By Sulyman Jimoh
A visiting Imam of Al-Ilal Crescent central mosque, Offa Road area, Ilorin, Utaz Adam Toyin Jamiu has charged Nigerians to be steadfast in deeds and worship describing it as key ingredient and necessary parameter to national development.
He stated this during a sermon on Friday on the theme, ‘Steadfastness (Al-Istiqaamah)’.
According to him, ‘Allah has promised those who are steadfast (in faith and worship) a great reward.
Quoting from the Glorious Qur’an and hadith of the Prophet, the Islamic cleric noted that โSurely, those who say: ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then become steadfast, on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.”
He described istiqaamah as the straightforward path (to Allah) without deviation neither to the right nor to the left in a way that one does not add or decrease, nor hard or lenient, forsake or be lazy in the observance of worship of Allah.
He said Islam places high premium on steadfastness and makes it the ultimate in observing worship adding that it is not surprising then that some of our predecessors used to say:
“It is better to have istiqaamah than to make a thousand karaamah (miracles). So, be upon steadfastness and don’t look up to miracles.
“A nation, whose citizens are blessed with steadfastness upon faith will be close to Allah and obtain stability, good character and security. If not it’s shall be weak, of bad manners and enveloped in anarchyโ, he noted.
He said steadfastness is so important in a Muslim’s life that the Prophet retorted when a man requested that he (the prophet) should tell him a word in Islam which he would not ask anyone else about it to say ‘I believe in Allah’ and be steadfast”.
He further noted that remembrance of Allah and the last day, will assist in the attainment of steadfastness and It is difficult to find who ever stand for Allah indulging in sins of abandoning his obligatory duties or performing what is prohibited.
He said constant engagement in prayers and fasting will prevents servants from engaging in prohibitions or abandoning the commandments and in the same vein, standing for night prayers helps in softening hardened mind and enhancing pure soul.
โAlso keeping the company of the righteous because Allaah has directed His Prophet thus: “And keep yourself patiently with those who call on their Lord morning and afternoon, seeking His face… Being in the company of the righteous helps in spiritual growth and development. It also enhances one’s ability to shun prohibited acts.
Jamiu said the ultimate benefit of al-istiqaamah is the attainment of Paradise and safety from Hell fire because Allah said “Verily, those who say: ‘our Lord is Allah (Alone)’ and then stand firm, on them the angels will descend (at the time of their death) (saying) fear not nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised. We have been your friends in the life of this world and are (so) in the Hereafter.
“Therein you shall have (all) that your inner selves desire, and therein you shall have (all) for which you ask. An entertainment from (Allah), the Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Fussilat, 41:30-32), he concluded.
