How to Break Better than Even

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The Degree of Steadfastness 

Allah says in the Qur'an:

In the case of those who say "Our Lord is Allah", and further, stand straight and steadfast, the angels descend on them (from time to time): "Fear ye not!" (they suggest) "Nor grieve! but receive the Glad Tidings of the Garden (of Bliss), the which ye were promised! "We are your protectors in this life and in the Hereafter: therein shall ye have all that your souls shall desire; therein shall ye have all that ye ask for! (41:30-31)

Verily those who say "Our Lord is Allah" and remain firm (on that Path)― on them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve. (46:13)

Allah will establish in strength those who believe, with the Word that stands firm, in this world and in the Hereafter; but Allah will leave to stray those who do wrong: Allah doeth what He willeth. (14:27)

A man came to the Prophet (saw) and said: "Advice me," and He (saw) said, "Say I believe in Allah, and remain steadfast." (Agreed)

Umm Salamah narrates that the Prophet (saw) said, "O Controller of the hearts! Make my heart steadfast upon Your religion." (Tirmidhi)

Means of Steadfastness

1. Adhering to the commands of Allah and doing good deeds.
2. Turning towards the Qur'an – Reciting.
3. Studying the stories of the Prophets and His companions.
4. Remembrance of Allah.
5. Calling others to Allah.
6. Befriending the righteous, make friends who will guide us.
7. Fearing death, hell-fire and barzakh.
8. Supplication
   a.    Morning and evening Du'as.
   b.    do as much dhikr as possible.

Allah says in the Qur'an:

"But give glad tidings to those who believe and work righteousness, that their portion is Gardens, beneath which rivers flow… " (2:25)

"But those who believe and do deeds of righteousness, We shall soon admit to Gardens, with rivers flowing beneath,― their eternal home: therein shall they have spouses pure and holy: We shall admit them to shades, cool and ever deepening." (4:57)

Gateways to Jannah

1. Firm belief in Allah.
2. Fear of Allah.
3. Prompt in the prayers.
4. Kindness to parents.
5. Turning away from vain talk.
6. Guarding the chastity.
7. Faithful to the trust.
8. Fasting.
9. Love for the sake of Allah.
10. Dhikr.
11. Dawah.
12. Enjoining good and forbidding evil.
13. Reciting and learning the Qur'an.
14. Maintaining good ties with kinship.
15. Visiting the sick.
16. Charity.
17. Keeping good ties with the family.
18. Good moral characters.
19. Patience.
20. Suppressing Anger.

Virtues of Steadfastness

The Believers must (eventually) win through. Those who humble themselves in their prayers; Who avoid vain talk; Who are active in deeds of charity; Who abstain from sex, Except with those joined to them in the marriage bond, or (the captives) whom their right hands possess― for (in their case) they are free from blame, But those whose desires exceed those limits are transgressors―Those who faithfully observe their Trusts and their covenants; And who (strictly) guard their prayers. Those will be the heirs. Who will inherit Paradise: they will dwell therein (forever).(23:1-11)

Abu Umamah (ra) narrates that the Prophet (saw) said, " I guarantee a house in Jannah for one who gives up arguing, even if he is in the right; and I guarantee a house in the middle of Jannah for one who abandons lying even when joking for the sake of fun; and I guarantee a house in the highest part of Jannah for the one who has good manners." (Abu Dawod)