .. ونسألك الجنة .. وما يقرب اٍليها من قولٍ وعملٍ ونعوذ بك من النار .. وما يقرب اٍليها من قولٍ وعمل.

اللهم اٍجعل في قلوبنا نورا.. وفي أبصارِنا نورا .. وفي أسماعِنا نورا .. وعن أيماننا نورا .. وعن يسارنا نورا .. وفوقنا نورا ..
ومن تحتنا نورا .. وأمامنا نورا .. وخلفنا نورا .. واجعل لنا نورا.

يا حي يا قيوم برحمتك أستغيث .. أصلح لي شأني كله ولا تكلني الى نفسي طرفة عين.


اللهم أعزّ الاسلام والمسلمين ..
اللهم أعز الاسلام والمسلمين ..
اللهم أعز الاسلام والمسلمين ..


ودمّر أعداء الدين .. واخذل مَن خذل الدين ..

اللهم فك قيد أسرانا وأسرى المسلمين ..
اللهم فك قيد أسرانا وأسرى المسلمين ..
اللهم فك قيد أسرانا وأسرى المسلمين ..


برحمتك يا أرحم الراحمين ..

وصلى الله على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم

اللهم لك الحمد أنت قيِّومُ السموات والأرض ومن فيهِن ، ولك الحمد
لك ملكُ السموات والأرض ومن فيهن ، ولك الحمد .. أنت نورُ السموات والأرض ومن فيهن ، ولك الحمد ..


أنت الحق ، ووعدك الحق ، ولقاؤك حق ، وقولك حق ، والجنة حق، والنار حق ، والنبيون حق ، ومحمد - صلى الله عليه وسلم - حق ، والساعة حق .. اللهم لك اسلمنا .. وبك آمنا.. وعليك توكلنا.. واٍليك أنبنا .. وبك خاصمنا .. واٍليك حاكمنا .. فاغفر لنا ما قدمنا وما أخرنا ، وما أسررنا وما أعلنا .. وما أنت أعلمُ به منا أنت المقدِمُ وأنت المؤخرُ .. لا اله الا أنت سبحانك .. اٍنا كنامن الظالمين ولا حول ولا قوة الا بالله.

اللهم يا مقلّب القلوب .. ثبت قلوبَنا على دينك .


اللهم فارجَ الهَم ، كاشِف الغم ، ومجيب دعوة المضطرين ..رحمنَ الدنيا والآخرة ورحيمَهُما نسألك أن ترحمَنا .. فارحمنا برحمةٍ تغنينا بها عن رحمةِ مَن سِواك.

اللهم انا نعوذُ بك من عملٍ يُخزينا ، ونعوذُ بك من صاحبٍ يؤذينا .. ونعوذُ بك مِن أملٍ يلهينا .. ونعوذ بك من فقر يُنسينا ..ونعوذ بك من غِنى يُطغينا .


اللهم انا نسألك صحةً في اٍيمان ، واٍيمانا في حُسن خُلق ونجاحًا يتبعه فلاح ، ورحمة منك وعافية ومغفرةً منك ورضوانا .

اللهم لك الشكر على كلِ شيء ، ولك الحمدُ على كلِ حال.

اللهم لا تقتلنا بغضبك ولا تُهلكنا بعذابك وعافنا قبل ذلك .

اللهم اٍنا نسالك أن ترفع ذكرنا .. وتضع وزرنا .. وتُصلح أمورنا .. وتطهر قلوبَنا .. وتحصّن فروجنا.. وتنور قلوبنا .. وتغفر لنا ذنوبنا .. ونسألك الدرجات العُلى من الجنة .

اللهم ارحمنا بترك المعاصي أبدا ما أبقيتنا ، وارحمنا أن نتكلف ما لا يعنينا وارزقنا حُسن النظر فيما يرضيك عنا ، اللهم بديع السموات والارض ذا الجلال والاكرام والعزة التي لا تُرام أسألك ياالله يارحمن بجلالك ونور وجهك أن تلزم قلوبنا حفظ كتابك كما علمتنا ، وارزقنا تلاوته على النحو الذي يرضيك عنا ، اللهم بديع السموات والارض ذا الجلال والاكرام والعزة التي لا ترام نسألك ياالله يارحمن بجلالك ونور وجهك أن تنور بكتابك أبصارنا .. وأن تطلق به ألستنا .. وأن تفرج به عن قلوبنا .. وأن تشرح به صدورنا .. وأن تستعمل به أبداننا فانه لايعيننا على الحق غيرك ولا يؤتينا اٍياه الا أنت ... ولاحول ولا قوة الا بالله العلي العظيم .

