عَنْ أَبِي عَمْرٍو وَقِيلَ: أَبِي عَمْرَةَ سُفْيَانَ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ: "قُلْت: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ! قُلْ لِي فِي الْإِسْلَامِ قَوْلًا لَا أَسْأَلُ عَنْهُ أَحَدًا غَيْرَك؛ قَالَ: قُلْ: آمَنْت بِاَللَّهِ ثُمَّ اسْتَقِمْ" . [رَوَاهُ مُسْلِمٌ].
On the authority of Abu `Amr — and he is also called Abu `Amrah — Sufyan bin Abdullah ath- Thaqafee RA who said:
I said, "O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about al-Islam which I can ask of no one but you." He (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, "Say I believe in Allah — and then be steadfast." [Muslim]
The key theme of this hadith is the importance of seeking divine guidance and steadfastness in faith. The hadith begins with a request for guidance from the Prophet SAW, reflecting the human need to seek Allah’s direction in life. It highlights the spiritual tone of such inquiries, reminding believers of the role of Allah’s guidance in their personal and communal journey of growth.
The hadith stresses that true belief in Allah must be evident through steadfast actions, not merely through verbal affirmation. This reinforces the principle that faith in Islam is a way of life, encompassing both belief and practice.
The concept of steadfastness is portrayed as an essential trait for believers. It is not just a practice, but a vital quality that helps individuals navigate the challenges of life while remaining firm in their faith. In doing so, the hadith serves as a reminder that continuous learning and the sharing of knowledge are crucial in Islam. This process strengthens one’s faith and affirms the Islamic tradition of valuing education as a means of spiritual and intellectual growth.
The narrator of the Hadith #21, Sufyan bin Abdullah RA. In the study of hadith, narrators are often identified by both their name and kunya (honorific title, often derived from the name of one’s child).
In the case of Sufyan bin Abdullah Ath-Thaqafi (رضي الله عنه), there is a discussion regarding his kunya. Some narrations refer to him as Abu Amr, while others mention Abu Amrah. The differences in how individuals are referred to can arise due to regional traditions, different family names, or even the prominence of the kunya itself.
The kunya is often more commonly used than the actual name, especially when it becomes a part of the person's identity. In fact, it can become so well-known that the person's real name is less recognized. This phenomenon is similar to the way grandchildren might refer to their grandparents by titles such as “Nana” or “Dadi,” without ever learning their real names. In Islamic history, this has led to some companions being primarily known by their kunya, with their actual names becoming a matter of scholarly debate.
A famous example of this is Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه), whose kunya was so widely recognized that his real name became the subject of numerous scholarly opinions. Similarly, in the case of Sufyan bin Abdullah, the focus on his kunya has created some uncertainty around it, with two main views: one calling him Abu Amr and another Abu Amrah. Despite this, Sufyan is more widely known by his actual name in Islamic scholarship, which has helped clarify his identity in historical and hadith literature.
Sufyan bin Abdullah is a notable figure among the companions due to his deep desire to attain a straightforward and comprehensive understanding of Islam. His question, as narrated in this hadith, exemplifies a sincere seeker of knowledge who wants to learn a principle that could encompass the core of Islamic teachings without the need for further explanation. This reflects his intelligence, humility, and thirst for knowledge.
This underscores the importance of understanding both the name and kunya in hadith studies. For students and scholars, the nuanced use of titles can sometimes lead to confusion, but it also reflects the cultural significance of familial and honorary titles in early Islamic society.
Seeking Knowledge
قُلْتُ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، قُلْ لِي فِي الْإِسْلَامِ قَوْلًا لَا أَسْأَلُ عَنْهُ أَحَدًا غَيْرَكَ
"I said, 'O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about Islam which I can ask of no one but you.'
One of the key lessons in this hadith is the manner in which the companions sought knowledge from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. In this particular case, the companion asked the Prophet for a timeless and universal piece of advice that could be understood clearly and without the need for further explanation. This shows how specific, well-thought-out, and articulate the Sahabah were in their questions, which in turn allowed them to receive precise and meaningful guidance.
