Steadfastly Persevere

[2:153] O you who believe, seek help through steadfastness and the Contact Prayers (Salat). GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere.

[3:200] O you who believe, you shall be steadfast, you shall persevere, you shall be united, you shall observe GOD, that you may succeed.

According to the dictionary, to persevere is to persist or remain constant to a purpose, idea or task, in the face of obstacles or discouragement. This definition is related to being steadfast and they’re mentioned together in many verses; God willing, we steadfastly persevere.

Our purpose in life is to worship God alone (51:56). To make it back to Him by growing our souls bigger and closer to God. So, persevering for this “purpose” means consistently worshiping God alone, doing Salat, Zakat, fasting, and observing commandments. These commands include the well-known laws like “honor your parents” (31:14), “don’t kill” (6:151), “don’t steal” (5:38), “don’t commit adultery” (17:32), “be honest” (4:58), “avoid intoxicants and gambling” (2:219). There are also other commands like regard people kindly (4:36), don’t despair (12:87), don’t be proud of anything God bestowed upon us (57:23) don’t grieve over anything we miss (57:23), suppress one’s anger (3:134), eat and drink moderately (7:31), don’t backbite / suspect / ridicule (49:11-12), be reverent during Salat and avoid vain talk (23:2-3), be appreciative of God (14:7, 31:12, 76:2-3),

and of course remember God most of our day, every day:

[30:17-8] Therefore, you shall glorify GOD when you retire at night, and when you rise in the morning. All praise is due to Him in the heavens and the earth, throughout the evening, as well as in the middle of your day.

It takes hard work to consistently observe all the commandments. We must persevere. If we fail, we seek forgiveness, repent to God and try again, God willing.

Even during tests (47:31) or adversity (22:35, 31:17), we must steadfastly persevere. Happiness is Submission to God; it’s an active state. To help us in the process, God has given us the gift of Salat (2:45-46), the opportunity to remember and reverence Him throughout our day, and to be aware of the Hereafter (i.e., keep the “goal” in mind). It’s not easy, so God gives us a lifetime. The more we do it, the easier God makes it.

[47:31] We will certainly put you to the test, in order to distinguish those among you who strive, and steadfastly persevere. We must expose your true qualities.

[22:35] They are the ones whose hearts tremble upon mentioning GOD, they steadfastly persevere during adversity, they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat),

and from our provisions to them, they give to charity.

[31:17-8] “O my son, you shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat). You shall advocate righteousness and forbid evil, and remain steadfast in the face of adversity. These are the most honorable traits. “You shall not treat the people with arrogance, nor shall you roam the earth proudly. GOD does not like the arrogant showoffs.

[2:45-6] You shall seek help through steadfastness and the Contact Prayers (Salat). This is difficult indeed, but not so for the reverent, who believe that they will meet their Lord; that to Him they ultimately return.

Don’t worry if you are faced with what appears to be a “big army” or insurmountable problem. God will support you.

[2:249] … “Many a small army defeated a large army by GOD’s leave. GOD is with those who steadfastly persevere.”

[3:125] Indeed, if you steadfastly persevere and maintain righteousness, then they attack you suddenly, your Lord will support you with five thousand angels, well trained.

We can’t let mocking by others get to us either. We want to accept constructive criticism. But if someone is being unfair or insulting

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