The Meaning and Importance of Steadfastness in the End Times
Istiqāmah (steadfastness), in Arabic, is a verbal noun in the istif‘āl form derived from the root q-w-m [1]. In its literal sense, it means balance and firmness, stability and adherence to the Straight Path. In Quranic exegesis and Islamic scholarship, it refers to persistence and continuity in acting upon divine commands [2]; lack of deviation; patience and endurance; commitment and submission to God’s Governance and Mentorship across all domains—creation, legislation, and divine administration [3]; and the avoidance of slipping or negligence in matters of religion [4], among other meanings.
The concept of steadfastness is intrinsically linked to existential firmness, and it is, in this world, a practice for remaining firm and committed to truth. In the Hereafter, through steadfastness, the human being attains a manifestation of the divine attribute of Self-Subsistence (Qayyūmiyyah) [5]. Since all existence is dependent upon God, the human being’s subsistence in the Hereafter can be understood only in this way: In Heaven, what each person owns and controls forever depends on themselves. Whether it is the Heaven one has personally built and established, or the painful share of punishment and torment one has sent ahead for oneself in Hell, both are determined by the person themselves. Both reward and punishment are dependent upon the human being themselves. This is precisely like an embryo that, in the mother’s womb, fails to form essential organs—such as the spinal column—and therefore enters the world lacking proper balance and firmness, resulting in suffering and hardship. In the same way, the absence of firmness in the womb of this world leads, in eternity, to a disproportionate, fragile, and afflicted structure of the soul.
In fact, steadfastness on the path of a purpose enables the human being to attain existential firmness—a state in which one is no longer affected by external turbulence nor reliant on external factors. Rather, one becomes inwardly filled with strength and certainty, and it is external matters that come to depend upon the individual. The secret behind the repetition of spiritual practices such as prayer and fasting, and steadfastness in them, lies precisely in attaining this inner power and existential firmness.
The steadfastness of the people of faith is so critically important in Islam that a narration from the Noble Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) reveals his deep concern. Referring to the verse: “So be steadfast as you are commanded [O Prophet], along with those who turn [in submission to Allah] with you. And do not transgress. Surely He is All-Seeing of what you do” [6], he said: “This verse from Sūrah Hūd has made me grow old” [7]. The reason for his distress, as explained, was the wavering commitment among those who claimed to uphold the truth, as not all maintained true loyalty and firmness [8].
Introducing the Foundations of Steadfastness
A significant part of our failures and slips does not arise from lack of effort, but from faulty understanding—from not recognizing the actual status of things in the order of existence, and from failing to know the force that keeps the ability to stand on the path of truth alive in the human being. As long as the truth of things is not made clear, and a heartfelt bond with what ought to be loved is not formed, neither choices remain firm nor does steadfastness endure. It is from this point that the relationship between ma‘rifa and mercy (raḥmah) becomes meaningful: two foundational pillars, one of which opens the human eye to reality, while the other grants the strength to remain on that path.
Ma‘rifa
At times, a person—based on illusions and assumptions born out of ignorance and immaturity—imagines their bliss and well-being to lie in matters that are certainly not in their true interest or good. Many of us have had experiences of this kind: Once we fulfill a wish that we had nurtured in our minds and imaginations for years, we come to realize its worthlessness, or even its harmful effects on ourselves or those around us, and may even long to be freed from it. The Noble Prophet )Peace be upon him and his family) expressed this reality through a beautiful supplication, saying: “O Allah, show me things as they truly are” [9].
This rank—namely, seeing the true reality of things—is attained only through ma‘rifa and true understanding. For example, if we lack awareness of the significance that God assigns to a relationship—such as the bond between parents and children—we will inevitably suffer loss and harm, and we will get deprived of the abundant goodness and blessing inherent in that relationship. Yet the deeper problem lies in the lack of ma‘rifa of the embryonic essence of the human being in the womb of this world, the unpleasant consequences of which are undeniable in the eternal life of that person.
