How to Stand by your Faith by Prof. Sabitu Olagoke

To identify ways to stand by faith, we must be able to define the purpose of religion. It is, therefore,  essential for faith-building to be able to keep a perfect and good relationship with our creator, the almighty Allah.
We must regard our parents and close associates as mere bridge builders between our creator and us.
The best is better known about God, the almighty Allah, and the Prophet Muhammad, through the scripture and curriculum that upholds our faith.
The scripture, is, therefore, a compendium of knowledge about the wishes of the creator with the potency to teach adherents, admonish and guide them to the path of righteousness.
The Holy Prophets are often regarded as pedagogues because they operationalize the contents of the scriptures for adherents to know how to go about it to suit their own lifestyles which society expects to be living examples.

The acceptance of the work of the Holy Prophets makes them be reliable authorities that mankind can follow. For example, in the Holy Quran 33: 45-46, the almighty Allah accepts the work of the Holy Prophet Muhammad. ''O Prophets truly  we have sent thee as a Witness, and a Bearer of Glad Tidings and Warner, and as one who invites to Allah's grace by his leave, and as Allah'sspreading light.''
With this pedigree, the Holy Prophets are your closest friend, teacher, and guardian, whose examples must be followed strictly because their words are their deeds.
Also, another example is in the Holy Bible, Matthew 10: 37-40,''
37He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
38And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me is not worthy of me.
39He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
40He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.''
Adherents must assess themselves objectively for the purpose of making necessary adjustments to meet up with the exemplary lifestyles of Jesus Christ and the Holy Prophet Muhammad(Holy Bible, John 9: 23–24/Holy Quran 2: 208, 32: 21).
In the same vein, the Holy Quran makes the following submissions 9: 23–24, ‘’O ye who believe! Take not for protectors your fathers and your brothers if they love infidelity above Faith: If any one of you do so, they do wrong. Say if it is that your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your matnes, or your kindred: The wealth that you have gained; the commerce in which fear a decline: or the dwellings in which ye delight- are dearer to you than Allah and his messenger, or the striving in his cause; then wait util Allah brings a decision: and Allah guides not the rebellious.’’
Except we are deceiving ourselves, the almighty Allah is clear enough on the quality and standard of worship he expects from us, if we intend to claim the followership of Jesus Christ or the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
Let us study to an application level of understanding and referral, the scriptures upon which our religious faith stands to be able to practice aright in the hope and assurance of rewards of success and divine acceptance of our efforts in religious exercises. Let us stand aright in our faith.