UNDERSTANDING SIDQ (FIRMNESS)
Allah Ta’ala says:
“Verily, the Mu’minoon (Believers) are those who believe in Allah, and His Rasul. Thereafter they have no doubt and they strive in the Path of Allah with their wealth and their lives. Assuredly, they are the Saadiqoon (the truthful ones).”
The following is narrated in the Hadith Shareef: “Nabi صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم passed by Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu anhu) while he was cursing some of his slaves. Rasulullah صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّم turned towards him and said. ‘People who curse and people who are truthful!”
Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu anhu) said: ‘I will not repeat it.”
THE NATURE OF SIDQ
The nature of Sidq consists of developing a rank acquired until it attains perfection.
The meaning of Sidq is firmness. It is for this reason that a Wali-e-Kaamil (a saint who has attained spiritual perfection) is called a Siddeeque. In all ahwaal (states), af’aal (acts) and aqwaal (statements) the Wali-e-Kaamil has been well-grounded. He has realized the state of perfection. In the Sharia, the conception of Sidq includes af’aal (actions), aqwaal (statements) and ahwaal (states and conditions). Sidq in regard to statements is that talk should be firm and true according to reality. One imbued with this quality is called Saadiqul Aqwaal. Sidq in regard to actions is that every act be in conformity with the Command of the Shariat and not in conflict with the Shariat. One whose acts are at all times in conformity with the Shariat is termed Saadiqul Af’aal. Sidq in regard to one’s state or condition is that all conditions should be in accordance with the Sunnat. Conditions which are in conflict with the Sunnat are false. One whose states are in accordance with the Sunnat is called Saadiqul Ahwaal.
The states (ahwaal) of Sidq are such that their effect is enduring. The influence of the states of Sidq are lasting and dominant. They are not of a temporary nature. This does not mean that such ahwaal exist over one perpetually. It is the effect or influence (athr) of these states of Sidq which lasts and does not disappear.
The summary of what has been explained is that one should develop the acts of Ibaadat or obedience to the stage of perfection. For example, perform Salaat in such a way that it could be described in the Shariat as Salaat-e-Kaamilah (perfect Salaat), i.e. a Salaat performed observing all the external rules and respects (aadab-e-zaahirah) and all the internal rules and respects (aadaab-e-baatinah). The same should apply to all other acts of obedience and Ibaadat. They should be rendered in the kaamil (perfect) way shown by the Shariat. The adoption of this way is Sidq.
ACQUIRING SIDQ
Sidq is dependant upon the knowledge of the factors which produces perfection. One has, therefore, to be alert at all times and compensate for one’s shortcomings. An endeavour is to be made to rectify imperfectly performed obligations. Constancy in improving and perfecting one’s acts will ensure within a short while the perfect state of Sidq.
