📚 Madarij al-Salikin — Chapter 3 Class
Notes
1. Theme of Chapter 3
● Focus: Al-Istiqāmah (Steadfastness / Uprightness).
● After servitude (ʿubūdiyyah) and repentance (tawbah), the seeker must walk the path
with consistency and uprightness.
● It is about staying true to the straight path without deviation.
2. Meaning of Istiqāmah
● Derived from qāma = “to stand upright.”
● In spirituality → to remain firm on obedience, avoiding extremes and negligence.
● It means aligning one’s entire life with Allah’s commands, inwardly and outwardly.
3. Qur’anic & Prophetic Basis
● Qur’an: “Indeed, those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remain steadfast (istaqāmū)
— upon them the angels descend [saying]: ‘Do not fear, nor grieve, but receive glad
tidings of Paradise.’” (41:30)
● Prophet ﷺsaid:
“Say: ‘My Lord is Allah,’ then remain steadfast.”
● Istiqāmah = the most challenging station because it requires constancy, not just
moments of devotion.
4. Signs of Istiqāmah
● Regularity in prayer, remembrance, Qur’an, and acts of worship.
● Guarding the tongue and heart from corruption.
● Balance: neither harsh extremism nor careless negligence.
● Dependence on Allah’s help while putting forth sincere effort.
5. Levels of Istiqāmah
1. Steadfastness of the heart → sincerity, trust, and reliance on Allah.
2. Steadfastness of the tongue → speaking truth, avoiding lies, backbiting, and excess.
3. Steadfastness of actions → consistency in worship and righteous deeds.
4. Steadfastness in circumstances → holding firm in times of trial and ease alike.
6. Obstacles to Istiqāmah
● Desires (hawā) pulling the soul toward sin.
● Shayṭān’s whispers encouraging laziness or extremism.
● Worldly distractions that dilute focus.
● Pride or despair — both break balance.
7. Fruits of Istiqāmah
● Brings inner peace, stability, and divine protection.
● Angels descend with reassurance at death (41:30).
● The seeker gains clarity and avoids confusion.
● A steady heart earns Allah’s special friendship (wilāyah).
8. Key Takeaways
● Istiqāmah = walking straight, without leaning to excess or neglect.
● It is not perfection, but consistency.
● Requires sincerity, patience, and continuous repentance.
● It is both the hardest and the most rewarding station.
● With istiqāmah, the seeker’s journey remains firm toward Allah.
