The Holy Quran is truly the source of inspiration and guidance for us. Its verses are so captivating and deserve deep reflection on our part. Look at this verse found in Surat Fuṣ ṣ ilat.28
The angels descend! And these are the glad tidings given to you, whatever your souls desire, whatever you ask for! We are your allies in this world and in the Hereafter. All of this is for whom? For the believers who say "Our Lord is Allah" and remain steadfast. Reflect deeply on this matter and contemplate it often!
Uprightness, or steadfastness, holds a profound significance in the Quran, as it is a quality that encompasses unwavering commitment and dedication to one's faith and beliefs. The verse in Surat Fuṣṣilat highlights the divine promise bestowed upon those who not only profess their belief in Allah but also adhere steadfastly to their faith.
When believers affirm "Our Lord is Allah" and demonstrate unwavering commitment to their beliefs, they earn a
remarkable reward. The verse describes how the angels descend upon them, delivering a message of reassurance and glad tidings. This divine intervention serves to alleviate their fears and sorrows, replacing them with the joyous anticipation of attaining Paradise, the ultimate reward promised to the righteous.
Moreover, the verse emphasizes the intimate bond between believers and the angels, both in worldly life and in the Hereafter. It underscores the divine protection and support extended to the steadfast believers, ensuring that their desires and supplications are fulfilled beyond measure in the eternal abode.
The profound message conveyed in this verse encourages believers to reflect deeply on the significance of steadfastness in their faith journey. It serves as a source of inspiration and motivation for believers to remain resolute in their commitment to Allah, knowing that their unwavering dedication will be rewarded with divine blessings and eternal bliss.
So when a person says "Our Lord is Allah," that is a very easy matter. But the real challenge lies in steadfastness. The renowned scholar al-Ardabīlī,30 writes in his work, Zubdat al-
Bayān fī Barahīn Aḥkām al-Qurʾān,31 It is narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (sa) said, ‘Surah Hūd has caused me to grow gray, for in it is the command “So remain straight as you have been commanded.”’ Additionally, in al-Kashshāf it is narrated on the account of Ibn ʿAbbās, that no verse in the entire Quran was more intense or difficult for the Prophet (sa) than this one. That is why he said, ‘Surat Hūd, al- Wāqiʿah, and their sisters have caused me to grow gray.’ It is also reported that his companions said to him, ‘Your hair has turned gray quickly.’ He replied, ‘Surat Hūd has caused me to grow gray.’32 These verses command steadfastness – a matter that, although is easy on the tongue, is a formidable challenge.
What does uprightness really mean? Uprightness – sometimes referred to as steadfastness or justice – means remaining firm on the path and not deviating from it in any way. This is not easy, and thus holds a very high status. Uprightness means not
being swayed by influences that try to divert a person from walking on the straight path and the right way. These influences can be external or internal, including satanic psychological whispers. When a person remains steadfast, they must walk straight on the right path and not be affected by all these factors. Then we can say that they are among those who are steadfast. It is a high form of moral rectitude.
It is definitely not easy to prevent all influences from impacting oneself. There are several powers at play that try divert us, even ever so slightly, from the straight path that we walk on. Resisting, not succumbing to, conquering, and controlling challenges isn't simple. However, mastering them brings significant rewards.
One of the matters mentioned in the verse from the Holy Quran is that the angels give these individuals glad tidings, saying, Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised. We [angels] were your allies in worldly life and [are so] in the Hereafter.
There is a significant note to point out here, derived from the verse’s Arabic syntax. Notice the repetition of the preposition "in" in the verse, "We are your allies in the worldly life and in the Hereafter." It did not say, "We are your allies in the worldly life and the Hereafter."
This could mean – and Allah knows best – that there are two forms of guardianship being addressed in the verse: one concerning the earthly realm and the other relating to the afterlife. These two forms of guardianship are not merely iterations of the same principle but rather distinct and unique in function and implication.
In the temporal realm, angels assume the role of guardians for individuals who exhibit righteousness and devotion. This guardianship manifests as tangible support and reinforcement, tailored specifically to those who have ascended to a heightened spiritual state. Unlike other celestial duties assigned to angels, such as those involving punishment or overseeing transitions like death, this guardianship is exclusively reserved for the righteous. These angels serve as steadfast allies, offering unwavering assistance and protection to those who walk the path of piety.
Conversely, the nature of guardianship in the Hereafter diverges from its earthly counterpart, albeit retaining its significance. While it may seem less tangible, its importance remains paramount. In the afterlife, individuals who have maintained sincerity and unwavering commitment to righteousness continue to receive support and reinforcement from celestial beings. These angels, while still adhering strictly to divine commands, provide believers with guidance, authority, and honor in accordance with divine will.
Despite the potential for human fallibility in decision- making, the support of angels ensures success both in worldly endeavors and in the Hereafter. This celestial assistance serves as a guiding force, leading individuals towards fulfillment and achievement in their temporal lives as well as on their eternal journey.