اللهم احفظنا بالاسلام قائمين .. واحفظنا بالاسلام قاعدين .. واحفظنا بالاسلام راقدين ولا تشمِّت بنا عدوًا ولا حاسدًا.

وصلى الله على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم .

اللهم انا نسألك من كل خير خزائنه بيدك .. ونعوذ بك من كل شر خزائنه بيدك .

اللهم انا نعوذ بك من منكرات الاخلاق والاعمال والاهواء والادواء.

اللهم انا نعوذ بك من الفسوق والشقاق والنفاق والسمعة والرياء .. ونعوذ بك من الصمم والبكم والجنون وسيء الاسقام.

اللهم مالك الملك تؤتي الملك من تشاء .. وتنزع الملك ممن تشاء .. وتعِز من تشاء وتذل من تشاء .. بيدك الخير انك على كل شيء قدير .. رحمن الدنيا والآخرة .. تعطيها من تشاء وتمنعها ممن تشاء .. ارحمنا رحمة تغنينا عن رحمة من سواك.

اللهم انا نعوذ بك من الهَم والحَزَن ونعوذ بك من العجز والكسل ... ونعوذ بك من الجبن والبخل .. ونعوذ بك من غلَبة الدَين وقهر الرجال .

اللهم رب السموات السبع وما أظلّت .. ورب الأرضين وما أقلت ورب الشياطين وما أضلت .. كُن لنا جارًا من شر خلقك أجمعين أن يُفرط علينا أحد منهم أو يطغى .. عز جارُك .. وتبارك اسمك.

اللهم أسلمنا وجوهنا اٍليك .. وفوّضنا أمورنا اٍليك والجأنا ظهورنا اليك .. رغبة ورهبة اليك لا ملجأ ولا منجى منك الا اليك .. آمنا بكتابك الذي أنزلت .. ونبيك الذي أرسلت.

اللهم أنت حسنت خَلقنا فحسن خُلقنا وحرم وجوهنا على النار .. الحمد لله الذي سوى خلقنا فعدله وكرم صورة وجوهنا فأحسنها .. وجَعَلنا من المسلمين .

اللهم اكفِنا بحلالك عن حرامك واغننا بفضلك عمن سِواك .

اللهم اغفر لموتى المسلمين وارحمهم .. وعافهم واعفُ عنهم .. وأكرِم نزلهم .. ووسّع مُدخلهم .. واغسلهم بالماء والثلج والبَرَد ونقهم من الخطايا كما نقيت الثوب الابيض من الدنَس .. وابدِلهم دارًا خيراً من دارهم .. وأزواجاً خيراً من أزواجهم .. وأدخلهم الجنة وأعذهم من عذاب القبر ومن عذاب النار.

اللهم اغفر لنا ذنوبنا كلها .. دِقها وجلّها .. وأولها وآخرها .. وعلانيتها وسرها .

اللهم ربنا لك الحمد ملء السموات و ملء الارض وملء ما بينهما .. وملء ما شئت من شيء بعده ..أهل الثناء والمجد أحق ما قال العبد .. وكلُنا لك عبد .. لامانع لما أعطيت ولا معطي لما منعت .. ولا ينفع ذا الجد منك الجد .

اللهم انا نعوذ بك من عذاب القبر.. ونعوذ بك من فتنة المسيح الدجال .. ونعوذ بك من فتنة المحيا والممات .. ونعوذ بك من المأثم والمغرم.

اللهم بعلمك الغيب وقدرتك على الخلق ..أحيينا اذا علمت الحياة خيرًا لنا .. وتوفنا اذا علمت الوفاة خيرًا لنا ..

