Introduction (cont.)

rɑ! He, or it, was, or became, right, direct, rightly directed, undeviating, straight, or even; and he, or it, stood right, or straight, or erect. He went right on, straight on, or undeviatingly . .. 4.i;.)..11 .,le. rɑ! he went on undeviatingly in the way. He went right; pursued a right course, acted rightly or justly ... 1 Furthermore, the meaning of the root word for istiqaamah implies something that is straight, allowing for no crookedness or swerving. In Surah Hud verse 1 12, the Quran juxtaposes istiqaamah with tughyaan (04Lb), tughyaan implies going beyond the proper bounds in any matter.2 The word istiqaamah is also derived from the stem qiyaam (rl:i). This stem implies continuance, guarding over something and constancy. It also implies checking into a situation, following up and making sure something is right and good. This is the usage of the related term in the verse of the Quran, T ,,,- "'1\ I;,. / J V- ' lt_;.."' ll ~ : t...> Ǣy'_JJ u . ! "Men are in charge (qawwaamoon) over women" (al-Nisaa 34). From this root, one understands that istiqaamah is not merely the practice of following the straight path. Beyond that, it implies the adhering and constant attachment to that straight path. One tries to cling to it and stay within its limits at all times, to the best of his ability.3 A number of definitions for the shareeah understanding of the word istiqaamah have been passed on from the early generations of Islam. For example, Abu Bakr was quoted as saying that it refers to not associating any partner with Allah. In another narration, he stated that it implies that a person does not turn to anyone other than Allah. Abu al-Aaliyah stated that it means that the person then makes his religion and deeds purely for the sake of Allah. Qataada stated that it means that a person remains continual in his obedience to Allah.4 These statements are different expressions of what istiqaamah entails. A good comprehensive definition of istiqaamah is given by ibn Uthaimeen, "lstiqaamah is for a person to affirm himself upon the law of Allah in the manner that Allah has ordered him, all being preceded by true sincerity and purity to Allah."5 Another good comprehensive definition of istiqaamah is given by ibn Rajah, who stated, Al-Istiqaamah is the following of the Straight Path, it is the straight and proper religion, without any turning to the right or 1 Lane, vol. 2, p. 2996. 2 lbn al-Qayyim, Madaarij, vol. 2, p. 1 04. 3 Cf., Salaah al-Tunoobi, "al-Istiqaamah wa al-Ihsaan min Makaarim al-Akhlaaq fl al-Islaam," Majallat al-Buhooth al-Islaamiyyah (No. 22, Rajab-Shawaal 1408 A.H.), pp. 289-290. 4 Quoted in ibn Rajah, Jaami, vol. 1 , p. 508. 5 lbn Uthaimeen, Sharh Riyaadh, vol. 2, p. 528. Hadith #21 : Say, "I believe in Allah and Remain Steadfast" left. It encompasses performing all of the acts of obedience, both the external and the internal of them. It similarly implies abandoning all of the forbidden acts. Therefore, [this advice from the Prophet (peace be upon him) to Sufyaan] is advice that encompasses all of the features of the religion. 1 Istiqaamah in the Quran In this hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) reiterated a message that is found in a number of places in the Quran. Indeed, he has reiterated a verse that was addressed specifically to him in more than one place in the Quran, but its message applies to all Muslims. Allah said to the Prophet, :;;; q, .... ,,. ,,,,. , ,.. ,., ண 0):;/; ஡ .. P1 I\ 8j ஢ ylj _;j ..:.i_;..il::s· 1;0ଥ .... G ... ,,, A / ,.. "Therefore, stand firm [on the straight path] as you are commanded and those who turn in repentance with you. And do not transgress [from that straight path], for He sees well all that you do" (Hood 1 12). Allah also said to the Prophet (peace be upon him), ... ... , ........ J ,., .. ,., ,,,,. 9;T:t t·- /; 8j ..:.i_;..t Lb F-{-"'.,\j ,ill ,. .... .... ... \.... ... ... "So unto this [religion] invite [the people]. Stand steadfast as you are commanded and do not follow their desires" (al-Shoora 1 5). In this verse, remaining steadfast to the path of Allah has been directly juxtaposed with following the desires of the People of the Book who strayed from the original teachings of their prophets. This implies that following a way other than what the Prophet (peace be upon him) brought is the very antithesis of the istiqaamah that is ordered in this verse. If someone truly seeks to fulfill the requirements of istiqaamah, he should turn to the Quran for the Quran has been revealed for that purpose. Allah says, ,,.. J ,.. .,. ., ,.._ : {- ... /. ut .. - -. · 1 '. . • ' .') oj\ л1 wt '"11 .T,.;..; ଜ mn §! ut wÙ ·lJ• .J- ,.. ,,  'S'  i...:> - ,.. : u ,,.. .,. J. "'111 J ... .,. .... ,,..