The prophetic methodology of teaching is also reflected here, where the Prophet ﷺ gave a succinct yet profound answer that aligned perfectly with the question asked. The Prophet was known for his wisdom in responding appropriately to the nature of each question, and his ability to teach clearly demonstrates the importance of concise communication in the quest for knowledge. This required not only the vast knowledge that Allah had bestowed upon him but also the ability to address the individual needs of his questioners in a direct and relevant manner.
From the side of the Sahabah, this also teaches us the importance of diligence and thoughtfulness in how we seek knowledge. They didn't simply ask questions for the sake of it; rather, they carefully formulated their inquiries to extract the most beneficial knowledge. This shows that the Sahabah were keen students, and their respect for the Prophet and the knowledge he imparted is seen in how they would approach him with clarity and reverence.
One critical point raised is how a clear, concise question enables the teacher to provide an equally concise and beneficial answer. The Sahabah, aware of this, made sure their questions were thoughtful and respectful of both the Prophet's time and the community. This highlights a sense of community responsibility—understanding that others may also wish to ask questions and benefit from the knowledge being shared. The companions were mindful of not taking up unnecessary time and space, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to learn.
This hadith also emphasises that respectful language and tone are crucial in seeking knowledge. When the companion asked the Prophet ﷺ, "Tell me something," it was not a command but a respectful request. The command tense used here, in context, conveyed a humble plea for guidance rather than an imposition. This reflects the humility and deference shown by the Sahabah in their interactions with the Prophet, further exemplifying their impeccable manners in learning.
The Sahabah serve as exemplary models in the manner they sought knowledge, displaying remarkable diligence, humility, and sincerity. Their quest for knowledge was not just a casual pursuit but a deeply spiritual and intentional process, rooted in a profound respect for the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the knowledge he imparted.
One of the key characteristics of the Sahabah was their eagerness to learn. Despite already possessing a strong foundation of faith, they constantly sought to increase their understanding of Islam, knowing that knowledge was a means to strengthen their relationship with Allah. Their thirst for knowledge was driven by a sincere desire to live a life in accordance with divine guidance. They did not seek knowledge for personal gain, prestige, or argumentation, but for the sake of becoming better servants of Allah.
The Sahabah approached the Prophet ﷺ with well-thought-out and specific questions, demonstrating their clarity of purpose in seeking knowledge. They understood that a well-formed question would elicit a more beneficial and direct answer, so they put great care into formulating their inquiries. This precision and thoughtfulness in asking questions is evident in numerous hadiths, where the companions often asked for guidance that would give them lasting clarity. For example, in the hadith of Sufyan bin Abdullah (رضي الله عنه), he asked the Prophet for a singular piece of advice that would require no further explanation, showing his intent to maximise the value of his time with the Prophet.
Another notable quality of the Sahabah was their humility in seeking knowledge. Although many of them were leaders, warriors, and respected figures in their communities, they approached the Prophet ﷺ with complete humility, recognizing his elevated status as the messenger of Allah. They addressed him with deep respect, often beginning their questions with phrases like "O Messenger of Allah," acknowledging his position and the source of the knowledge he carried. This humility is a key component of seeking knowledge in Islam, as arrogance and pride act as barriers to understanding and enlightenment.
The Sahabah also displayed patience and perseverance in their pursuit of knowledge. Many of them endured hardship to stay close to the Prophet ﷺ, to learn directly from him, and to observe his actions. They valued every opportunity to gain insight from him, whether through direct instruction or simply by observing his behaviour in different situations. Their willingness to endure difficulty for the sake of knowledge exemplifies their commitment to learning.
An important aspect of the Sahabah’s approach was their respect for time and community. They were mindful of not monopolising the Prophet's time, aware that others in the community also sought his guidance. This thoughtfulness extended to their concise and to-the-point questions, ensuring that the Prophet ﷺ could address multiple queries efficiently, thereby benefiting the wider community.
The Sahabah embodied the importance of acting upon the knowledge they gained. For them, learning was not merely an intellectual exercise; it was a means to enhance their worship, behaviour, and relationship with Allah. Once they learned something from the Prophet, they strove to implement it in their lives with sincerity and dedication, understanding that knowledge without action is incomplete.
