Journal of Islamic Faith and Practice | Vol. 5, No. 1 ARTICLES TRAVELERS ON THE STRAIGHT PATH 7 Travelers on the Straight Path: Truth Seekers Zainab Alwani, PhD Associate Professor of Islamic Studies, Howard University Abstract This article analyzes the concepts of al-ṣirāṭ al-mustaqīm (the Straight Path) and istiqāma (steadfastness) and how they guide one to the Qur’ānic roadmap to success in this world and in the hereafter. Al-ṣirāṭ al-mustaqīm is a methodology to define, verify, correct, and establish our concepts, principles, and relationships. I apply the hermeneutic of reading the divine text as a structural unity (al-waḥda al-binā’iyya li-l-Qur’ān). After defining al-ṣirāṭ al-mustaqīm, I suggest that a holistic reading of the Qur’ān can help believers rebuild istiqāma from within it, a specific methodological approach. I present al-ṣirāṭ al-mustaqīm as a roadmap that envisions the characteristics of upright and righteous truth seekers and true believers following Prophet Abraham’s religion and carried on by Prophet Muhammad and his umma to arrive at the Straight Path (Qur’ān 3:68). I close by stressing that it is imperative to become upright by remaining steadfast on the Straight Path. It is by remaining steadfast that individuals can restore balance in their relationships, uniting together as one family. Keywords: al-ṣirāṭ al-mustaqīm, istiqāma, the Straight Path, steadfastness, Abraham, Prophet Muhammad, family, guidance, Qur’ān ن الرحيم الرحم بسم ا Introduction Ever since the beginning of the 20th century, social change worldwide has been more significant than at any other period in human history. As a result, new challenges have arisen. One long-held belief, that humanity is one family, is now surrounded with confusion and ambiguity because humanity is terribly divided, as can easily be seen in the dysfunctional relations in families, communities, and societies at all levels. The resulting unsafe environment is filled with friction, conflict, and abusive relations. Given this reality, people are searching for ways to restore balance to human relations. This article’s envisioned solution calls for seeking true guidance to find the right path. In general, this means requesting advice, direction, or assistance from someone in a position of authority or who is expected to provide wise counsel. However, true guidance entails much more than providing information, for its ultimate goal is to help people realize their potential, capacity for self-direction, and ability to solve their problems via proper choices and adjustments. The Qur’ān proposes that this can be achieved by following the Straight Path (al-ṣirāṭ al-mustaqīm [ستقيمالصراط الم[(.