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The defining aspect of Istiqamah is that its foundation is an active and engaged commitment to one’s faith.
By SALEEMAH JAFFER
AS we approach the last few days of Ramadan, we may experience a mix of feelings: gratitude to Allah ta’ala for the opportunity to have witnessed another Ramadan, excitement about the upcoming Eid celebrations, sadness to see the final days of this blessed month slip away, and anxiety about maintaining the momentum, and to keep up with our good deeds after the new moon is sighted.
Istiqamah is often translated as steadfastness, or uprightness. In some contexts, it may also include consistency and continuous improvement. The defining aspect of Istiqamah, however, is that its foundation is an active and engaged commitment to one’s faith. Our teachers say Istiqamah is a Karamah, a miracle, because it’s something often taken for granted. In reality, it can be challenging to be steadfast and consistent.
As we move towards the post-Ramadan blues and feeling of withdrawal, the concept of Istiqamah is a reminder for us that even though the blessed month of Ramadan has passed, the Lord of Ramadan, our Loving Lord, is with us. To help us maintain our momentum, we are reminded of a narration via Abu Huraira (RA) who reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW), said, ‘Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.’ (Sunan Ibn Majah).
Istiqamah and Mustaqeem share a root word, Qama, meaning to stand upright. The word Mustaqeem is one we are all familiar with, as it is found in Surah Fatiha – Sirat al Mustaqeem – which we commonly understand to mean ‘the Straight path’. Verse 6 of Surah Fatiha may be translated as: ‘Guide us along the Straight Path’. We recite this dua a minimum of 17 times every day – in our fard salaah, asking Allah to guide us all onto the Sirat al Mustaqeem. The Sirat al Mustaqeem is the Path to Allah, of Allah; and RasulAllah (SAW) is the guide on this path. When we consider Istiqamah, it means steadfastness and patience on this path to Allah ta’ala.
In his Tazkiyyah Talk series, Shaykh Muhammad Al-Ninowy explains there are three levels of Istiqamah.
The beginner level of Istiqamah is the Istiqamah of deeds or actions. This is Istiqamah based on Wasatiyyah (moderation). Moderation is the sunnah. Start with being consistent in the fara’id and perfect this and build from there. Focusing on mastering the basics develops a strong foundation to continue building on. This approach encourages small consistent deeds, with gradual improvements. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, ‘The deeds most loved by Allah (are those) done regularly, even if they are small.’ (Sahih al-Bukhari).
The intermediate level is the Istiqamah of haal (spiritual state). This builds on from the previous level, where if your deeds and actions are good, you will improve your spiritual state. Ayah 19 of Surah Alaq may be translated as ‘Prostrate (do sujud) and draw near to Him (Allah ta’ala)’. The sujud is the action or deed that allows one to gain closeness to Allah ta’ala. One experiences the reality that the purpose and consequence of a sincere act of sujud is not the sujud in and of itself. The purpose of the sujud is to gain closeness to Allah ta’ala. In this intermediate level of Istiqamah, one realises one’s actions are not the reason for one’s spiritual state. Rather, it is a gift from Allah ta’ala, who facilitated for one to attain a state of closeness to Him. In this level, one witnesses Allah ta’ala’s infinite generosity and compassion towards His creation, despite our faults and unworthiness. One moves from seeing the acts of worship to only focusing on the One who is worshipped.
The highest and most advanced level of Istiqamah is when one no longer sees Istiqamah, as one is no longer focused on the path. One is fully in the presence of Allah ta’ala, in awe of Him, enveloped in His Lutf, and immersed in His Majesty.
I recently came across a model called ‘the power of tiny gains’ or ‘the aggregation of marginal gains’. These terms were coined by James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits.
He explains: ‘Improving by one percent isn’t particularly notable – sometimes it isn’t even noticeable – but it can be far more meaningful, especially in the long run. The difference a tiny improvement can make over time is astounding. Here’s how the math works out: if you can get one percent better each day for one year, you’ll end up thirty-seven times better by the time you’re done. Conversely, if you get one percent worse each day for one year, you’ll decline nearly down to zero. What starts as a small win, or a minor setback, accumulates into something much more.”
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This mathematical model shows us the power of Istiqamah – where small consistent deeds, and small improvements, have a compounding positive effect. Our Messenger (SAW) showed us the most beautiful path and, gave us a perfect step-by-step guide on how to navigate any challenges we may face.
As we approach the end of Ramadan, let us commit to adopting some of the good habits we developed in this blessed month. Let us make the intention to practice small consistent deeds, so that we may attain the pleasure of our All-Loving Creator, Subhanahu wa ta’ala.
Saleemah Jaffer is a PhD student, and she coordinates Women’s Spiritual Development Programmes for Madina Institute.
- This article was first published in the March 21, 2025 edition of Muslim Views under Saleemah Jaffer’s monthly column, ‘THE ROAD WELL TRAVELLED – exploring issues of social responsibility, spirituality and agency’.