The Sahabah’s approach to seeking knowledge was characterised by sincerity, humility, diligence, and respect. They were thoughtful in their questions, humble in their demeanour, and committed to acting upon the guidance they received. Their example serves as a timeless lesson for anyone seeking knowledge, illustrating that the proper etiquette and intention in learning can lead to profound spiritual growth and a deeper connection with Allah.
The lesson for today’s seekers of knowledge is clear: when we approach those from whom we seek guidance; whether scholars, teachers, or elders; we should do so with the proper etiquette. This includes being concise, clear, and respectful, ensuring that our questions are well-formulated and mindful of others. Such an approach not only fosters better communication but also reflects the deep adaab of learning, as shown by the Sahabah.
Belief in Allah and steadfast
"قُلْ: آمَنْتُ بِاللَّهِ، ثُمَّ اسْتَقِمْ".
He said, 'Say: I believe in Allah, and then remain steadfast.'"
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The narration of this hadith offers profound insight into the nature of Iman (faith) and the importance of actions in demonstrating true belief in Allah. When the Prophet Muhammad SAW instructed Sufyan bin Abdullah (رضي الله عنه) to say "I believe in Allah," he was not merely asking him to verbally declare his faith but also to act in accordance with that declaration. This instruction is a reminder that true Iman entails belief in the heart, actions of the tongue, and actions of the limbs. These three aspects must align for one’s belief to be genuine and comprehensive.
The essence of the hadith revolves around the statement, “Say I believe in Allah, and then remain steadfast.” This seemingly simple directive carries immense depth, underscoring both the declaration of faith and the unwavering commitment required to maintain it throughout one’s life.
The command to "say" is not limited to a verbal affirmation of faith, but it encapsulates the core of Tawheed, the belief in the oneness of Allah in His lordship and His right to be worshipped. When one says, “I believe in Allah,” it reflects belief in Allah's Rububiyyah (lordship) and Uluhiyyah (worship). However, this belief is incomplete unless it is followed by steadfastness in actions, reflecting the broader concept of Iman (faith) in Islam, which includes belief in the heart, actions of the tongue, and actions of the limbs.
The Prophet’s use of the command “say” in this hadith highlights the foundational declaration of Tawheed, that Allah is the sole Lord, and He alone is to be worshipped. This verbal declaration is equivalent to saying, “My Lord is Allah, and I worship Him alone,” affirming both Allah’s rububiyyah and uluhiyyah. Thus, the hadith emphasises that belief in Allah is not just an abstract concept but a commitment to live according to the tenets of Islam, where one’s actions reflect their faith.
The hadith continues with the Prophet’s instruction to "remain steadfast," which reinforces the notion of consistency between belief and action. In Arabic, the term “ثم” used here to indicate "then," typically denotes a delay between two actions. The term “thumma” used in the hadith provides a linguistic nuance. While in some contexts “thumma” can denote a delay, in this case, it serves a different function. Here, it does not imply a time lag between declaring faith and being steadfast, as steadfastness is immediately required upon affirming belief. Instead, it showcases the eloquence of the Arabic language, where "thumma" is used to add emphasis to the importance of both belief and the actions that follow. The use of this term highlights that actions are inherently part of Iman, and steadfastness is an inseparable quality of true faith.
This hadith also addresses a potential misconception regarding the role of actions in Iman. Some might argue that belief alone is sufficient, without the need for actions. However, this hadith, along with other prophetic narrations, refutes such claims. The Prophet clarified that actions—whether they are actions of the tongue, like declaring faith, or physical actions, like removing harmful objects from a path—are integral components of Iman. As another well-known hadith states, Iman consists of various parts, the highest being the declaration of "La ilaha illallah" (there is no god but Allah) and the lowest being the act of removing harm from the road, illustrating the connection between belief and action.
The advice given in this hadith is echoed in several Qur'anic verses. Notably, Surah Fussilat (41:30) and Surah Al-Ahqaf (46:13) emphasise the same theme, stating that those who declare, “Our Lord is Allah,” and remain steadfast will neither fear nor grieve.