اللهم انا نسألك خشيتك .. في الغيب والشهادة ..ونسألك كلمة الحق في الغضب والرضى ..ونسألك القصد في الفقر والغنى ..ونسألك نعيمًا لا ينفد ونسألك قرة عين لا تنقطع .. ونسألك الرضى بعد القضاء .. ونسألك برد العيش بعد الموت .. ونسألك لذة النظر الى وجهك الكريم والشوق الى لقائك .. في غير ضراء مضرة .. ولا فتنة مضلة .. اللهم زينا بزينة الايمان .. واجعلنا هداة مهتدين .

وصلى الله على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم

اللهم آتِ أنفسنا تقواها .. وزكّها أنت خيرُ من زكّاها .. أنت وليّها ومولاه

اللهم انا نعوذ بك من علمٍ لا ينفع .. ومن قلبٍ لا يخشع .. ومن نفس لا تشبع .. ومن دعوة لا يُستجاب له

اللهم يا حي يا قيوم برحمتك نستغيث .. أنزل علينا الغيث ولا تجعلنا من الآيسين ... اللهم أغِثنا .. اللهم أغِثنا .. اللهم أغِثنا اللهم سُقيا رحمة .. لا سُقيا بلاءٍ ولا هدمٍ ولا غرق

اللهم انا نسألك الهدى والتُقى .. والعفاف والغنى
اللهم انا نسألك العفو والعافية .. في الدين والدنيا والآخرة

اللهم اغفر للمسلمين والمسلمات .. والمؤمنين والمؤمنات ...الأحياء منهم والأموات برحمتك ياأرحم الراحمين

يا حي يا قيوم لا اله الا أنت سبحانك.. اٍنّا كُنا من الظالمين
ياحي يا قيوم لا اله الا أنت سبحانك .. اٍنّا كُنا من الظالمين
ياحي يا قيوم لا اله الا أنت سبحانك .. اٍنا كنا من الظالمين

اللهم اغفر لنا خطيئاتنا وجهلنا واسرافنا في أمرنا اللهم اغفر لنا جدنا وهزلنا وخطأنا وعمدنا وكل ذلك عندنا برحمتك يا أرحم الراحمين

اللهم انا نعوذ بمعافاتك من عقوبتك ونعوذ برضاك من سخطِك ونعوذ بك منك اللهم لا نحصي ثناءً عليك - ولو حرصنا - أنت كما أثنيتَ على نفسك

اللهم اغفر لنا ذنبنا .. واخسِيء شيطاننا .. وفك رهاننا .. وثقل ميزاننا .. واجعلنا في النديّ الأعلى

اللهم انك تعلم سرنا وعلانيتنا .. فأقبل معذرتنا وتعلم حاجتنا .. فاعطِنا سؤالنا ..وتعلم ما في في نفوسنا .. فاغفِر لنا ذنوبن

اللهم انا نسألك اٍيمانا يباشر قلوبَنا .. ويقينا صادقاً حتى نعلم وانه لن يصيبنا الا ماكتبته علينا والرضا بما قسمته لنا يا ذا الجلال والاكرام

اللهم ان هذا خلق جديد .. فافتحه علينا بطاعتك .. واختمه لنا بمغفرتك ورضوانك .. وارزقنا فيه حسنة تقبلها منا .. وزكها وضّعفها لنا وما عملنا فيه من سيئات فاغفر لنا انك غفور رحيم .. ودود كريم

اللهم انا نعوذ بك اليوم فأعِذنا .. ونستجيرك اليوم من جهد البلاء فأجرنا .. ونستغيث بك اليوم .. فأغثنا .. ونستصرخك اليوم على عدوك وعدونا فأصرخنا .. ونستنصرك اليوم فانصرنا .. ونستعين بك اليوم على أمرنا فأعِنا .. ونتوكل عليك فاكفنا .. ونعتصم بك فاعصمنا .. وآمنا بك فأمِّنا .. ونسألك فاعطنا .. ونسترزقك فارزقنا .. ونستغفرك فاغفر لنا .. وندعوك فاذكرنا .. ونسترحمك فارحمن

اللهم أعز الاسلام والمسلمين ، اللهم أعز الاسلام والمسلمين ، اللهم أعز الاسلام والمسلمين وأذل الشرك والمشركين .. ودمر أعداء الدين .. واحمِ حَوزة الاسلام .. يارب العالمين

