Staying Steadfast in Turbulent Times

Steadfastness in faith has been mentioned on more than one occasion in
the Noble Quran and the Sunnah (Prophetic tradition). Allaah The
Exalted, enjoined the Muslims to be upright in their religion,
praising the steadfast people and promising them generous rewards.
For instance, Allaah The Exalted Says (what means): {So remain ona
right course as you have been commanded, [you] and those who have
turned back with you [to Allaah], and do not transgress. Indeed, He is
Seeing of what you do.} [Quran 11:112]
Allaah The Exalted also Says (what means): {Indeed, those who have
said: "Our Lord is Allaah" and then remained on a right course – the
angels will descend upon them, [saying], "Donot fear and do not grieve
but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.} [Quran
41:30]
In addition, Sufyaan ibn 'Abdullaah once asked the Prophet to tell him
some concise words about Islam so that he would not need to ask anyone
else. The Prophet said: "Say, 'I believe in Allaah and then hold on
firmly to the straight path.'"
The Prophet said: "(Try to) keep to the straight path although you
will not be able to do so completely; and know that the best of your
deeds is prayer, and only a (true) believer maintains his ablution."
The meaning of uprightness:
Being upright in religion means adopting a moderate approach inshowing
obedience to Allaah The Almighty, abiding by His Sharee'ah (Islamic
law) and remaining on the right path regarding His Oneness. Hence,
being upright in religion means adhering to the orders of Allaah The
Almighty in terms of His Oneness, devoting all acts of worship
sincerely to Him only, as well as observing refined manners and the
Islamic moral code in one's relationships with other people and in all
one's deeds.
Uprightness is the path to salvation:
Scholars clarified that being upright in religion means being
straightness; the Arabic word 'Mustaqeem' means straight, without any
curves. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And, [moreover], this
is My path, which is straight, so follow it; and do not follow [other]
ways, for you will be separated from Hisway.} [Quran 6:153]
Uprightness and the allies of Allaah The Almighty:
Prominent scholars defined uprightness differently, yet all
thedefinitions share the same meaning:
1- When Abu Bakr was asked about uprightness, he answered,"It means
not to associate partners with Allaah."
2- 'Umar defined it as follows,"To be upright in following the orders
of Allaah The Exalted and avoiding the prohibitions and notto elude
others like a fox."
3- 'Uthmaan said in this regard, "Uprightness means devotion to
Allaah; offering all acts of worship with full sincerityto Allaah."
4- 'Ali defined uprightness as follows, "It means carrying out the
obligatory acts of worship".
5- Al-Hasan Al-Basri said, "Upright people are those who adhere to the
commands of Allaah The Exalted, follow His straight path, obey Him and
shundisobedience."
6- jMuaahid said, "Upright people are those who adhere to the
testimony that none is truly worthy of worship but Allaah until they
die."
7- Ibn Zayd and Qataadah both, said, "Uprightness means adhering to
obedience of Allah The Exalted."
8- Sufyaan Ath-Thawri said that the upright person is the one whose
deeds are in accordance with his words.
9- Ar-Rabee' ibn Khuthaym said, "Uprightness means turningaway from
everything and everyone but Allaah The Exalted."
10- Al-Fudhayl ibn 'Iyaadh said, "Uprightness is disinterest in the
mortal life, while seeking the immortal one."
11- Ibn Taymiyyah said,"Uprightness means to hold fast to loving
Allaah The Exalted and fulfilling the meaning of servitude to Him
without turning away from Him."
12- Imaam Al-Harawi said,"Striving hard in following the commands of
Allaah moderately."
The fruits of uprightness:
1. Happiness in this life.
2. The descent of the angels of mercy on upright people.
3. The angels of mercy would bring them glad tidings in their graves
that they will be granted firmness.
4. At the time of Resurrection.
5. Entering Paradise, the abode ofdignity that will last forever;
Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {No fatigue will touch them
therein, nor from it will they [ever] be removed.} [Quran15:48]