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.”
(Al-Qur’an 11:120)
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.”
(Al-Qur’an 21:68-70)
Ibn ‘Abbas (RadiyAllahu Anhu) said:
“The last thing Ibraheem (a.s.) said when he was thrown in the fire was, ‘Allah is Sufficient for me and He is the Best Disposer of affair'”
[Al-Fath, 8/22]
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 (a.s.) (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.'”
(Al-Qur’an 26:61-62)
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.”
(Al-Qur’an 20:71 – interpretation of the meaning)
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.”
(Al-Qur’an 20:72 – interpretation of the meaning.)
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.”
[Reported by Imam Ahmad from Ibn ‘Umar; see Sahih Muslim bi Sharh an-Nawawi, 16/204]
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.”
[Reported by at-Tirmidhi from ‘Anas. Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi, 6/349; Sahih al-Jami’, 7864]