Verses and Hadiths on Uprightness
Quranic Verses Encouraging Uprightness
In every prayer, Muslims beseech Allah for guidance to the straight path, which is the secure and reliable way leading to their ultimate goal. Allah -the Exalted- emphasizes the importance of uprightness in several verses, including:
- Allah -the Exalted- states: (فَاسْتَقِمْ كَمَا أُمِرْتَ وَمَن تَابَ مَعَكَ وَلَا تَطْغَوْا ۚ إِنَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ).
- Allah -the Exalted- mentions: (إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا تَتَنَزَّلُ عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ أَلَّا تَخَافُوا وَلَا تَحْزَنُوا وَأَبْشِرُوا بِالْجَنَّةِ الَّتِي كُنتُمْ تُوعَدُونَ).
- Allah -the Exalted- assures: (إِنَّ الَّذِينَ قَالُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ ثُمَّ اسْتَقَامُوا فَلَا خَوْفٌ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا هُمْ يَحْزَنُونَ).
- Allah -the Exalted- instructs: (اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ).
- Allah -the Exalted- clarifies: (قَالَ قَدْ أُجِيبَت دَّعْوَتُكُمَا فَاسْتَقِيمَا وَلَا تَتَّبِعَانِّ سَبِيلَ الَّذِينَ لَا يَعْلَمُونَ).
Prophetic Hadiths on Uprightness
Uprightness involves adhering to the commands of Allah -the Exalted- and is a path followed by the righteous, as it is the most direct route to truth. Those who possess uprightness are esteemed and respected by the virtuous among society. It is said that “uprightness is the essence of dignity,” and this statement holds true, for the opposite of uprightness is deviation and misguidance.
Uprightness signifies following the straight path—the true religion—without veering to the right or the left. This entails fulfilling all obligatory acts and refraining from all forbidden actions, whether apparent or concealed. The Prophet Muhammad -peace be upon him- has conveyed several Hadiths regarding uprightness, the journey toward it, and what aids in achieving it, including:
- Sufyan ibn Abdullah Al-Thaqafi -may Allah be pleased with him- reported: (“O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about Islam such that I will not need to ask anyone else after you.” In the narration of Abu Usamah, he said: “Say: I believe in Allah, then remain steadfast.”).
- The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- said: (“No one among you will be saved by their deeds.” They asked, “Not even you, O Messenger of Allah?” He replied, “Not even me, unless Allah covers me with His mercy. Strive to do good, approximate it, and engage in acts of goodness throughout your day and night. Maintain moderation to succeed.”).
- The Messenger of Allah -peace be upon him- stated: (“Be steadfast, though you may not be able to count your deeds. Know that the best of your actions is prayer, and only a believer maintains wudu (ablution).”).
Ways to Maintain Uprightness and Its Foundations
The pursuit of uprightness derives from numerous causes and motivations, including:
- One of the primary reasons for uprightness is Allah’s will to guide the individual, opening their heart to Islam and granting them success in obedience and righteous deeds.
- Self-accountability significantly contributes to the continual motivation toward uprightness.
- Seeking knowledge, specifically that of the Quran and the Sunnah, is essential as it enables one to understand Allah, His Book, and His Messenger -peace be upon him-.
- Protecting one’s body parts from sins, particularly the tongue, by guarding it against falsehood, gossip, and slander, while also safeguarding one’s sight from prohibited matters.
- Understanding the tactics of Shaytan (the Devil) is crucial for avoiding his traps.
- Choosing righteous companions is vital, as a good friend encourages obedience and the pursuit of knowledge, while a negative associate does the opposite.
- Turning to Allah -the Exalted- through supplication for steadfastness is paramount.