اللهم انصر اخواننا المجاهدين في سبيلك في كل مكان .. اللهم وحِّد صفوفهم .. واربط على قلوبهم .. وسدد سهامهم وآراءهم وانصرهم على عدوك وعدوهم .. ياقوي يا عزيز

اللهم انصر اخواننا في فلسطين على اليهود الغاصبين ، اللهم انصرهم على اخوان القردة والخنازير
اللهم عليك باليهود ومن هاودهم .. وبالنصارى ومن ناصرهم ... وبالشيوعيين ومن شايعهم
اللهم انزل عليهم رجزك وعذابك اٍله الحق
اللهم انزل بأسك الذي لايرد عن القوم المجرمين

اللهم انصر اخواننا المستضعفين والمضطهدين في دينهم وأعراضهم وحُرُماتهم .. يارب العالمين

اللهم انصر اخواننا في الشيشان على الروس الظالمين .. اللهم عليك بالروس فانهم لا يعجزونك
اللهم منزل الكتاب ، مجري السحاب ، هازم الأحزاب .. اهزم اليهود والروس وأرنا فيهم عجائب قدرتك يارب العالمين .. اللهم أرنا فيهم يوما أسودا كيوم فرعون وهامان وأبي بن خلف .. يارب العالمين

اللهم أصلِح أحوال المسلمين .. اللهم أصلح قادتهم وعلماءهم وشبابهم ونساءهم

اللهم أقر أعيننا باستقرار أوضاع المسلمين في كل مكان
اللهم أصلح أحوال المسلمين في فلسطين والسودان والجزائر والعراق وأفغانستان وكشمير والبوسنة والهرسك

اللهم أصلح أحوال المسلمين في كل مكان
اللهم أصلح أحوال المسلمين في كل مكان
اللهم أصلح أحوال المسلمين في كل مكان ... اللهم آمين
وصلى الله على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه وسلم

STEADFASTNESS: STANDING FIRM IN ISLAM

 Introduction

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

Steadfastness in the religion of Allah 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:

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.
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.
The relationship of this issue to the heart, of which the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said: “It changes more than a pot of rapidly boiling water.”[1] The Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) 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.”[2]
As a later poet said:

“He is only called insan (man) because of his nasyan (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 Allah’s mercy towards us that He has shown to us, in His Book and through the words and life of His Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) many ways of being steadfast in Islam. We will discuss some of them below.

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

Allah has stated that the reason why this Book was revealed in stages was to help His Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) to stand firm in his faith. In the context of refuting the doubts of the kuffar, He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And those who disbelieve say, ‘Why is not the Qur’an 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’an), but We reveal to you the truth (against that similitude or example), and the better explanation thereof.” (Al-Qur’an 25:32-33)
Why is the Qur’an such a source of strength?

Because it cultivates faith and purifies the soul through contact with Allah.
Because these ayat 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 Allah.
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.
Because it refutes the doubts that are stirred up by the enemies of Islam, kuffar and munafiqinalike, as in the following examples from the early days of Islam:
The effect of the ayah (interpretation of the meaning): “Your Lord (O Muhammad) has neither forsaken you nor hated you.”[3] on the heart of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), when the mushrikun said, “Muhammad has been forsaken … “[4]
The effect of the ayah (interpretation of the meaning): ” … The tongue of the man they refer to is foreign, while this (the Qur’an) is a clear Arabic tongue.”[5]. The Quraysh claimed that Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) was taught by a human being and that he took the Qur’an from a Roman carpenter in Makkah.
The effect of the ayah (interpretation of the meaning): ” … Surely they have fallen into trial (fitnah) … “[6] on the hearts of the believers, when the munafiq had said, “Grant me leave (to be exempted from jihad) and put me not into trial.”[7]
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 Allah.

When the believers were coming back from Al-Hudaybiyyah, Allah promised them much war booty which they alone would go and take (i.e., the booty of Khaybar). He told them that the munafiqun 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 Allah, and they would say to the believers, “Nay, you envy us,” to which Allah responded by saying, “Nay, but they understand not except a little.”[8] 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’an, 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’an properly!