Accordingly, in one’s worldly life, through actions, behaviors, choices, and relationships, the human being is continually building and shaping their eternal identity—the very identity that, were it truly known today, would lead one to live in an entirely different manner. Stability and existential firmness find their true meaning when a person, through the ma‘rifa they have gained, moves beyond just wishing and brings what they seek into actuality and fruition through steadfastness and great effort. Steadfastness is the fruit of having ma’rifa. One who knows that this world is nothing but a temporary station for the construction of one’s eternity does not weaken in the face of hardships.
Mercy
There is a direct relationship between mercy and steadfastness. In other words, steadfastness cannot endure without an emotional and spiritual foundation. It is mercy and love that create in the human being the capacity to stand firm in the face of hardships. To better understand the role of steadfastness in human relationships, the institution of family serves as a clear and practical example. Within a household, the mother is the embodiment of mercy and, at the same time, the pillar of steadfastness. Because of her deeper connection to the Source of mercy, she displays the greatest patience and resilience in confronting difficulties. Accordingly, in any relationship—whether with friends or family—whoever possesses a greater share of mercy will also possess greater steadfastness, and as a result, will be closer to God. Such a person also enjoys greater existential firmness and inner strength. In other words, mercy is the root of steadfastness and strength. A person’s mercy transforms them into a nurturing womb for the growth and elevation of others.
Mercy also plays a fundamental role in the relationship between spouses. Those who have a higher degree of mercy and love show greater steadfastness when facing marital problems and tensions, and they are not quick to end the relationship or pursue a divorce. By contrast, the lower the level of love and mercy, the more impatience emerges in times of hardship, along with a stronger tendency toward a swift breakdown of the relationship.
At the highest level of relationships—namely, our connection with Imam Mahdi (May Allah hasten his advent) and with the word of Allah—steadfastness plays a vital role. If we lack consistency and steadfastness in reciting the Holy Quran or in building intimacy with the Guardian of Allah, and if we do not feel its sweetness and spiritual delight in our hearts, the underlying reason must be the severing of the ‘bond of love and mercy.’ Love is the source of connection and durability in any relationship. Steadfastness in accompanying the infallible Imam requires a love that goes beyond mere insistence or compulsion—a love grounded in desire and free choice—so that the hardships of the path do not hinder its continuation. It is the power of love that gives rise to steadfastness, while its absence leads to disconnection and separation partway along the journey. In this regard, the careful management and ordering of priorities and beloveds on the path toward the goal restrains a person from being drawn to distracting matters that appear attractive and exert strong allure. The Holy Quran, the Ṣaḥīfa al-Sajjādiyya, and the supplications reveal their beauty only to those who, through steadfastness born out of love and ma’rifa, have become worthy of this intimate connection.
The Effects and Benefits of Steadfastness
Steadfastness is not merely a moral virtue or a behavior recommendation; rather, it is a governing principle in God’s divine system of human education; wherever this principle is realized, it manifests its tangible inward and outward effects. The Holy Quran presents steadfastness not only as a condition for the soundness of faith, but also as a source of expanded sustenance, gaining strength, tranquility of the heart, and freedom from fear and sorrow.
What follows is an analytical reflection on the most significant effects and benefits of steadfastness that reveal how conscious steadfastness on the path of truth strengthens the human being from within and transforms their relationship with existence, power, inner peace, and divine mercy.
Expanded Sustenance and Abundant Good
In verse sixteen of Sūrah al-Jinn, we read: “Had they kept true to the Path, We would have given them plenty water to drink.” This verse indicates that access to the spring of Kawthar and the attainment of abundant sustenance are the fruits of steadfastness on the path of truth. In narrations, this abundant good has also been interpreted as gaining ma’rifa of the Household of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him and his family), firm loyalty of the heart to the guardianship of the Commander of the Faithful, ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (Peace be upon him), and true faith [10].
It should be noted, however, that steadfastness in religion is not limited to merely observing religious commands. Rather, it is the responsibility of every individual, as much as they can, to guide others to the Straight Path as well [11]—that is, to guide them toward the path of divine guidance and to acquaint them with the authentic teachings and true ma‘rifa of Islam.
