Islamic Religious Council of Singapore

Friday Sermon

10 Jul 2020 / 18 Zulkaedah 1441H

The Beauty of Steadfastness

Blessed Friday congregation,

Let us increase our consciousness of Allah s.w.t by performing His commands and abstaining from His prohibitions. May Allah s.w.t. grant us hearts that are steadfast in obedience to Him.

Last week, we have been reminded of the spirit of helping one another. Such virtue must be observed as it may nurture other qualities along the way, such as steadfastness.

What is steadfastness or istiqamah? Istiqamah is to perform an act of goodness or a virtuous deed consistently.

Allah s.w.t. mentioned in the Quran the advantage of those who are steadfast in their faith and put their full trust in Him. Observe the words of Allah in Surah Fussilat verse 30:

Which means: “Surely, those who have declared: “Our Lord is Allah”, then remained steadfast, on them the angels will descend, saying, “Do not fear, and do not grieve; and be happy with the good news of Paradise that you had been promised.”

Imam al-Razi divided the meaning of steadfastness into two parts. Firstly, steadfastness in our faith. As a believer, although we are tested with various trials and tribulations, we are certain that every difficulty comes with ease. We are aware that the pandemic has left a deep impact on the economy and our lives. Yet, we strive to find solutions and benefit from every opportunity that arises. We have even tried to upgrade ourselves to ensure we remain relevant for our future and our families. At the same time, we continue to nurture our faith in God to always grant us assistance and show us a way out.

Secondly, steadfastness in performing acts of worship. This test has taught us to remain consistent in performing our acts of worship. We performed acts of worship with our families at home throughout the month of Ramadan, despite not being able to visit the mosque. We have also witnessed more individuals and members of the community who came forward to lend their support and assistance to those in need. This test has not, by any means, stopped us from doing good. In fact, it has fuelled our spirit to remain steadfast in doing good for the sake of getting closer to Allah s.w.t. Let us continue to perform all forms of goodness together, no matter how small, as deeds that are continuous are deemed the best and most beloved to Allah s.w.t. Let us ponder upon the hadith by our Prophet s.a.w. which means: “Deeds that are most beloved to Allah s.w.t. are those which are continuous even if they are few.” (Hadith narrated by Imam al-Bukhari)

Dear brothers,

As long as we are steadfast and strive our best to face this test with taqwa, Allah s.w.t. will open the doors of mercy, assistance and solution for us. Allah s.w.t. mentioned in Surah at-Talaq verse 3:

Which means: “…Whoever fears Allah (by performing His commands and abstaining from His prohibitions), He brings forth a way out for him.”

May Allah s.w.t. keep us grounded in faith and grant us the strength to be steadfast in doing good deeds. Amin ya Rabbal ‘alamin.