To transcend, to separate oneself from all kinds of customs and forms, and to be ever-present in the presence of Allah the Exalted with true fidelity. (Qushayri, 103)
Istiqāma (uprightness) is a spirit that enlivens spiritual states (aḥwāl). It is a barzakh (isthmus, intermediate realm) between jamʿ (union) and tafriqa (separation). Its first form is istiqāma in striving (mujāhada) in accordance with the path of the Sunnah, the formal knowledge (the outward of the sharia), and the utmost limit of ikhlas (sincerity). The second form is istiqāma in spiritual states. This is attained by witnessing the ḥaqīqa (inner reality) without acquisition (kasb), and by abandoning any claim (to such witnessing) despite perceiving it. The claim to baqāʾ (subsistence in God) in the state of wakefulness (yaqaza) is also of this kind. The third is to abandon even the witnessing of istiqāma. (Ravza, 482)
Istiqāma is to obey the commands of Allah, to avoid any violation of their conditions, pillars, and the sunnah, to refrain from opposing them, to possess humility before Allah, to recognize His favor and enabling grace (not to be ungrateful for His blessings), and to fear deviation and opposition to iman (faith). Then, gu...