Discover the meaning of the term Al-astqama (استقامة) in Islamic vocabulary.
Contents :
Updated on 11 April 2026 at 1:05 AM
📖 2 min readIt is the state of a line whose assumed parts coincide with one another in all positions. In the usage of the people of truth (ahl al-haqiqa): it is fidelity to all covenants and adherence to the straight path while observing the mean in all matters: food, drink and clothing, and in every religious and worldly affair; that is the straight path, like the straight path of the hereafter; hence the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: 'Surah Hud has aged me,' when it was revealed: 'So stand straight as you have been commanded.'
And combining the performance of obedience with the avoidance of sins. It has been said: al-istiqama is the opposite of crookedness (i'wijaj); it is the servant's passage along the path of servitude under the guidance of the Sharia and the intellect.
Perseverance. It has been said: al-istiqama is that you choose nothing against Allah.
Abu Ali al-Daqqaq said: it has three degrees: the first is rectitude (taqwim), which is the disciplining of the soul; the second is establishment (iqama), which is the refinement of hearts; the third is istiqama, which is the drawing near of secrets.
The state of a line whose assumed parts coincide one with another. In the view of the lofty class of Sufis, may Allah be pleased with them all: istiqama is fidelity to all covenants and adherence to the straight path while keeping the mean in all matters: food, drink and clothing, in every religious and worldly affair; that is the straight path, like the straight path in the hereafter; hence the Prophet (may Allah's prayer and peace be upon him) said: 'Surah Hud has aged me,' when it came down: 'So stand straight as you were commanded.'