The mightiest oak grows not in sudden bursts, but through countless days of steady growth. This is Istiqamah – the principle of consistency that shapes our spiritual journey, transforming small, regular acts of worship into deeper spiritual growth over time.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ exemplified Istiqamah through his unwavering dedication to regular worship. Like a master gardener tending to his beloved plants, he maintained a consistent rhythm in his daily practices. His actions teach us that excellence in faith blooms not from sporadic bursts of intensity, but through gentle, persistent care.
The Garden of Consistency
“And those who are patient, seeking the face [i.e., acceptance] of their Lord, and establish prayer and spend from what We have provided for them secretly and publicly and prevent evil with good – those will have the good consequence of [this] home1“
Quran 13:22 (Surah Ar-Ra’d) [1] i.e., the world and its trials, its good consequence being Paradise.
Just as a garden flourishes through daily care, Istiqamah nurtures our spiritual growth through consistent dedication. Like a gardener who tends their plants with unwavering attention, we cultivate our relationship with Allah through regular acts of worship and learning.
Water Droplets of Faith : The Power of Small Actions
“So whoever does an atom’s weight1 of good will see it”
Quran 99:7 (Surah Az-Zalzalah) [1] Or “the weight of a small ant.”
Each small act of worship is like a droplet of water – seemingly insignificant alone, yet powerful enough to carve through stone when falling consistently. Regular remembrance of Allah and learning are the steady rain that keeps our spiritual garden green and growing.
Like morning dew collecting drop by drop, small acts of consistent worship accumulate into an ocean of blessings. Istiqamah emphasises that even small, consistent actions can accumulate to create significant impact. Regular engagement in worship and learning, even if modest, contributes to steady spiritual development:
- A few verses read daily become volumes over years
- Brief daily dhikr builds mountains of remembrance
- Short, regular prayers forge lasting connections with Allah
- Simple acts of kindness create lasting positive change
The Living Tree : Building Sustainable Spiritual Habits
“Have you not considered how Allāh presents an example, [making] a good word like a good tree, whose root is firmly fixed and its branches [high] in the sky? It produces its fruit all the time, by permission of its Lord. And Allāh presents examples for the people that perhaps they will be reminded.”
Quran 14:24 to 25 (Surah Ibrahim)
Consistency in worship is like the deep roots of a tree, anchoring our faith against life’s storms. Daily spiritual practices are the rings of growth – each one small but together telling a story of steady development. Like photosynthesis converting sunlight into energy, regular worship transforms our daily moments into spiritual nourishment
Building Habits. Deep Roots, Steady Growth : Consistency helps in forming positive habits that become integral to daily life. Over time, consistent practices lead to deeper spiritual growth. They foster a deeper connection with Allah, enhance understanding of religious teachings, and cultivate a sense of peace and fulfillment.
- Choose practices you can maintain through life’s various seasons
- Start small and expand gradually
- Recognise that steady progress outperforms sporadic intensity
- Create routines that align with your natural daily rhythm
Incremental Progress. The Natural Rhythm: Istiqamah encourages incremental progress, recognising that spiritual growth is a gradual process. It reassures individuals that even small steps can lead to significant advancements over time.
- Start with manageable commitments that can weather any season
- Allow your practices to develop naturally, like branches reaching for light
- Build a strong foundation through regular, modest actions
- Trust in the power of time and consistency
Sustainability: Small, consistent actions are more sustainable than sporadic, intense efforts. They prevent burnout and ensure that spiritual practices are manageable and enduring.
THE MOST BELOVED DEEDS TO ALLAH ARE THOSE THAT ARE CONSISTENT, EVEN IF THEY ARE SMALL. LET YOUR SPIRITUAL GARDEN GROW THROUGH THE GENTLE, PERSISTENT PRACTICE OF ISTIQAMAH.
“And seek help through patience and prayer; and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allāh]”
Quran 2:45 (Surah Al-Baqarah)
The River’s Journey : Signs of Spiritual Growth
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding – Who remember Allāh while standing or sitting or [lying] on their sides and give thought to the creation of the heavens and the earth, [saying], “Our Lord, You did not create this aimlessly; exalted are You [above such a thing]; then protect us from the punishment of the Fire.”
Quran 3:190 (Surah Ali’ Imran)
Istiqamah flows like a river – not in dramatic waterfalls, but in steady currents that reshape landscapes over time. Like a river finding its path, consistent worship carves deeper channels of connection with Allah. The power lies not in occasional floods but in the perpetual flow.
Mindfulness and Intention. The Living Impact: Consistency requires mindfulness and intentionality. By consciously dedicating time to worship, seeking knowledge and learning, individuals can ensure that these practices remain a priority in their lives.
Regular worship transforms your spiritual landscape:
- Prayer becomes a source of comfort rather than obligation
- Islamic knowledge deepens naturally
- Good habits become second nature
- Your influence positively affects others
Sign of Acceptance. Measuring Progress: Consistent practices are seen as a sign of Allah’s acceptance. When individuals maintain regular worship and learning, it reflects their commitment and sincerity, which are valued in the eyes of Allah.
Like rings in a tree trunk, spiritual growth shows through:
- Increased peace in daily life
- Increased participation in seeking knowledge from a murshid
- Deeper understanding of islamic teachings
- Greater resilience during challenges
- Stronger connection with Allah
Weathering Challenges
“Allah does not require of any soul more than what it can afford. All good will be for its own benefit, and all evil will be to its own loss. ˹The believers pray,˺ “Our Lord! Do not punish us if we forget or make a mistake.”
Quran 2:286 (Surah Al-Baqarah)
Like a garden facing different seasons, your spiritual practice will encounter challenges:
- Maintain basic practices during difficult times
- Adjust without abandoning
- Return to routine gently after interruptions
- Celebrate small victories
- Make Supplications to Allah swt for help and guidance
Seeds of Today, Gardens of Tomorrow
“And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden [i.e., Paradise] as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous”
Quran 3:133 (Surah Ali’ Imran)
Think of Istiqamah as tending your spiritual garden, where each small act of worship is a seed planted with care. Through consistent nurturing, watch as your garden of islamic faith flourishes, providing shade in difficult times, beauty in moments of joy, and continuous nourishment for your soul’s journey toward Allah.
Remember: The most beloved deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small. Let your spiritual garden grow through the gentle, persistent practice of Istiqamah.