Adhering to the Laws of Allah and Doing Righteous Deeds
Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Allah will keep firm those who believe, with the word that stands firm in this world and in the Hereafter. And Allah will cause to go astray those who are dhalimun (polytheists and wrongdoers, etc.), and Allah does what He wills.”[9]

Qutadah said: “As for the life of this world, Allah 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 Pious Predecessors.[10]

Allah 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”[11], 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 Allah will guide those who believe and do righteous deeds by their faith to the Straight Path. So the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) 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 ‘A’ishah (RadhiAllahu Anha) did something, she would keep it up.

The Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) used to say: “Whoever perseveres in doing twelve rak’ahs [i.e., the sunan rawatib or sunnah prayers which the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) did constantly], Paradise will be his right.”[12]

According to a hadith qudsi, Allah says: “My slave will keep drawing near to me with nafil acts of worship until I love him.”[13]

Studying the Stories of the Prophets and Following their Example:
The evidence for this is the ayah (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 admonition and a reminder for the believers.”[14]

These ayat were not revealed at the time of the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) for the purpose of mere entertainment and amusement. They were revealed for an important purpose, which was to strengthen the heart of the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) and likewise the hearts of the believers …

Think about the meaning of the ayah (interpretation of the meaning): “They said: ‘Burn him and help your alihah (gods), if you will be doing.’ We (Allah) said: ‘O fire! Be you coolness and safety for Ibrahim!’ And they wanted to harm him, but We made them the worst losers.”[15]. Ibn ‘Abbas, RadhiAllahu Anhu, said: “The last thing Ibrahim, Alayhis Salaam, said when he was thrown in the fire was, ‘Allah is Sufficient for me and He is the Best Disposer of affair’ “[16] Do you not feel how he stood firm in the face of oppression and torture, when you read this story?
Think about the ayah in which Allah tells us about Musa, Alayhis Salaam, (interpretation of the meaning): “And when the two hosts saw each other, the companions of Musa said: ‘We are sure to be overtaken.’ Musa said: ‘Nay, verily! With me is my Lord, He will guide me.’ “[17]. 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?
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 (Musa) 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 Musa] can give the severe and more lasting torment.”[18]. 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.”[19]
Also think about the story of the believer in Surah Yasin, the believer of Pharaoh’s household, the people of the Ditch (al-ukhdud), and others, which teach us the greatest lessons we could ever learn about standing firm in our faith.
Du’a’ (Supplication)
One of the characteristics of the believing slaves of Allah is that they turn to Allah with du’a’, asking Him to help them to stand firm.

“Our Lord! Let not our hearts deviate (from the truth) after You have guided us.”Al-Qur’an 3:8 – interpretation of the meaning
“Our Lord! Pour out constancy [patience] on us and make our steps firm … “Al-Qur’an 2:250 – Yusuf ‘Ali’s translation
The Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) 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.”[20] The Messenger of Allah, SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, often used to say, “O Controller of the hearts, make my heart adhere firmly to Your religion.”[21]

Footnotes
Reported by Ahmad, 6/4; Al-Hakim, 2/289; As-Silsilat as-Sahihah, 1772
Reported by Ahmad, 4/408; Sahih Al-Jami’, 2364
Al-Qur’an 93:3
See Sahih Muslim bi Sharh An-Nawawi, 12/156
Al-Qur’an 16:103
Al-Qur’an 9:49
Al-Qur’an 9:49 – interpretation of the meaning
Al-Qur’an, 48:15 – interpretation of the meaning
Al-Qur’an 14:27
Tafsir al-Qur’an al-‘Adhim by Ibn Kathir, 3/421
Al-Qur’an 4:66
Sunan At-Tirmidhi, 2/273; he said, the hadith is hasan or sahih; see also Sahih An-Nasa’i, 1/388 and Sahih At-Tirmidhi, 1/131
Reported by Al-Bukhari; see Fath Al-Bari, 11/340
Al-Qur’an 11:120
Al-Qur’an 21:68-70
Al-Fath, 8/22
Al-Qur’an 26:61-62
Al-Qur’an 20:71 – interpretation of the meaning
Al-Qur’an 20:72 – interpretation of the meaning
Reported by Imam Ahmad from Ibn ‘Umar; see Sahih Muslim bi Sharh An-Nawawi, 16/204
Reported by At-Tirmidhi from ‘Anas. Tuhfat Al-Ahwadhi, 6/349; Sahih Al-Jami’, 7864