Divine Empowerment
In the verse, “Surely those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah,’ and then remain steadfast, the angels descend upon them, [saying,] ‘Do not fear, nor grieve. Rather, rejoice in the good news of Heaven, which you have been promised’” [12], steadfastness signifies perseverance in resisting the alluring pulls of the material, vegetative, animal, and intellective faculties and submission to the supra-rational faculty. By emphasizing the descent of the angels in this verse, the Holy Quran points to the empowerment of believers through unseen forces. In other words, the descent of the angels signifies the descent of all the powers of existence, the fruits of which are happiness, inner peace, as well as union with and closeness to God for those who remain steadfast. This is because steadfastness is the act of those who, of their own free will, have accepted Allah as their Mentor (Rabb) and have placed themselves under His planning and mentorship. Learning from the best Mentor of existence and passing actively and with ma’rifa through the rigorous and demanding stages of His tests inevitably result in strength and power.
Overcoming Fear and Grief
Moving beyond fear and grief and attaining lasting, inner happiness is dependent on perseverance and steadfastness. In fact, steadfastness and patience grounded in ma‘rifa along the path of truth free a person from the turbulence of time (regret over the past and fear of the future) and lead them to a state of divine serenity. As we noted, because of a person’s steadfastness on the path of truth, God gives them existential firmness and inner strength, such that external circumstances no longer make them afraid, whether that fear takes the form of sorrow tied to the past, or anxiety about the future. When the root of one’s strength is firmly grounded in the Absolute Power of existence, no storm can truly shake or uproot it. Accordingly, the greater the steadfastness of an individual and a society, the higher the degree of closeness to God, and the greater the attainment of mercy, strength, inner peace, happiness, and relief from grief and anxiety. This is like someone training in a gym: By accepting the coach’s guidance and obeying their instructions, they gradually grow more like the coach, and through this process become happier and more energetic.
In terms of relationships, steadfastness born out of ma’rifa and mercy sustains and strengthens the bond. If we cannot prayer deeply, or if prayer is not passionate and does not make us peaceful, it is because we lack steadfastness in our relationship with God. And this lack of steadfastness, as explained earlier, stems from the absence of true ma’rifa and mercy.
Steadfastness in Organizational Affairs and Management in the Front of Truth
In the contemporary clash of civilizations, the role of a dynamic and unified network of truth as the vanguard of the Front of Truth is beyond dispute. If power relies on steadfastness, then the forces of truth in the end-times struggle need this power the most. These individuals are destined to reshape the course of history toward goodness and virtue, and the Almighty has called them His righteous servants: “We have written in the Psalms, after the Reminder, that the earth will be inherited by My righteous servants” [13]. Accordingly, the essence of servitude lies in obedience and embracing the hardships of the path of growth and becoming. In the context of servitude, this is what we call steadfastness—a luminous state, free from egoism and self-centeredness. True steadfastness and genuine power emerge where individuals no longer see only themselves. One who, in professional or team relationships, seeks merely to assert themselves or pursue personal interests effectively severs their connection with the Source of mercy and guidance, and their capacity for steadfastness decreases. For victory, mercy must replace ego. That is, each person must be able to see things from another’s view, care compassionately about the shortcomings of others, and devote all their strength to making up for the weaknesses of the Front of Truth.
Steadfastness among the members of the Front of Truth is not like perseverance in the purely individual sphere, where a person withdraws from organized interaction with others and limits themselves to self-purification and moral refinement. Every striver in the path of God who accepts the role of working as a soldier of this Front—regardless of the field in which they are assigned—must attain such strength and steadfastness that, when necessary, they are capable of taking on the responsibilities of others as well. Each member must reach a level of existential firmness and stability in both expertise and commitment that, if all other lines collapse under certain conditions, they alone can bear the burden of the Front. This Front is in need of individuals who are a one-man army and remain hopeful, resilient, and unshaken even at the height of darkness.
