Istiqāma
Definition
Istiqama is the quality of remaining consistent and upright on the path of worship and righteousness over the long term — not the dramatic peaks of spiritual experience but the steady, day-by-day maintenance of the relationship with Allah. Al-Ghazali cites the prophetic hadith: 'The most beloved deeds to Allah are the most consistent, even if they are small.' He argues that a small wird performed consistently every day for years is worth incomparably more than a massive act of worship performed once and then abandoned. Istiqama is the foundation on which everything lasting is built.
As understood in the classical tradition of Imam al-Ghazali and the scholars of his school.
Appears in
1 book in the library
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