Steadfastness on the Journey to Allah

 إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنْتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ

Innaladhīna qālū rabbunal-lāhu thummas-taqāmū tatanazzalu ‘alayhimul-malā’ikatu allā takhāfū walā tahzanū wa-abshirū bil-jannatil-latī kuntum tū‘adūn
Indeed, those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah!’ and then remain steadfast, the angels descend upon them, [saying,] ‘Do not fear, nor be grieved! Receive the good news of the paradise, which you have been promised.
(Sūrat Fussilat, No 41, Āyat 30)

Steadfastness is one of the highly coveted virtues in Islam. To have faith in the path is not enough. Nor is it enough to just start the trek. The real challenge is to go the entire way and reach the destination. That is the true test. Obstacles and disappointments along the path sometimes lead to an evaporation of enthusiasm. For some it can mean losing the will to continue. It is no wonder that steadfastness or ‘istiqāmah’ is the litmus test of the believer. How strong is the commitment to the path?

The above verse talks about the reverence of the angels for those who are steadfast. These people have the two necessary qualities all throughout their life: faith and good deeds. Tafsīr-e Namūneh says this verse encapsulates all that is beautiful about a believer – turning to the Lord with deep faith that colors all of life and brings forth determination to be firm on the path. Tafsīr Majma‘ al-Bayān  quotes from the Prophet sallal-lāhu ‘alayhi wa-ālihi wasallam about this verse: People say it but then most of them disbelieve. So, whoever says it until he dies, he is the one who is steadfast. Amirul Mu’minin Imam Ali ‘alayhis salām says: Action! action! Then look at the end; the end and remain steadfast; steadfast. (Nahjul Balāgha, Sermon 176)

The command to be steadfast was given to the Prophet in Sūrat al-Shūrā: Be steadfast, just as you have been commanded (Q 42:15). In Sūrat Hūd he was also told: So be steadfast, just as you have been commanded—you and whoever has turned to Allah with you (Q 11:112). Both these verses talk about the importance of being steadfast, but the Prophet said about the latter: Sūrat Hūd has aged me, referring to this verse. Scholars say he did not mention about Sūrat al-Shūrā, because here the command applied to him alone while in Sūrat Hūd the command applied to those who were with him also. That was heavy for him. He knew that his Ummah would find it difficult to be steadfast on the right path.

When we think of what we have been able to achieve in the month of Ramadan in terms of spirituality and closeness to Allah subhānahu wata‘ālā there is a feeling of happiness and gratitude to Allah for the chance. By the Grace of God, we have, during this month, embarked on a path towards Allah (swt). After the month, the challenge is to remain steadfast on it. How are we going to continue practices that we performed in the holy month, but which will now need some extra determination and perseverance to continue? How steadfast are we going to be? Imam Zaynul ‘Ābidīn (a) prays for that after he asks Allah for the tawfīq to practise noble habits in the month of Ramadan. he says: O Allah, make us like this in the other months and days as long as You give us life, and place us among Your righteous servants, those who shall inherit paradise, therein dwelling forever (Q 23:11) (Du‘ā 44, Sahīfa Sajjādiyya)

We need to identify practices that should continue in our lives after the holy month is over. These could include saying the daily prayers on time, reciting and pondering over the Quran, setting time aside for quiet and reflective worship, and reaching out to others. The month of Ramadan was a training ground for the habits that were formed. After the month is the time to put them into real practice. Let this verse remind you of the need to be steadfast after the holy month.

Being Steadfast in Allah’s Cause

عن سفيان بن عبد الله الثقفي ، قال :قلت : يا رسول الله قل لي في الإسلام قولاً ، لا أسال عنه أحداً بعدك – وفي حديث أبي أسامة : غيرك – قال : قل آمنت بالله ثم استقم

From Sufyan Ibn Abdullah Ats Tsaqafy, he said, ‘I asked once, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Please inform me about one word in Islam, which I wont have to ask to other beside you. The Messenger of Allah said, “Say: I believe in Allah. Then be steadfast.” (Narrated by Muslim)

Etymologically, steadfast means upward and straight. While in terminology, the past time scholars had different opinions regarding its definition. However, the difference was only in its wording, they weren’t opposing each other. In conclusion, being steadfast means to be right in the middle in all matters, in words and acts. Maintaining the soul so that it is always in decent condition, thus it wont appear bad, or fall into evil.

