Al Kawthar Academy | 'The Abundance of Good' We aim to preserve and promote the pure message and sublime values of Islam.
In a hadeeth reported by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal and others it is reported that Sufyan ibn Abdullah al Thaqafi رضى الله عنه said: ‘I said, “O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about Islam that I cannot ask anyone other than you.” He صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Say, ‘I believe in Allah and then remain steadfast.”’
To say ‘I believe in Allah‘ is easy, however to remain steadfast on this is a lifetime journey.
One of the reasons we fail to remain steadfast in deen is because we have high expectations. We expect immediate results and success and if these things do not happen we wither and lose interest.
We should not expect perfection in ourselves, nor in others; we should realise that we will not be successful all the time.
[This excerpt is based on a brothers’ majlis (gathering for spiritual training) held by Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh ul Haq on 7th February 1998].
JazakumAllah. I highly recommend every one to listen to Shaykh Abu Yusuf Riyadh’s lecture “How to achieve Steadfastness”. I personally feel this is one of the masterpieces of Shaykh Abu Riyadh. The more you listen, the more you learn. May Allah (SWT) give us all the wealth of steadfastness, in good times and bad times. Aameen.
Jazakumullahu khairan brother Abdul Baseer. That is very good advice indeed – a summary of that lecture is as follows: ‘A commonly asked question, “How is it possible for one to achieve steadfastness in religion.” Unfortunately, there is no quick fix or instant solution to the above question. However, Allah سبحانه و تعالى and His Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم have explicitly stated that the believers, who remain steadfast after expressing faith, have been promised immense rewards in this world and in the hereafter. Learn how one can maintain the energy, zeal and consistency in religion throughout one’s life.’
– available from the AKP store: http://www.alkawtharacademy.com/store/viewProduct.php?product=%20AKATG-MP3-0043
A related talk is available for free to download from our website – ‘Steadfastness in the Face of Adversity‘
– a summary of this talk is as follows: ‘It is far easier to begin something and to stop than it is to see it through to its end. Similarly in religion people worship Allah سبحانه و تعالى when they are in need or when they are happy but the moment a calamity was to befall them or their need is fulfilled, they become removed from the remembrance of Allah سبحانه و تعالى . Why has the Noble Prophet صلى الله عليه و سلم likened the believer to be like the sturdy palm tree and the hypocrite to be like a bushy tree?. The answer to this as well as some essential advice is contained therein.’
as-wr-wb – ‘Steadfastness in the Face of Adversity‘ I had this on tape but listened to it sooo often that it wore out !!! Just a short msg to say ‘THANK YOU’ for providing free downloads for some of Shaykhs talks, ws-wr-wb.
We need to look at those who are better than us when it comes to practising Islam instead of looking at those worse than us. Expecting ourself or anyone else to be perfect is of course not right as nobody is perfect but Allah Almighty.
Sadly what happens is that Muslims do believe in Allah but they forget Allah’s commands, which obviously does not work that well. One cannot be perfect but being a Muslim one needs to submit himself competely to Allah with mind, heart and soul so that he can get bliss in life hereafter not to mention in this life as well.
Jazak-Allah!