ALLAH GRANTS STEADFASTNESS TO THOSE WHO ARE TRUTHFUL AND SINCERE

ALLAH GRANTS STEADFASTNESS TO THOSE WHO ARE TRUTHFUL AND SINCERE

Ibn Qayyim aj-Jawzeeyah (d.751 A.H.) -Rahimullaah- said:

Istiqaamah is a comprehensive word, its meaning embodies the Deen. And it is to stand in front of Allah with honesty and adhering to the reality of truth, and fulfilling Allah’s covenant.

Istiqaamah is linked to sayings, actions, situations and intentions, so to possess Istiqaamah in these matters means that they are done for Allah and for the sake of Allah and upon the command of Allah.

[Taken from: ‘Madarij as-Salikeen’ vol 2 p.103]

In a hadith “A Bedouin came to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam, accepted Islam and said: ‘I wish to migrate (to Madeenah)’. So the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam asked some of his companions to take care of him. Then after a battle, the Muslims had gained some booty so the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam divided it and gave the Bedouin’s share to some of his companions to look after, as the Bedouin was still at the rearguard. When the Bedouin returned, they gave him his share, so he asked them: ‘What is this?’ they replied: ‘It is your share from the booty which the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam gave us to hold on to for you.’ So the Bedouin took the booty and went to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam and asked: ‘What is this?’ The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam replied: “Your share of the booty.”The Bedouin said: ‘This is not why I believe in you and follow you; rather, I follow you so that I can get shot by an arrow right here, (and then he pointed to his throat) then die and enter Paradise.’ The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “If you are sincere then Allah will grant you your wish.” After a short while, fighting resumed and the Bedouins body was brought to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam with an arrow in his throat at exactly the spot where he had pointed to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam. Thereupon The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said: “He was sincere so Allah granted him his wish.” Then using his own garment, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam shrouded the Bedouin, prayed the funeral prayer over him and was heard by his companions to say during the prayer: “O Allah! This is Your slave who migrated for Your sake and was killed as a martyr – and I testify to this”.