There are plenty of verses in the Qur’an which order us to be steadfast, among which is Allah’s decree, “Surely those who said: “Our Lord is Allah” and then remained steadfast shall have nothing to fear nor to grieve.” (Chapter 46:13). Also in chapter Fushshilat:6, 30-32; Hud:112; Al Jinn:16, Al An’am:153; ‘Ali Imran:101, etc.

As for the Hadith that commands us to be steadfast, it is the above hadith. Upon commenting this hadith, Imam Nawawy said that it is one of the hadith that become the foundation of Islam. In his book, “al Waafi”, DR. Mushthafa al-Buga mentioned, upon explaining about the hadith, about the importance of the steadfastness of the heart since it is the basis for the steadfastness itself. The steadfastness of heart in realizing the oneness of Allah is by fearing, hoping, relying, and worshipping Him alone, and abandoning anything aside from Him. Whenever the heart is steadfast in goodness, then other body parts will follow it as well, as said in the Messenger of Allah’s hadith,

ألا و أن في الجسد مضغة إذا صلحت صلح الجسد كله, و إذا فسدت فسد الجسد كله, ألا و هي القلب))

“Know that, there is blood clot (a lump of blood) in human body. If the blood clot is good therefore the whole body will be good, but if the blood clot is bad so is the whole body. The blood clot refers to the heart.” (Narrated by Bukhari and Muslim, from Abu ‘Abdillah An-Nu’man bin Basyiir).

The heart is the source of one’s goodness and evil. Whenever it is filled with obedience to Allah, then the person’s attitude will be full of goodness. In the contrary, if it is filled with evil desires and lust, the resulting attitude are evil and immoral.

This evilness and immorality may arise when a person’s heart is empty or lacking of remembering Allah (dhikr). Ibn Qoyyim al Jauziya said, “If a person’s heart is lacking of remembering Allah, satan will immediately enter it and persuade it to do bad thing. The swiftness of satan in entering this off guarded heart is even faster than the wind entering a room.”

Therefore, a believer’s heart should always be protected from the satan’s influence, i.e., by always be in obedience to Allah the Glorified and Exalted. This effort is what we call steadfastness.

Imam al-Qurthubi said, “A steadfast heart is a heart that is always be straight in its obedience to Allah, in its belief, words, as well as act.” Furthermore, he said, “A steadfast heart is the way to achieve success in the world, and salvation from the punishment in the Hereafter. A steadfast heart will draw its owner closer to goodness, his sustenance will be expanded and he will be drawn away from lust and evil desire. In the presence of a steadfast heart, the angels will come down to provide fortitude and security as well as tranquility from the fear of the torment of the grave. A steadfast heart will get someone’s deed to be accepted and erase the sin.”

There are many ways to have a steadfast heart. Among those are:

First, prioritizing the love of Allah over everything. It is not an easy fear and it needs a struggle, since in our daily life, we often find ourselves in the midst of the clash between the importance of Allah and its creation, be it the favor of our parents, teacher, friend, relative, etc.

If in fact we prioritize their importance, then it is a telling sign that we’ve not yet prioritized our love to Allah over everything.

Secondly, honor Allah’s command and prohibition. To honor Allah’s command and prohibition must be started from honoring and glorifying the issuer of those command and prohibition, i.e., Allah. Honoring Allah’s command is by maintaining the times of prayer, performing it devotedly, always keeping its obligatory parts and the its perfection, and performing it in congregation.

Thirdly, by always remember Allah, since that is the order of Allah and His messenger, as stated in a hadith qudsy, in which Allah declared, “Whoever remembers Me within him, I will remember him within Me. And whoever remembers Me among the crowd, I will remember Him among the better crowd than his.” (Narrated by Bukhari).

Fourthly, studying the stories of the bygone, righteous men. By this, it is hoped that we could take a lesson from them, about their patience in dealing with a difficult trial, their honesty, and their fortitude in keeping their faith, as in Allah’s decree, “Certainly in the stories of the bygone people there is a lesson for people of understanding. What is being narrated in the Qur’an is no fabrication; it is rather confirmation of the Books that preceded it, and a detailed exposition of everything, and a guidance and mercy for people of faith.” (Chapter 12:111).

