The success of a person is defined by some important factors like will, effort, time management, regulation, availing right opportunity etc. No doubt an individual`s level of attempt is a key thing, but sometimes one has to regulate its schedule according to the requirements of task as well. Without the much needed order in one`s life, it cannot achieve its targets most of the times, e.g. in order to pass the exams with flying colors, a student needs to manage its time effectively to give proper time to preparation of each subject with regular revision. Same way, to be successful in Islamic responsibilities, one has to remain upright throughout its life. The Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) also emphasized on the importance of staying well-organized during our religious actions. Sufyan bin Abdullah (RadhiAllahu Anhu) narrates that he once asked Rasulullah (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam):
“O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about Islam which I can ask of no one but you.” He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Say: ‘I believe in Allah’, and then be Steadfast”.[Muslim]
This Hadith first shows the importance of the Prophet`s (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) great standing in solving queries of people, whom they could not get answers about by anyone else. Second, it tells about the combination of proclaiming faith in Allah and remaining persistent on this conviction through one`s deeds.
Combining Belief And Action:
The religion of peace, Islam requires a lot more than just stating that one has complete devotion to its teachings. As “Actions speak louder than words”, similarly, one needs to execute all the instructions of the Almighty accordingly. Allah SWT indicates about the value of perseverance on one`s religious convictions in the Holy Quran as:
believe in allah
Indeed, those who have said, “Our Lord is Allah” and then remained on a right course – the angels will descend upon them, [saying], “Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised. (Quran, 41: 30)
This Ayah shows the significance of considering Allah as Lord, and steadfastness on Islamic duties as the deciding factor for a Muslims’ success in the hereafter. First of all, one has to have “Aqeedah” (belief) in the Creator of the universe as the Solitary One Who is worth worshipping, and avoid from committing Shirk (considering someone else as Allah`s partner). This fulfills the foremost measure of one`s Iman (devotion). Then, it contains performing the said “Ibadat” in the most rightful manner and as instructed by the Messenger of Allah (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), e.g. carrying out Salah with the same order of Rakats and format as proved by the Sunnah of Rasulullah (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), reciting Quran daily to learn about various life matters and gaining the Almighty`s guidance through it. All these matters relate to common principle, and that completing Islamic actions with discipline, which leads to equitable accomplishment of religious responsibilities. Anas bin Malik describes the Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) saying as:
“The belief of a servant will not be steadfast, until his heart becomes steadfast, and his heart will not become steadfast until his tongue becomes steadfast.” [Imam Ahmad]
Relationship Between Resoluteness And Seeking Forgiveness:
Although it is the utmost duty of a true Muslim to act strictly upon the instructions which are made compulsory and refrain from those activities which are forbidden, but sometimes, a person loses its momentum and falls for satanic whispers. In that case, one needs to ask the Most Merciful for pardon over sins, and also request Him to grant determination in carrying out religious and other moral obligations. This topic has been discussed on numerous occasions in the Holy Quran.
21 hadith
Say, O [Muhammad], “I am only a man like you to whom it has been revealed that your god is but one God; so take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness.” And woe to those who associate others with Allah. (Quran, 41: 6)
The above stated verse depicts the significance of Istighfaar (looking for forgiveness) to Allah SWT, Who is the Most Gracious One, and never rejects His servant`s plea. So, if we somehow are not be able to keep up with the required level of attention and dedication to our faith and conviction, we should take help from seeking Allah`s mercy and pray for attaining and remaining on the right path.
Opposing Societal Norms and Cultures:
The downfall of all the nations in the past has been more or less because of their own civil and communal inventions and abstaining from their prophets` teachings. Talking about present, the collapse of us Muslims in this day and age is also linked with our negligence towards Islamic morals, and adoption of the customs from the West. The kinds of traditions and cultural practices which are irrelevant to Islamic faith and result in its weakness and forgetfulness of the Almighty must be rejected to be able to remain firm on our sacred philosophies and principles.
Offering Salah, being Patience And Reciting Holy Quran:
The most important ways of gaining diligence in adhering to the Islamic ideologies are to perform Namaz, have Taqwa (piety and patience) and seek wisdom through Quran Reading. Salah is ranked second among the five essential constituents of Islam, following Aqeedah (faith). It brings one closer to the King of kings, and imparts resoluteness as it contains the recitation of Surah Fatiha which involves the request for gaining and staying on the right pat. Lack of complaining while going through rough times is another way of pleasing the Almighty Lord, Who has repeatedly mentioned in the Holy Quran His likeness for the patient ones.
i believe in allah
“And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].” (Quran, 2: 45)
It means that one can seek Allah`s Help in perseverance to religious and other duties by praying to Him, and remaining serene bearing all the pains and miseries of life.
Quran Learning and understanding also greatly affects the mind and soul of a Muslim. It purifies one`s heart, instills calmness and increases the belief in Allah. It serves as a guiding principle with its inspirational verses. It also answers many of the questions in one`s mind, which ultimately results in steadfastness on one`s religious convictions.
So, to conclude, we can say that one must always have complete coherence between what it says and what it does. The belief in Allah’s presence and His Greatness must also be accompanied with commitment to all His directions and guidelines, which can be achieved through constant practicing of religious duties. May the Almighty Allah give us all will and desire to have a balance between our conviction and our actions.
Aameen!