Sirat al-Mustaqim () is an

Arabic Arabic (, , or , ) is a Central Semitic languages, Central Semitic language of the Afroasiatic languages, Afroasiatic language family spoken primarily in the Arab world. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) assigns lang ...

term that means 'the straight path'. It is commonly understood as the path that leads to

God In monotheistic belief systems, God is usually viewed as the supreme being, creator, and principal object of faith. In polytheistic belief systems, a god is "a spirit or being believed to have created, or for controlling some part of the un ...

. In Islamic thought, the straight path is variously used as a reference to the

Quran The Quran, also Romanization, romanized Qur'an or Koran, is the central religious text of Islam, believed by Muslims to be a Waḥy, revelation directly from God in Islam, God (''Allah, Allāh''). It is organized in 114 chapters (, ) which ...

Muhammad Muhammad (8 June 632 CE) was an Arab religious and political leader and the founder of Islam. Muhammad in Islam, According to Islam, he was a prophet who was divinely inspired to preach and confirm the tawhid, monotheistic teachings of A ...

, or

Islam Islam is an Abrahamic religions, Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the Quran, and the teachings of Muhammad. Adherents of Islam are called Muslims, who are estimated to number Islam by country, 2 billion worldwide and are the world ...

as a whole.

In the Quran and exegetical traditions

The term "aṣ-sirāṭ al-mustaqīm" is mentioned approximately 33 times in the Quran. The phrase specifically appears in Surah Fatiha (1:6), which is traditionally regarded as "the essence of the Quran". The supplication in Quran 1:6 ("Guide us to the straight path") is interpreted by some commentators as a prayer for steadfastness in following the straight path and for ongoing assistance and support to remain firm in adhering to the path of truth. This supplication for guidance towards the straight path "implies seeking to be led to God Himself", indicating a longing for intimacy, nearness, knowledge, and love of God. There are varying interpretations of the straight path in Islam, with some viewing it as a reference to the Quran, while others consider it to represent Islam or the Prophet. The straight path is understood as a reference to a clear, direct, and uncomplicated road without any deviation or crookedness. It represents a balanced and moderate approach to life that avoids both

worldliness The world is the totality of entities, the whole of reality, or everything that exists. The nature of the world has been conceptualized differently in different fields. Some conceptions see the world as unique, while others talk of a "plu ...

and extreme

asceticism Asceticism is a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from worldly pleasures through self-discipline, self-imposed poverty, and simple living, often for the purpose of pursuing Spirituality, spiritual goals. Ascetics may withdraw from the world ...

. The straight path is characterized by the integration of the outward aspects of

religious law Religious law includes ethical and moral codes taught by religious traditions. Examples of religiously derived legal codes include Christian canon law (applicable within a wider theological conception in the church, but in modern times distin ...

with the inner dimensions of

spirituality The meaning of ''spirituality'' has developed and expanded over time, and various meanings can be found alongside each other. Traditionally, spirituality referred to a religious process of re-formation which "aims to recover the original shape o ...

, creating a harmonious blend of the exoteric and esoteric aspects of

faith Faith is confidence or trust in a person, thing, or concept. In the context of religion, faith is " belief in God or in the doctrines or teachings of religion". According to the Merriam-Webster's Dictionary, faith has multiple definitions, inc ...

. It emphasizes the importance of serving God through external human behavior while simultaneously fostering a deeper spiritual connection with God. In one instance, the Quran uses the term ''ṭarīq mustaqīm'' (a straight road). Al-Tustari connects it to the term "sirāṭ al-mustaqīm" and suggests that the path of truth involves abandoning worldly transactions and formalities and instead striving to realize the truth. The straight path is sometimes interpreted as the path that individuals, both humans and jinn, must cross during the final stage of

Judgment Judgement (or judgment) is the evaluation of given circumstances to make a decision. Judgement is also the ability to make considered decisions. In an informal context, a judgement is opinion expressed as fact. In the context of a legal trial ...

before entering

Paradise In religion and folklore, paradise is a place of everlasting happiness, delight, and bliss. Paradisiacal notions are often laden with pastoral imagery, and may be cosmogonical, eschatological, or both, often contrasted with the miseries of human ...

or the Garden.

In prophetic tradition

Muhammad is reported to have described the straight path in Islam as the following:

References

Sources

* * {{cite book , last1=Nasr , first1=S.H. , last2=Dagli , first2=C.K. , last3=Dakake , first3=M.M. , last4=Lumbard , first4=J.E.B. , last5=Rustom , first5=M. , title=The Study Quran: A New Translation and Commentary -- Leather Edition , publisher=HarperCollins , year=2015 , isbn=978-0-06-112588-1 , url=https://books.google.com/books?id=U9DroAEACAAJ

External links.

Sirat Al-Mustaqim or Siratulmustaqim
Arabic words and phrases Islamic eschatology Al-Fatiha Islamic terminology Al-Baqara An-Nisa An-Nur

In the Quran and exegetical traditions

In prophetic tradition

See also

References

Sources

External links.