What causes us stress? It may be a task before us, a responsibility we must fulfil, or a challenge we are trying to overcome.

What concerns you so deeply that it could cause your hair to turn grey? Perhaps it is the wellbeing of your parents, the future of your children, or your financial security and stability.

The Prophet (peace. be upon him) was in fact, asked this same question: "What caused your hair to turn grey?"  His response was connected to the verse:

“So remain steadfast as you have been commanded, and those who have turned in repentance with you, and do not transgress. Indeed, He is Seeing of what you do.” (Hud 11:112)

Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said regarding this verse 

ما نزلت على رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم في جميع القرآن آية كانت أشد ولا أشق عليه من هذه الآية

 “No verse was revealed to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) in the entire Qur’an that was more severe or more difficult upon him than this verse.”

Because of this, when the companions said to him, “Grey hair has come to you quickly!”* he replied: “Surah Hud and its sister chapters have turned my hair grey.”

This shows the immense weight and importance of istiqāmah (steadfastness) upon faith and obedience. It is not merely about believing, but about remaining firm upon that belief through consistent action, discipline, and sincerity.

Steadfastness requires constant self-accountability, rigorous checks and balances, and honest introspection about where we truly stand before Allah today. It demands that we examine our worship, our character, our intentions, and our commitment to the path of truth.

While we often worry about worldly matters, our families, our futures, and our finances, the greatest concern should be our standing with Allah and whether we are remaining steadfast upon His guidance. 

🔴📽️ Join us LIVE on reflection at our Live Quran Reflection Workshop:
Date and time:  🗓 Saturday 16 May 2026  ⏰ 3:30 PM (UK)
🔗 Link to join: http://QuranReflect.com/zoom
#reflectionRetreat   

Mashallah .pls can you inform us a few days before the next quran meeting jaskallah hu khairan

Bismillah

Ramadan taught me that growth comes from consistency, not intensity. Instead of rigid routines, I’ll focus on flexible, renewing goals that keep me connected to Allah.

'So be steadfast as you have been commanded...' (Quran 11:112)

Quran Recitation & Tajweed
Small, daily recitation keeps the Quran alive in our heart. I will recite at least half a page daily and revise Juzz Amma, moving forward and backward for better retention. Improving my Tajweed will be a priority, using the Arabic101 website, Learner’s Handbook of Tajweed by Islam Ferry, and the Usmani script for better accuracy.

In-Depth Surah Study
Passive listening isn’t enough—understanding leads to action. I will study Nouman Ali Khan’s tafsir alongside my recitation, taking notes and extracting reflection points to deepen my comprehension. Instead of over-consuming content, I will focus on quality over quantity, limiting unnecessary YouTube noise and ensuring I apply what I learn.

Names of Allah
Knowing and understanding Allah’s Names strengthens faith. I will memorize the 99 Names in the nasheed order for easier retention, using In the Company of God by Salman Al-Oadah as my primary study resource. Reflecting on one Name each week and incorporating it into my duas will help me internalize its meaning in my daily life.

Seerah Study
The Seerah provides valuable lessons for our personal struggles. I will resume from the Battle of Khandaq in Yasir Qadhi’s book, reading one chapter per week and applying at least one key lesson per month. Studying the Prophet’s life is not just about knowledge but about implementing his Sunnah in my daily actions.

Tahajjud & Duas
Tahajjud is the key to the closeness of Allah swt. I will pray Tahajjud at least twice a week, reciting Juzz Amma surahs during my night prayers. Memorizing new duas will be part of my routine, using the Dua & Dhikr app to structure my supplications. To ensure I retain what I learn, I will print and pin important duas as reminders.

Protecting My Heart & Speech
What we consume and say affects our spiritual state. Instead of mindless scrolling, I will fill my time with dhikr. I will also be more mindful of my speech, pausing before speaking to ensure I avoid negativity. To refine my character, I will read A Handbook of Spiritual Medicine by Ibn Daud, working on areas where I need spiritual improvement. Limiting excessive YouTube consumption will help me focus on implementing, rather than just absorbing, knowledge.

Ramadan is a launchpad, not the finish line. Small, consistent efforts—renewed with sincerity—will keep us moving closer to Allah, long after this blessed month ends.

Ya Allah, make Ramadan a witness for us, not against us. Allow us to witness it for many more years in good health, well-being, and obedience to You. Do not let us be among those who forget You after Ramadan, but make us among Your servants who remain steadfast in faith at all times. Ameen

There are so many verses of al-Quran where Allah mentions the concept of al-istiqamah. Istiqamah means steadfastness and Allah categorizes steadfastness as a trait that empowers us to reach the glad tidings of angels. It is also something that the Prophet (pbuh) was commanded with alongside submitting to Allah and not following the desires of the people. 

We also find in Imam Nawawi's 40 Hadith the concept of Istiqamah. On the authority of Abu Amr who said: I said: 'O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, tell me something about Islam which I could not ask anyone about it except you'. He ﷺ answered: 'Say: I believe in Allah and then stand firm and steadfast.'

Abu Bakr (ra) said that al-istiqamah was to not associate anything with Allah. Umar (ra) said it was to stay steadfast upon commands and prohibitions. Uthman (ra) said it was to make your actions pure and solely for Allah. Ali (ra) said it was to perform the obligatory worship. 

If we apply these four takes of al-istiqamah, we find ourselves closer to total submission to Allah and a step closer to completing our Islam. The one who achieves al-istiqamah is the one who will not grieve nor be in fear, rather he will be in total and absolute submission and satisfaction with his Lord. The angels will give him the glad tidings of Paradise, and he will reside there, and he will be satisfied. 

While the topic of al-istiqamah is enough to fill series and lectures with, it is important to mention that one achieves steadfastness by not racing for the material of this life. The one who is steadfast understands the fleeting nature of this earth, and understands the lasting nature of Allah. The one who is steadfast understands the temporary illusions of this world, and understands the permanent grandeur of Allah t'ala. 

Ibn Al-Qayyim states that there are five conditions to achieve al-istiqamah, which are: 
1) Performing an act for the sake of Allah, with sincerity (ikhlaas) 
2) Doing it with the basis of 'ilm (knowledge) 
3) Ibadah should be performed in the same manner it has been commanded in 
4) Perform the act in the best way possible 
5) Restrict yourself to what is lawful when performing these deeds 
(taken from Dr. Jamal Ahmad Badi's commentary) 

We ask Allah to allow us to achieve steadfastness in this life and to allow us to be in the company of those who achieved it in Paradise. We ask Allah for the glad tidings of the angels, and for the sweetness of our faith to be realized. We ask Allah to guide us to the straight path, to allow us to remain steadfast, and for us to be guided back whenever we err. May Allah's blessings be upon our Beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and may we be with him and drink from his hands in Paradise.

Ameen. JAK for this educational post. I better understand the meaning of the word Istiqamah after reading this.