Aside from the steadfastness of the heart, in the same book, Al Buga also wrote about the importance of the steadfastness of the tongue, as it is the revealer of the heart’s content. When the Messenger of Allah was asked about what was the thing that he feared the most of his followers, without speaking, he held his tongue. (Valid hadith, narrated by Turmudzi).

In his book, “Al Istiqamah” DR. Ahmad bin Yusuf al-Duraiwisy mentioned about some pillars or foundations to build steadfastness, among which are piety, firmness in holding to sunnah and jama’a, moderate stance between being extreme and underestimating, noble manners, and pious friend.

In his book titled “Haqiqatul iltizam”, Sheikh Abdullah bin Abdurrahman Al-Jibrien added some things to take heed of in order to preserve steadfastness, among which are:

• Make an effort to practice the sunnah with all his might, as in a hadith narrated by Abdullah bin Amru bin Al-Ash who said, The Messenger of Allah said, “What happened to the children of Israel will also happen to my followers, step by step, to the extent that if one of them come to his mother while being uncovered, it will also happen to my followers. Indeed, the children of Israel will split into 72 sects, and my followers will split into 73 sects, all of whom will be in Hell, except one. ‘ the companions asked, ‘Who are they, O Messenger of Allah?’. He replied, ‘Whoever imitate me and my companions.” (Narrated by At Turmudzi no. 2641, book of faith, chapter Iftiraqul ummah. This hadith has many supporting narrations, as in the beginning of the book “Asy Syari’ah” by Imam Al Ajurry).
• Beside it, a person who wants to be continuously steadfast should keep pursuing knowledge, so that he wont be trapped into performing a deed which is not prescribed in shari’a. Regarding this point, Imam Al Bukhari wrote a chapter in his book, titled, “al’ilmu qabla alqaul wa’lamal” (knowledge before saying and act).
• Also, he has to strive to avoid any evildoing or useless deed. Allah decreed, “These are the ones who, when they commit any indecency or wrong themselves, instantly remember Allah and implore forgiveness for their sins – for who will forgive sins save Allah? – and do not wilfully persist in the wrong they had committed.” (Chapter 3:135). The meaning of al-ishrar (continuing the wrong act) in this verse is, “A person commits a sin, then he underestimate it.” (See: Sya’bul iman Imam Al Baihaqi no 7154). From Abu Huraira, (he said that) the Messenger of Allah said, “One of indicators of islamic perfection (as a religion) in someone is leaving behind something that is not beneficial for him/her. (The hadith is categorized as hasan and narrated by At-Turmudzi)
  Sheikh Abu Mushab in his book, “al- Ilmam fi Asbaab Dho’ fi al-Iltizam” listed down several things that could weaken one’s steadfastness, among which are the lack of sincerity, the lack of religious knowledge and far from the scholars, the weakness in religion, the weakness in self-introspection, busy with his family, messiness, busy with other people’s flaw, not valuing time, hanging out with indecent friends, and the lack of enthusiasm and hope.

• Finally, let us always pray to Allah, to give us the steadfastness inside our hearts upon His religion, as the Messenger of Allah had shown to us, in a hadith narrated by Imam At Tirmidzi, in which he invoked Allah,

يا مقلب القلوب ثبت قلبي على دينك

When Umm Salama asked why did he recite the du’a too often, he responded, “O Umm Salam! Indeed, none of the descendants of Adam but his heart is between Allah’s fingers. If He wishes it to be steadfast, He’ll make it, and whoever He wishes to deviate, He is able to realize it. Then the Messenger of Allah recited the verse,

رَبَّنَا لَا تُزِغْ قُلُوبَنَا بَعْدَ إِذْ هَدَيْتَنَا وَهَبْ لَنَا مِن لَّدُنكَ رَحْمَةً إِنَّكَ أَنتَ الْوَهَّابُ

“They pray to Allah: “Our Lord! Do not let our hearts swerve towards crookedness after You have guided us to the Right Way, and bestow upon us Your Mercy for You are the Munificent Giver!” (Chapter 3:8)

Author: Umm Salma

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