Istiqomah

Your life in the present moment is in between the past and the future. So what has preceded
can be rectified by tawbah (repentance), nadam (regret) and istighfar (seeking Allaah’s
forgiveness). And this is something that will neither tire you, nor cause you to toil as you would
with strenuous labour. Rather it is an action of the heart. Then as regards the future (then it can
be corrected) by withholding yourself from sins. And this abandonment is merely the leaving of
something and to be at ease from it. This also is not action of the limbs, which requires you to
strive and toil. Rather this is a firm resolve and intention of the heart – which will give rest to
your body, heart and thoughts. So as for what has preceded, then you rectify it with repentance.
And as for the future – then you rectify it with firm resolve and intention. Neither of these
involves any hardship or exertion of the limbs. But then your attention must be directed to your
life in the present - the time between two times. If you waste it, then you have wasted the
opportunity to be of the fortunate and saved ones. If you look after it, having rectified the two
times – what is before and after it, as we have said – then you will be successful and achieve
rest, delight and ever-lasting bliss. However, looking after it is harder than that which comes
before and after it, since guarding it involves keeping to that which is most befitting and
beneficial for your soul, and that which will bring it success and well-being.
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