By Saifuddin A. Rasyid
Al-Rasyid.id | Reading Prof. Sri Suyanta’s blog on Thursday morning, July 9, 2026, captured my attention. In his article, Prof. Suyanta discusses the profound importance of istiqamah—steadfastness and consistency—in performing righteous deeds (amal shalih). He explains the inseparable relationship between faith (iman), righteous deeds, and istiqamah.
Faith gives birth to righteous deeds; righteous deeds are sustained through istiqamah; and istiqamah itself can only endure when it remains firmly rooted in faith. This explanation presents a comprehensive illustration of a believer’s spiritual life.
The circle of faith, Islam, righteous deeds, and istiqamah resembles a magnet that filters and attracts only those elements aligned with goodness and Islamic moral values. As long as this magnetic circle remains intact, a servant of Allah will naturally remain anchored on the right path.
Every aspect of one’s life will revolve within an orbit guided by Allah Almighty and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
One particularly insightful illustration offered by Prof. Suyanta is that righteous deeds do not reach their fullest potential through sudden bursts of enthusiasm, but rather through the patience required to persevere.
Consistency
Linguistically, istiqamah means being upright, steadfast, and consistent in following the straight path without deviation. From the perspective of Islamic law, istiqamah is not merely performing good deeds once or twice, but sustaining them continuously throughout one’s lifetime.
For this reason, istiqamah is often regarded as the greatest test after a person has received divine guidance.
Allah the Almighty declares in the Qur’an:
“Indeed, those who say, ‘Our Lord is Allah,’ and then remain steadfast, the angels will descend upon them, saying, ‘Do not fear and do not grieve, but receive the good news of Paradise which you have been promised.’” (Qur’an 41:30)
Another well-known verse is Allah’s command to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
“So remain steadfast as you have been commanded.” (Qur’an 11:112)
Islamic scholars have also narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) remarked that Surah Hud had caused his hair to turn gray because of the tremendous weight of the command to remain steadfast.
In a hadith narrated by Imam Muslim, a companion asked the Prophet:
“O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about Islam after which I will not need to ask anyone else.”
The Prophet replied:
“Say, ‘I believe in Allah,’ and then remain steadfast.”
This concise hadith demonstrates that after embracing faith, the next lifelong responsibility is maintaining consistency so that faith continually produces righteous deeds.
The renowned Egyptian scholar, Shaykh Muhammad Mutawalli al-Sha’rawi, explained that istiqamah means ensuring that every aspect of one’s life remains within the boundaries of Allah’s commands while avoiding His prohibitions.
According to him, istiqamah is not merely about increasing ritual worship but also about remaining consistently truthful, trustworthy, just, and responsible in social life.
Likewise, Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali, in Ihya’ Ulum al-Din, explains that istiqamah is the fruit of a heart that continually restrains its worldly desires. He argues that a person is not judged by temporary enthusiasm but by the ability to sustain righteous deeds until the end of life. Small deeds performed consistently are more beloved to Allah than great deeds performed only occasionally.
Discipline in Pursuing Goals
The concept of istiqamah aligns remarkably well with modern management theories. Peter F. Drucker emphasized that successful organizations are not those that constantly change direction, but those that faithfully pursue established goals through consistent execution.
Similarly, James C. Collins, in Good to Great, argues that outstanding organizations are built not through occasional spectacular decisions but through repeated discipline practiced over the long term. He refers to this as a culture of discipline—a culture that keeps an organization firmly aligned with its vision and mission.
Stephen R. Covey, through The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, highlights the importance of principle-centered living. Individuals who live according to enduring principles are not easily swayed by changing circumstances or external pressures. Instead, they remain committed to their responsibilities, objectives, and core values.
In the workplace, istiqamah means being present not only physically but also morally and professionally.
Employees who embody istiqamah do not perform their duties merely because supervisors are watching; rather, they work with the awareness that Allah constantly observes every trust entrusted to them. Such consistency cultivates excellence in service, integrity, and sustainable productivity.
Remaining Steadfast Without Losing Motivation
How can one maintain istiqamah without being overcome by boredom, temptation, or exhaustion? Several practical approaches may help.
First, continually renew one’s intention (niyyah). Every activity should be consciously dedicated as an act of worship to Allah so that motivation does not depend on human praise or recognition.
Second, cultivate small but consistent habits. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that the deeds most beloved to Allah are those performed consistently, even if they are few.
Third, maintain a positive environment. Associating with righteous and professional individuals strengthens one’s commitment to remain on the right path.
Fourth, engage in regular self-evaluation (muhasabah). Through reflection, one can identify weaknesses and correct mistakes before they become harmful habits.
Fifth, always remember the ultimate purpose of every endeavor: seeking Allah’s pleasure while maximizing benefit to humanity. Focusing on this higher purpose prevents people from abandoning their commitments merely because of temporary boredom or fatigue.
Long-Term Commitment
Modern psychology also offers valuable insights into consistency.
Psychologist Angela Duckworth, through her concept of grit, argues that success depends more on perseverance and long-term passion than on natural talent alone.
Individuals with grit continue moving forward despite failure, boredom, and adversity because they remain focused on meaningful long-term goals.
Psychologists Edwin A. Locke and Gary P. Latham, through Goal-Setting Theory, explain that clear, specific, and challenging goals significantly strengthen a person’s commitment and consistency.
Meanwhile, Albert Bandura’s theory of self-efficacy suggests that confidence in one’s own abilities enables individuals to withstand obstacles and persist despite setbacks.
Conclusion
When the perspectives of Islamic scholars are integrated with contemporary theories of management and psychology, it becomes evident that istiqamah is not an ability that appears overnight. Rather, it is cultivated through continuous practice, disciplined habits, supportive environments, clearly defined goals, and constantly renewed faith. Consequently, istiqamah serves as the foundation for developing individuals who are both professionally competent and spiritually devoted.
Ultimately, Muslims—especially civil servants, lecturers, teachers, employees, professionals, and workers in every field—should strive to remain steadfast in both worship and professional responsibilities.
They should not easily change direction because of temporary comfort or recurring boredom. Remaining firm upon the right path represents true success.
Through istiqamah, every trust will be fulfilled consistently, every objective will be pursued wholeheartedly, and every task will be carried out with excellence.
This is the essence of working according to the Qur’anic concept of ahsanu ’amalan—performing every task in the best possible manner solely for the sake of Allah Almighty, so that every deed becomes an act of worship and the finest provision for success in both this world and the Hereafter.
And Allah knows best.
Banda Aceh, 24 Muharram 1448 AH / July 9, 2026
(The author is an academic at the Faculty of Adab and Humanities, UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, and Treasurer of ICMI Aceh)
