Comprehensive Speech
This Hadith is an example of the miracle of the Prophet’s comprehensiveness in speech (Jawami’ al-Kalam), as the Prophet(s) has combined for the questioner, in these two phrases “Say: I believe in Allah” and “then be steadfast”, the complete essence of one’s declaration of belief and application of Islam in one’s life through perseverance. These words instruct one to review one’s iman (faith) through the tongue and remembrance of the heart, and they instruct one to remain steadfast (to have istiqamah) upon performing the actions of obedience, and refraining completely from actions of disobedience.