Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura

Friday Sermon

2 January 2026 / 12 Rejab 1447H

Beginning Our Step with Steadfastness

Zumratal mukminin rahimakumullah,

Let us increase our taqwa towards Allah s.w.t. with the truest taqwa. A taqwa which is the reflection of our life, the proof of our loyalty to Allah’s commands, and the seed of patience and faith in navigating this journey until the end of our lives. Know that the best provision in life is not wealth, rank, or worldly success, but a steadfast stance tied to Allah in every circumstance.

True taqwa is not built through a momentary surge of effort, but through consistency throughout life. It is not the result of temporary emotion, but the outcome of enduring loyalty.

Therefore, anyone who truly wishes to preserve their taqwa must remain steadfast — in obedience, in goodness, and in the effort to improve oneself even if the steps taken seem small.

Dear blessed congregation,

As we step into the new year of 2026, we are also in the blessed month of Rejab — one of Allah’s honoured months. I encourage all of us to view the opportunity of encountering Rajab as a divine invitation to reassess the direction of our lives, not merely in terms of worldly achievements, but more importantly, in terms of our standing with Allah.

Allow me to pose a reflective question: How many good deeds have we begun with great enthusiasm, only to see them falter halfway? What is the reason behind this dear congregation? It is because we did not take the time to build the strength to persevere.

It is here that religion introduces a great value, often mentioned but difficult to truly enliven: istiqamah — steadfastness.

Allah s.w.t. says in Surah Fussilat, verse 30:

“Indeed, those who have said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’ and then remained on a right course - the angels will descend upon them, saying, ‘Do not fear and do not grieve but receive good tidings of Paradise, which you were promised.’”

This verse demonstrates that faith is not merely a verbal declaration, but proven through steadfastness — the endurance to perform acts of obedience and goodness, and the diligence to continuously improve our character at all times.

Dear congregation,

The arrival of the new year and the month of Rejab reminds us that spiritual life is not a short-term plan. It is a long journey. Spiritual success is not built on temporary bursts of emotion, but on small, consistent steps, even when motivation wanes or conditions are unfavourable.

Islam does not demand immediate perfection. What is demanded is resilience through the twists and turns of the journey of life. So, what steps can we take to cultivate steadfastness in this life filled with demands?

Firstly, begin with a clear direction and purpose, not just enthusiasm.

Many of us work hard, setting goals in our careers, finances, education, and family with detailed planning. This is an example of a clear direction. The same should be applied to religious matters. Steadfastness begins with a resolved intention: that every effort, whether at home, in the office, at school, or at the mosque, is for the pleasure of Allah, for we are His servants!

With clear intention, a father provides sustenance from lawful sources for his family. With clear purpose, a mother educates her children patiently and consistently. The same applies to a student who maintains their prayers despite a busy academic schedule — all walking the path of steadfastness.

Second, build continuous habits, not just grand resolutions.

Meticulous planning is part of our societal culture: from bus and MRT schedules, to meeting dates and school exam schedules, all of these require a high degree of discipline. The same discipline should be applied in spiritual life.

Steadfastness is not built through drastic change, but through small, consistent habits, such as: reciting a few verses of the Qur’an daily, even for a minute before leaving for work; reciting brief dhikr during the our commutes; regular small acts of charity, whether physically or digitally; and striving to maintain good assumptions in daily interactions be it with colleagues, neighbours, or family members. These small habits strengthen our faith’s resilience when tests come.

Third, anchor this journey to Allah, not to one’s own ability alone.

Many begin their journey with zeal, but become tired halfway through because they shoulder everything alone, forgetting to rely on Allah. True steadfastness arises from tawakkul — the awareness that we move with Allah’s support. Therefore, do not let your du’a be merely the conclusion of worship, but make it a source of strength:

“O Allah! Keep our hearts steadfast on Your religion.”

Dear congregants,

The scholars say: “Rejab is the month of sowing seeds, Sha‘ban is the month of watering, and Ramadan is the month of harvesting.” Let us not miss the season of sowing without planting the seeds of steadfastness.

May Allah bless us in the months of Rejab and Sha‘ban, and reunite us with Ramadan in a state of stronger faith, calmer hearts, and a more meaningful life. Amin, ya Rabbal ‘Alamin.

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