Steadfastness in the religion of Allaah is a basic requirement for every sincere Muslim who wants to follow the Straight Path with determination and understanding. The present situation of the societies in which Muslims live, the types of temptation to which they are painfully exposed and the kinds of whims and desires, doubts and confusion which have caused religion to become something strand, so that those who adhere to it are religion is like one who holds on to a burning coal.

Anyone who has a brain will not doubt that Muslims today need the means of steadfastness more than their predecessors among the Salaf did, and that the effort required is greater, because of the corruption of our times, and the scarcity and weakness of brothers and supporters who could help. The Prophet (saw) gave an example of the heart, "The heart (qalb) takes its name from its constant changes (taqalluban alteration, variation, ups and downs). The likeness of heart is that a feather at the root of a tree, being turned over and over by the wind." As a later poet said, "He is only called insaan (man) because of his nasyaan (forgetfulness). And it is only al-qalb (the heart) because it constantly varies (yataqalib)."

Making the one stand firm who is tossed about by the winds of doubt and confusion is a serious matter, which needs tremendous means as benefits the seriousness and difficulty of the task at hand. It is part of Allaah's mercy towards us that He has shown to us, in His Book and through the words and life of His Prophet (saw) many ways of being steadfast in Islam.

From the Author's Introduction