This study by Dr. Abdullah Al-Zubayr Abdul Rahman, Secretary General of the Islamic Fiqh (Jurisprudence) Academy, is dedicated to those stationed on the frontiers of the Muslim nation fighting against its enemies in order to preserve its identity, territory, honor and dignity.
It comes in the wake of the demise of Dr. Mohamed Morsi, Egypt’s first elected president, six years after detention, where the martyr president maintained patience, perseverance and steadfastness. This study also comes as a brief message to all righteous advocates that enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong – to stay patient, perseverant and steadfast on the right path with the aim of only pleasing Allah Almighty.
Perseverance required by faith
Perseverance and steadfastness on the right and principles is a key attribute and characteristic of the believers as well as one of the requirements of good faith. It is a target that can only be realized and achieved by a believer who has long experienced resisting vice and dedicated himself to charity and obedience of Allah.
Areas of Perseverance
First: Maintain perseverance on principles
When Quraish was unable to dissuade our Prophet Mohammad from delivering his call by intimidating and abusing him and his companions, they resorted to his uncle Abu Talib and set an ultimatum for him to stop his nephew alleging that he “defames their fathers, belittles their gods and ridiculing our minds”, otherwise, they would confront him and the Prophet on a battlefield until one of the two parties perished. Upon this, Abu Talib called Prophet Mohamed and informed him of what the people had said. He said to him, “O son of my brother, your people have come to me saying such and such – describing what they said to him – so spare me and yourself, and do not put on me a burden greater than I can bear.”
Although he realized that his uncle could let him down and stop supporting him, Prophet Mohammed with perseverance and steadfastness told his uncle that he would not exchange his message of Islam with the possession of the whole universe. "O my uncle! by Allah if they put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left on condition that I abandon this course, until Allah has made me victorious, or I perish therein, I would not abandon it." This led Abu Talib to immediately reverse his attitude and decide to go along with the Prophet to the end. This was evident from the statement he made to the prophet in response. He called him and said, "Come back, my nephew," and when he came back, he said, "Go and preach what you please, for by Allah I will never forsake you."
Second: Stay steadfast despite affliction and harm:
So many of those who have chosen to be engaged in calling for Allah and delivering the message of Islam was subjected to tests, either through temptation or through affliction. Whoever chooses to be an advocate of the right path is subjected to humiliation and persecution in case he succeeds to resist temptation. However, the perseverance and determination of the strong-willed advocates help them succeed in maintaining their path to the end. “The people most severely tested are the Prophets, then the righteous, then the next best and the next best. A man will be tested in accordance with the degree of his religious commitment; the stronger his religious commitment is, the stronger his test will be.” Allah Almighty says in Surat Ankabut: “Do people imagine that they will be left (at ease) because they say, We believe, and will not be tested with affliction?”
Third: Maintain perseverance at times of tribulation:
Allah Almighty has created life and death to test the mankind. He says in Surat al-Mulk “He who created death and life to test you (as to) which of you is best in deed - and He is the Exalted in Might, the Forgiving”. However, Allah Almighty helps the believers forbear hardships and tribulation.
Things that help you stay steadfast
Support for Allah
Whoever wants to establish his life on perseverance and steadfastness, he has to support Allah in His religion, His Shari’a, and the Sunnah (tradition) of His Prophet. Allah Almighty says in Surat Mohammed “O you who have believed, if you support Allah , He will support you and plant firmly your feet.”
Believing that Allah does nothing but the good for you
The people who maintain perseverance firmly believe that all that Allah Almighty does is good for them, nothing but good; and accordingly everything that happens to them or affects him is for their good - whether the wisdom behind this was clear or unclear, for evil is never attributed to the acts of Allah.
Always believe in Allah’s support
It is necessary for the believer to be absolutely certain that God is with him, supports him and defends him. Allah Almighty says. “Indeed, Allah defends those who have believed. Indeed, Allah does not like everyone treacherous and ungrateful.”
To remember and mention Allah’s name a lot
Allah Almighty advised the believers to remember and mention Allah’s name a lot, saying in Surat AL-Anfal: “O you who believe! When you meet (an enemy) force, take a firm stand against them and remember the Name of Allah much (both with tongue and mind), so that you may be successful.”
Observing sanctity of Islamic rituals
One of the aids to perseverance at the time of hardship, scourge, strife and tribulation is to observe the sanctity of Allah’s rites, and to show commitment to the ethics and teachings of Islam. Allah Almighty says in Surat al-Haj: “This is the fact of the matter: (so understand it well.) And whoso observe the sanctity of what have been ordained as Symbols of Allah, do so because of the piety of the hearts.”
Dua (invocation)
Prophet (Peace be upon him) used to perform Dua (supplication to Allah) a lot, to help him stay perseverant and steadfast. Also, a good Muslim must stay steadfast in front of hardships, scourges and strives and tribulations.
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