"And remain steadfast as you have been commanded, and those who have turned back with you [to Allah]. And do not transgress. Indeed, He is Seeing of what you do." (Hud: 112)
In this verse, Allah commands His servants to be steadfast in goodness and consistent in following His guidance. The previous verses describe how the Children of Israel did not adhere firmly to the Torah and had disagreements about it. As a result, some of them believed while others disbelieved. Therefore, to prevent a repetition of such a situation, verse 112 reminds the Prophet to consistently adhere to the Quran and its teachings.
We often hear or even say the word "istiqamah" (steadfastness), but many people still do not fully understand its meaning. If we relate it to the current condition, there are still many Muslims who are not consistent in practicing obedience to Allah. A factual example that we can see around us is regarding modest dressing. Sometimes a person will cover their 'awrah (intimate parts) only in certain situations, just to conform to the prevailing circumstances, but in other situations, they may deliberately expose their 'awrah, especially in the current era of advanced technology and an unsupportive environment. This makes it challenging to maintain steadfastness.
We often hear or even say the word "istiqamah" (steadfastness), but many people still do not fully understand its meaning. If we relate it to the current condition, there are still many Muslims who are not consistent in practicing obedience to Allah. A factual example that we can see around us is regarding modest dressing. Sometimes a person will cover their 'awrah (intimate parts) only in certain situations, just to conform to the prevailing circumstances, but in other situations, they may deliberately expose their 'awrah, especially in the current era of advanced technology and an unsupportive environment. This makes it challenging to maintain steadfastness.
The first factor often encountered is the lack of understanding among people regarding the obligation of covering the 'awrah as a duty for a Muslim, not just as a fashion choice to appear beautiful, elegant, or charming. It seems as if covering the 'awrah is merely an empty symbol of faith. Consequently, there is an image of someone who wears hijab but still engages in acts of immorality such as adultery, corruption, and others, which provides an opportunity for enemies of Islam to tarnish the beauty of Islam itself. Additionally, there are other opinions that suggest "covering the heart first before wearing the hijab." However, Islamic Sharia is inseparable from faith. As the meaning of faith known by Muslims, it is the conviction in the heart that is expressed through words and demonstrated through actions. Are we still confused?
The second factor is the unsupportive environment, whether at home or in society. Since steadfastness is a challenging matter, we cannot walk alone because our actions may clash with the desires of others that contradict our steadfastness. Therefore, the surrounding environment is a crucial factor in maintaining one's steadfastness.
Creating a supportive environment like this is not easy as it requires important parties to organize it, so that the life we live becomes harmonious, respectful, and supportive. However, if the authorities are unwilling to fulfill our expectations, we can at least try to create it ourselves by inviting people around us as a form of practicing the obligation of enjoining good and forbidding evil, and striving together in steadfastness on the path of truth.
Finally, the third factor is our intention. When we truly have a strong intention and determination, our limbs will no longer feel compelled to perform acts of obedience. We will spontaneously perform them without being commanded, and we will feel restless if we do not do them. However, we should not feel secure with our intentions; they need to be frequently self-evaluated and rectified to ensure they do not deviate from the initial purpose. The following hadith explains:
On the authority of Amir al-Mu'minin Abu Hafs 'Umar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say, "Actions are only by intentions, and every person will have only what they intended. So whoever migrated for the sake of Allah and His Messenger, then his migration was for Allah and His Messenger. And whoever migrated for worldly gain or to marry a woman, then his migration was for the sake of what he migrated for." (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
Scholars have included this hadith about intentions at the beginning of their discussions in various books. This is not done without purpose and intention; in fact, this hadith is included in 70 chapters of fiqh (jurisprudence) issues. Imam Shafi'i stated that this hadith constitutes one-third of knowledge, and even Imam Dawud categorized it as half of the religion. Abdullah bin Mubarok said, "Many great deeds become insignificant because of their intentions, and many trivial deeds become significant because of their intentions."
Intention plays a significant role in our daily activities because, although it is located at the beginning of each action we intend to perform, it also determines the ultimate goal of our lives.
In Islam, istiqamah means having a firm and unwavering stance. In the book "Riyad al-Salihin," it is explained that istiqamah means progressing, being straight, continuously improving, and not remaining stagnant. It should be better each day. If it remains the same as the previous day, then it falls into a category of loss, as mentioned in the following hadith:
"If today you are worse than yesterday, then you are among the wretched or disgraced. If you are the same as yesterday, then you are among the losers. But if you are better than yesterday, then you are among the fortunate." (Ibn Majah)
Indeed, those who remain steadfast on the path of Allah will have no fear and will not grieve. Allah says in Surah Al-Ahqaf, verses 13-14:
"Indeed, those who have said, 'Our Lord is Allah' and then remained on a right course - there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. Those are the companions of Paradise, abiding eternally therein as reward for what they used to do."
Furthermore, it is mentioned in a hadith, "Indeed, Allah loves a small deed done consistently."
And Allah knows best.
May we always remain steadfast on His path.
By: N@yla
Short Profile of the Author She is a 9th grade student studying at a boarding school in Bogor, Indonesia. While her peers are striving to keep up with trends in their world, she dares to make decisions for herself. She truly understands that life and all its blessings are entrusted to her and must be placed in their rightful positions, whether they are material or non-material. She prioritizes what her Lord desires.
May her writing inspire her peers to think with their sound minds about the consequences of their choices, so that they do not regret them later on.
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