Allaah says: “Verily, those who say: 'Our Lord is Allaah (Alone),' and then they Istaqamu, 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 for. An entertainment from (Allaah), the Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” [Soorah Fussilat 41:30:32]
Istiqaamah brings about happiness in the Dunya and the hereafter, success for the slave, and rectification of all his affairs. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the one who wishes to advise oneself and desires the joy of al-Istiqaamah to pay great attention. This is done through knowledge, action, and firmness upon that until death and by relying upon the help of Allaah.
A common question for the scholars, students of knowledge, callers to Allaah and the righteous are often concerning al-Istiqaamah, its reality, the things that help to be firm upon Allaah’s straight path, etc. I thought that it would be beneficial for myself and my brothers in Islâm to gather some of the important and comprehensive principles on this subject; so that they may be a light for us. I gathered these principles after studying the sayings of the people of knowledge (may Allah have mercy upon them) about al-Istiqaamah and that which is connected with it. I shall mention in this treatise 10 great principles concerning the topic of al-Istiqaamah.
These principles are important for every one of us to pay attention to. I rely upon the help of Allaah alone and may Allaah grant me success.