Hadith #9003

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

لامَسْلَكَ أسْلَمُ مِنَ الاِسْتِقامَةِ۔

This can be translated as,

There is no course more secure than steadfastness.

Let us delve into the deeper meaning of this thought-provoking saying in light of the Quran. The word (aslamu) "أسْلَمُ" in this Hadith refers to a course or path that one takes in life. It signifies the way in which a person conducts themselves and the choices they make. The word (istiqamah) "اِسْتِقامَةِ" means steadfastness or uprightness. It refers to the state of being firm and unwavering in one's beliefs, actions, and adherence to the teachings of Islam.

The Quran emphasizes the importance of steadfastness in numerous verses. For example, in Surah Al-Imran (3:200), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, be patient and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

This verse encourages Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith, to be patient in the face of challenges, and to fear Allah in all their actions. It highlights the significance of steadfastness as a means to attain success.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-A'raf (7:170), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

And when they entered upon David and he was alarmed by them? They said, 'Fear not. [We are] two adversaries, one of whom has wronged the other, so judge between us with truth and do not exceed [it] and guide us to the sound path.'

This verse highlights the importance of seeking guidance from Allah and following the sound path, which is the path of righteousness and steadfastness.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith emphasizes the unparalleled security and safety that lies in steadfastness. When one remains firm in their beliefs and actions, they are shielded from the pitfalls and temptations that may lead them astray. Steadfastness acts as a guiding light, keeping Muslims on the right path and ensuring their success in this life and the hereafter.

To illustrate the significance of steadfastness, let us consider an example. Imagine a Muslim who is faced with various challenges and temptations in their daily life. They may encounter situations that test their faith, such as peer pressure to engage in sinful activities or societal norms that contradict Islamic teachings. However, if this individual remains steadfast in their beliefs and adheres to the teachings of Islam, they will be able to navigate through these challenges with strength and resilience. Their unwavering commitment to their faith will protect them from straying off the righteous path and guide them towards success.

The consequences of steadfastness are far-reaching. Not only does it safeguard individuals from falling into sin, but it also serves as a source of inspiration for others. When Muslims witness the unwavering commitment of their fellow believers, it strengthens their own faith and motivates them to remain steadfast in their own journey. Steadfastness creates a ripple effect within the Muslim community, fostering an environment of resilience, unity, and spiritual growth.

Reflecting on Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement, we are reminded of the importance of steadfastness in our lives as Muslims. It serves as a compass, guiding us towards the path of righteousness and protecting us from the pitfalls of this world. By remaining firm in our beliefs and actions, we can navigate through the challenges of life with strength and resilience. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the ability to embody steadfastness and may He bless us with success in this life and the hereafter.