Working in or contributing to the Front of Truth—especially when it is grounded in profound self-knowledge and bears the responsibility of providing spiritual nourishment to other members of the Front—goes far beyond an ordinary job or a casual pursuit. It is a serious arena of struggle, a true battlefield, in which success depends on every single member being watchful and steadfast.
Knowing the Harms of Working in the Front of Truth
When members of a movement fall into habit and boredom, they start neglecting their work. In the clash of civilizations, there is no room for laziness. Wasting time, refusing to learn, or doing a poor job is not just a small mistake—it harms the entire cause. It prevents our message from reaching the millions of people who have been waiting a very long time for the truth. It must be remembered that the goal of this Front is not merely victory. Each of us, as media professionals operating on the foundations of authentic Islamic self-knowledge, bears responsibility for millions of people who have been deprived of the teachings and guidance of the Household of Muhammad (Peace be upon them). If the world still thirsts for truth, it is a sign that the members of this Front have not shown the required steadfastness, nor have they delivered the message of the infallible Imam of the Time to the entire world as it deserves.
The Noble Prophet (Peace be upon him and his family) states in a narration: “Indeed, Allah loves that if one of you does a work, he should do it well” [14] .A believer does not show negligence in carrying out their duties. Work must be done with such accuracy and skill that no flaw can be found in it—especially in matters related to the Front of the Imam of the Time (May Allah hasten his advent). The dignity of this cause demands the highest quality and the greatest steadfastness, and this can only be achieved through deepening our ma’rifa, having a precise and hopeful vision of the future, and sustained effort to help shape it. The current turning point of history calls for unwavering steadfastness to pass through the fierce winds of doubt and uncertainty.
Steadfastness is the backbone of ḥayāt ṭayyibah (good and wholesome life) and of organized collective work in the cultural front of the End Times. Without steadfastness, ma’rifa does not turn into power, and the divine angels do not descend. To succeed in a mission as great as supporting the Imam of the Time (May Allah hasten his advent), one must see their work not as a “job” but as a “mission,” and move toward the destination—the Kawthar of Wilāyah—with the twin arms of steadfastness and mercy. Every victory in human history has been the fruit of the steadfastness of those who stood firm with the truth and were not scared off by the many enemies or by their being alone on the path.
References
[1]. Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai, Tafsir Al-Mizan (An Exegesis of the Quran), vol. 34, p. 202.
[2]. Ibid, vol. 39, p. 66.
[3]. Ayatollah Muhammad Hussein Fadlullah, Min Wahy al-Quran (From the Revelation of the Quran), vol. 21, p. 20.
[4]. Sayyid Abd al-Husayn Tayyib, Atyab al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Quran (The Best Exposition in Quranic Exegesis), vol. 12, p. 143.
[5]. When the people of Heaven enter Heaven, Allah sends an angel to them carrying a letter that begins with the following lines: “From the Ever-Living, the Eternal, who does not die, to the Ever-Living, the Eternal, who does not die…” Al- ‘Ilm al-Yaqin; vol. 2, p. 1061.
[6]. Quran, 11:112
[7]. Muhammad Husayn Tabatabai, Tafsir Al-Mizan (An Exegesis of the Quran), vol. 21, p. 80.
[8]. Sahifeh-ye Imam, vol. 17, p. 454.
[9] . Imam Khomeini, Adab as-Salat (The Disciplines of Prayer), Trans. Muhammad Jafar Khalili, Salar Manafi Anari, p.14.
[10]. Kulayni, Al-Kafi, book 4, chapter 30.
[11]. Tayyib, Atyab al-Bayan fi Tafsir al-Quran, vol. 13, p. 235.
[12]. Quran, 41:30
[13]. Quran, 21:105
[14]. M. Mohammadi Rayshahri, The Scale of Wisdom: A Compendium of Shi’a Hadith. vol. 3, Trans. N. Virjee, A. Kadhim, M. Dasht Bozorgi, Z. Alsalami and A. Virjee, hadith 4635.