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنْتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ
"Indeed, those who have said, 'Our Lord is Allah' and then remained steadfast— the angels will descend upon them, [saying], 'Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.'"[Surah Fussilat, 41:30]
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ
"Indeed, those who have said, 'Our Lord is Allah' and then remained steadfast— there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve."[Surah Al-Ahqaf, 46:13]
These verses reflect the promise of reward and reassurance for those who declare their belief in Allah and remain steadfast in their faith. These verses show that belief alone is insufficient unless it is accompanied by istiqamah, which entails remaining firm in faith despite the challenges of life. The Prophet’s advice to Sufyan reflects the Qur’anic instruction to stay committed to Allah’s guidance and consistently act in accordance with it.
This hadith provides a comprehensive understanding of Iman, where actions are inseparable from belief. The Prophet’s command to believe in Allah and remain steadfast highlights the need to align one's heart, tongue, and limbs in the worship of Allah. The Sahabah, through their diligent questioning, sought this clear and universal advice, which serves as a timeless reminder for all Muslims to not only believe but also to live out that belief consistently in their actions.
Steadfastness is central to this hadith and plays a significant role in one’s journey of faith. The Prophet’s instruction to be steadfast extends beyond mere consistency in belief. It implies that one should strive to make Iman a necessary quality in their life. Steadfastness means that faith should be so embedded within a person that it becomes a natural part of their identity, something inseparable from their actions, thoughts, and words.
Steadfastness also requires that one constantly seeks to be where Allah commands them to be and to avoid what He prohibits. This idea is linked to taqwa (consciousness of Allah), where a believer is always aware of their position in relation to Allah’s guidance. As emphasised in the notes, having adab with Allah includes ensuring that one’s actions, speech, and thoughts are aligned with their belief in Him.
The rewards of steadfastness are tremendous, as indicated in the Qur'an. Allah promises security and blessings for those who maintain their faith and remain steadfast in the face of trials. Since steadfastness requires great effort, the rewards are proportionately greater. However, as is typical of Allah’s generosity, the rewards for steadfastness often far exceed the effort put into it, reflecting Allah’s benevolence and mercy.
The path to achieving and maintaining steadfastness requires several key elements. Knowledge is the foundation, as it empowers believers to know what is expected of them and to act accordingly. A righteous circle of friends is also essential in supporting one’s faith journey, as a positive environment helps sustain steadfastness. Additionally, consistent du'a is important, asking Allah for guidance and strength to remain firm in faith.
This hadith provides timeless guidance for every believer. It not only emphasises the importance of declaring faith in Allah but also calls for steadfastness in living according to that belief. By linking belief and action, the Prophet Muhammad SAW presents a holistic understanding of Iman, where faith must manifest in both word and deed. The Qur'anic parallels, linguistic insights, and practical advice contained within this hadith offer a comprehensive framework for understanding and practising steadfastness. Ultimately, it is through this combination of belief and steadfastness that one achieves success in both this life and the Hereafter.
Disclaimer:
Hadith #21 - Believe in Allah & Steadfast
Instructor: Sheikh Dr. Sajid Umar | STEPS TO JANNAH S2 | Forty Hadith Imam Nawawi
Hadith #21 - Believe in Allah & Steadfast
Instructor: Sheikh Dr. Sajid Umar | STEPS TO JANNAH S2 | Forty Hadith Imam Nawawi
These are notes sharing from the Steps of Jannah classes online taught by Sheikh Dr Sajid Umar focusing on Hadith 40 an-Nawawi. The classes are still ongoing, every Monday 8pm UK time. If you would like to join, please email stepstojannah12@gmail.com
The notes written are from a student’s personal notes transcribed from the sessions. Should there be any error, May Allah forgive us, and do feedback (ain1810@gmail.com) so that it can get amended, and may it be beneficial to all of us and may Allah reward Jannah to Sh Sajid and his team for the beneficial ‘ilm being shared and to all of the students Steps to Jannah, Ameen.
The notes written are from a student’s personal notes transcribed from the sessions. Should there be any error, May Allah forgive us, and do feedback (ain1810@gmail.com) so that it can get amended, and may it be beneficial to all of us and may Allah reward Jannah to Sh Sajid and his team for the beneficial ‘ilm being shared and to all of the students Steps to Jannah, Ameen.