Written by: Fadilat ul-Sheikh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Hamad (May Allah protect him)
"Say: I believe in Allah, then remain steadfast."
[Saheeh Muslim, Book of Faith: 159]
"Indeed, those who say: 'Our Lord is Allah' and then remain steadfast."
[Ha-Meem Sajda: 30]
This means they consistently obeyed Allah and avoided disobedience while showing perseverance in the path of Islam, ready to make any sacrifice. In another hadith, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) explained the meaning of faith in Allah in a similar way. He said to Wafd bin Qais:
"I command you to believe in Allah alone."
Then he asked: "Do you know what it means to believe in Allah alone?" The members of Wafd responded, "Allah and His Messenger know best." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "It means to testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that indeed Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayer, give zakah, and give one-fifth of the spoils of war."
[Saheeh Bukhari, Book of Faith: 53]
Believing in Allah means to firmly and deeply acknowledge in the heart that Allah, in His essence, attributes, rights, and authority, is unique and unparalleled, and that He has no partner.
"Say: I believe in Allah, then remain steadfast."
[Saheeh Muslim, Book of Faith: 159]
Benefits:
The context of this hadith is that Sufyan bin Abdullah Thaqafi (may Allah be pleased with him) asked the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), "O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about Islam that I may not need to ask anyone after you." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) replied, "Say: I believe in Allah, then remain steadfast." After believing in Allah, steadfastness refers to remaining firm on the entire religion. The following verse of the Qur'an also indicates the same meaning of steadfastness:"Indeed, those who say: 'Our Lord is Allah' and then remain steadfast."
[Ha-Meem Sajda: 30]
This means they consistently obeyed Allah and avoided disobedience while showing perseverance in the path of Islam, ready to make any sacrifice. In another hadith, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) explained the meaning of faith in Allah in a similar way. He said to Wafd bin Qais:
"I command you to believe in Allah alone."
Then he asked: "Do you know what it means to believe in Allah alone?" The members of Wafd responded, "Allah and His Messenger know best." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "It means to testify that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that indeed Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah, to establish prayer, give zakah, and give one-fifth of the spoils of war."
[Saheeh Bukhari, Book of Faith: 53]
Believing in Allah means to firmly and deeply acknowledge in the heart that Allah, in His essence, attributes, rights, and authority, is unique and unparalleled, and that He has no partner.