Fussilat (Explained in detail)

30. Indeed, those who say: “Our Lord is Allah,” and then they stand firm, on them the angels will descend [at the time of their death, saying]: “Fear not, nor grieve! But receive the glad tidings of Paradise which you have been promised!

Perseverance fosters faith and large were in number the believers who had an evil fate, since perseverance is supposed to accompany faith, otherwise, disbelievers stand firm on their false belief. The most exalted blessing given to believers by angels is serenity and peace of mind.

Following a depiction of disbelievers’ torments and unfortunate state as the consequences of their vicious deeds, the blessed Verse in question depicts the merits of the God fearing believers saying that they said that God Almighty is the Lord and Fosterer.

They stood firm on their beliefs and obligations. Angels welcome them upon their death and on the Day of Resurrection making them feel secure and confident without entertaining any fear or grief, when disbelievers are scared by witnessing the awe inspiring scenes of that Day, since God Almighty promised God fearing believers that they would be secure and angels bear them glad tidings of the Paradise promised by God Almighty to believers.

The comprehensive and interesting expression actually encompasses all goods and excellent characteristics: love of God and firm belief in Him in the first place and then act upon such belief in all spheres of life. Many a people claim His love, but they lack perseverance owing to their weakness and frailty.

Upon facing with the tempests of passions and lusts, they bid farewell to belief and turn into polytheists. When they find out that their interests are in jeopardy, they lose their weak and frail belief of theirs.

In one of the sermons of Nahj al-Balagha, Imam ‘Ali (as) provides a clear and meaningful interpretation of the Verse, saying:

“You said that our Lord is Allah. Now stand firm on your word and persevere in acting upon His Commands, treading His Path, and praising Him as it is worthy of Him. Do not disobey Him, nor make innovations in His Religions, nor deny His Prophet’s Call.”

According to a Prophetic tradition, following the recitation of the blessed Verse, the Noble Prophet (S) said:

“Some uttered such words, but the majority of them disbelieved. However, one who utters such word and perseveres in acting upon it to his last day will be regarded among those who stand firm on their beliefs.”1

It is narrated from Imam ‘Ali ibn Musa al-Rada (as) that in reply to a question raised concerning the interpretation of perseverance, he said:

“It is Divine Guardianship that is available to you.”2

Such interpretation does not mean that the general context of the Verse in question solely refers to Divine Guardianship, but it aims to designate that acknowledgement of the guardianship of the Infallible Shi’i Imams (as) guarantees steadfastness in adhering to monotheism and doing righteous good deeds according to pure Islamic beliefs.

To sum up, it could be said that human value lies in keeping his faith and doing righteous good deeds as reflected in this Verse:

“’Our Lord is Allah,’ and then they stand firm.”

It is narrated that someone asked the Noble Prophet of Islam (S):

“Provide me with injunctions through acting upon them I may be among the saved in this world and the Hereafter.”

The Noble Prophet (S) replied:

“Say my Lord is Allah and stand firm on your word.”

The man further inquired:

“What is the most perilous thing of which I should stand in fear?”

The Prophet (S) touched his tongue and said:

“This!”3