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or rude (or even trying to be intimidating), we need to hold fast to God.
[3:186] You will certainly be tested, through your money and your lives, and you will hear from those who received the scripture, and from the idol worshipers, a lot of insult. If you steadfastly persevere and lead a righteous life, this will prove the strength of your faith.
[30:60] Therefore, you shall steadfastly persevere―for GOD’s promise is the truth―and do not be intimidated by those who have not attained certainty.
Another area the Quran tells us we’ll need to be steadfast is when giving God’s message (and faced with continued rejection).
[6:34] Messengers before you have been rejected, and they steadfastly persevered in the face of rejection. They were persecuted until our victory came to them. Such is GOD’s system that will never change. The history of My messengers thus sets the precedents for you.
[14:12] “Why should we not trust in GOD, when He has guided us in our paths? We will steadfastly persevere in the face of your persecution. In GOD all the trusters shall trust.”
If you need to emigrate for God, do it. Always stick with God. Don’t give up God when you have a choice, even if that choice requires a lot of hard work.
[16:110] As for those who emigrate because of persecution, then continue to strive and steadfastly persevere, your Lord, because of all this, is Forgiver, Most Merciful.
God willing, most of us are blessed to live in free countries where we’re not persecuted because of religion. But certainly, all of us do need to steadfastly persevere in observing His commandments.
[52:48-9] You shall steadfastly persevere in carrying out your Lord’s command―you are in our eyes―and glorify and praise your Lord when you get up. Also during the night glorify Him, and at dawn as the stars fade away.
[28:51-5] We have delivered the message to them, that they may take heed. Those whom we blessed with the previous scriptures will believe in this. When it is recited to them, they will say, “We believe in it. This is the truth from our Lord. Even before we heard of it, we were submitters.” To these we grant twice the reward, because they steadfastly persevere. They counter evil works with good works, and from our provisions to them, they give. When they come across vain talk, they disregard it and say, “We are responsible for our deeds, and you are responsible for your deeds. Peace be upon you. We do not wish to behave like the ignorant ones.”
It’s not easy, but if we steadfastly persevere in all circumstances, then God promises us a generous reward!
[11:115] You shall steadfastly persevere, for GOD never fails to recompense the righteous.
[29:58-59] Those who believe and lead a righteous life, we will surely settle them in Paradise, with mansions and flowing streams. Eternally they abide therein. What a beautiful reward for the workers. They are the ones who steadfastly persevere, and trust in their Lord.
[39:10] Say, “O My servants who believed, you shall reverence your Lord.” For those who worked righteousness in this world, a good reward. GOD’s earth is spacious, and those who steadfastly persevere will receive their recompense generously, without limits.
Righteousness Defined
[2:177] Righteousness is not turning your faces towards the east or the west. Righteous are those who believe in GOD, the Last Day, the angels, the scripture, and the prophets; and they give the money, cheerfully, to the relatives, the orphans, the needy, the traveling alien, the beggars, and to free the slaves; and they observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat); and they keep their word whenever they make a promise; and they steadfastly persevere in the face of persecution, hardship, and war. These are the truthful; these are the righteous.
The Indian government declared that all 500 and 1000 rupee notes currently in circulation would have to be exchanged for new currency. The people were given about fifty days in which to get rid of the demonetized currency by depositing only in the banking system, after which time those notes would be worthless. It happened suddenly and unexpectedly. It was announced on television at 8 PM on the 8th of Nov 2016, going into effect at midnight. Nobody saw it coming; no one was prepared for it. It’s been a chaotic, difficult time, but there are some lessons to be learned from the situation.
1) Death is sudden. There is something else that we know will surely come, but we don’t know when, where or how—and that is death (31:34). We had 4 hours notice on the currency exchange, but in death, there may not be 4 seconds warning. Are we ready?
[3:185] Every person tastes death, then you receive your recompense on the Day of Resurrection. Whoever misses Hell, barely, and makes it to Paradise, has attained a great triumph. The life of this world is no more than an illusion.
[4:78] Wherever you are, death will catch up with you, even if you live in formidable castles. When something good happens to them, they say, "This is from GOD," and when something bad afflicts them, they blame you. Say, "Everything comes from GOD." Why do these people misunderstand almost everything?
[6:60] He is the One who puts you to death during the night, and knows even the smallest of your actions during the day. He resurrects you every morning, until your life span is fulfilled, then to Him is your ultimate return. He will then inform you of everything you had done.
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