Answer
Asalamu Alaikum,
Thank you so much for trusting About Islam with this important question.
Here are 5 important ways to engage further with your faith and remain steadfast.
1- Making sincere, daily dua (supplication)
It is no coincidence that we say at least 17 times a day in our 5 daily prayers: {It is You we worship and You we ask for help.} (Quran 1:5)
We don’t just worship Allah Almighty; we need His Incomparable Help and Aid to remain on the straight path.
We learn from a beautiful hadith of the Prophet (peace be upon him-PBUH) how he taught one of the most learned companions, Mu’adh, words to recite in order to seek the Help of Allah to perfect His worship.
Mu’adh bin Jabal (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
Messenger of Allah (PBUH) held my hand and said, “O Mu’adh, By Allah, I love you and advise you not to miss supplicating after every salat (prayer) saying: ‘Allahumma a’inni ‘ala dhikrika wa shukrika, wa husni ‘ibadatika,’ (O Allah, help me remember You, expressing gratitude to You and worship You in the best manner.” (Abu Dawud and An- Nasa’i)
Many of us focus on doing the ritual acts, but we forget to seek the Help of Allah through dua. If we do this every day, we will remain strong and sincere, and Allah will accept our work and pursuits in this life, inshaAllah (God willing).
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
Verily supplication is worship. (At-Tirmidhi).
So, don’t let a day pass without supplicating. Be mindful and sincere while saying, “It is You we ask for help” while reciting Al Fatiha every day, every prayer. And always remember to recite the dua that the Prophet (PBUH) taught Mu’adh.
2- Studying the Quran
Studying the Quran is indispensable to one’s guidance and steadfastness. You will never get as close to Allah as you do when you approach Him through His own Words.
From the very beginning of the Book, Allah Almighty tells us:
{This is the Book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.} (Quran 2:2)
So, studying the meaning of the Quran (tafseer), perfecting the recitation (tajweed), spending time with the Quran in contemplation and reflection (tadabbur), and reciting it on a daily basis is the best way to strengthen the heart and to keep one at peace, satisfied, and grounded.
{[…] Thus [it is] that We may strengthen thereby [the Quran] your heart […]} (Quran 25:32)
3- Studying the seerah (biography of the Prophet) and the stories of the prophets and companions
Studying the seerah of the Prophet (PBUH) is a great way to remain steadfast. Allah Almighty has sent the Prophet to guide us and to be a role model for us in all walks of life. Learning his blessed seerah will help us deal with what we face in our lives.
Also, Allah Almighty has given us in the Quran the stories of the Prophets so we may learn from what they went through. All the problems we deal with (temptations, distractions, discrimination, etc.) have been dealt with by our noble messengers. So, Allah gave us their stories to show us the way, remind us when we forget, and aid us on the path.
Allah Almighty says:
{And each [story] We relate to you from the news of the messengers is that by which We make firm your heart. And there has come to you, in this, the truth and an instruction and a reminder for the believers.} (Quran 11:120)
4- Acting on what one has learned
Sometimes, we listen to lectures or attend circles of knowledge and get a great boast to our iman (faith). But, we do not act on what we have learned. As a result, we end up losing the iman increase. So, striving to implement what we learn in the deen (religion) is something that is absolutely essential to remaining firm in faith.
As Allah Almighty says:
{But if they had done what they were instructed, it would have been better for them and a firmer position [for them in faith].} (Quran 4:66)
5- Being among good companions
Seeking righteous companions and remaining among those who seek nearness to Allah Almighty is something that aids and strengthens one significantly while trying to adhere to the straight path.
Righteous companions remind one of Allah, they call each other to what is good, they advise each other against doing sins, they compete in good deeds, and so much more. All of this is crucial for one to be steadfast.
As Allah Almighty, The Most Knowing says:
{And keep yourself patient [by being] with those who call upon their Lord in the morning and the evening, seeking His countenance. And let not your eyes pass beyond them, desiring adornments of the worldly life, and do not obey one whose heart We have made heedless of Our remembrance and who follows his desire and whose affair is ever [in] neglect.} (Quran 18:28)
If you work hard to incorporate these 5 things in your regular routine, inshaAllah, you will always be steadfast and you will overcome any obstacles that come your way.
Hope this helps. Please keep in touch.
Walaikum Asalam.
(From Ask About Islam archive)
Please continue feeding your curiosity, and find more info in the following links:
Remaining Steadfast in Current Times- Alima Ashfaq
6 Keys to Go Deeper with Allah
Spiritualize Your Life of Worship
Friendship for the Sake of Allah