“Be patient [steadfast]: God does not let the rewards of those who do good go to waste.” (Quran, 11:115)
Patience is to hold one’s soul from being impatient and displeased, holding the tongue from complaining and the body parts from harming himself or others. The patience is mentioned at many places in Quran and Sunnah of the beloved Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam), which shows the virtues and greatness of Patience. In the Arabic language, (Sabr) Patience means to confine or contain. Patience has great status in the sight of Allah Almighty and in Islam. Patience is of best from deeds and has the great reward with no limit. Allah Almighty said in Holy Quran: “Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without Hisaab (without limit, calculation, and estimation).” (Quran, 39:10). There is great reward only for those among us who are patient with the Decree of their Lord. In this world, we face many difficulties or trials and sufferings but we have to be patient because Allah Almighty loves those who did Patience (Sabr) in a difficult time. As Islam is a complete code of life and it guides and teach us in every sphere of life. So it teaches us we have to do patience in our difficult situation in this way we have the strong belief on Almighty Allah that He will never leave us alone. In Quran, Allah said: “And be Patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are patient.” Allah said to those who are facing difficulties or trials that He is with them by guiding and supporting them and granting them a clear victory. Allah said: “Surely, Allah is with those who are As Saabiroon (the patient)” (Quran, 8:46). From this ayat of Holy Quran, we can say that no matter what’s the situation we are facing we should be faithful and patient as Allah is with us He will never leave us alone. A person who loves Almighty Allah finds it much easier to be patient and to persevere. This is because he sees everything as coming from Allah, and if it comes from Allah, there must be a reason for it. A person who loves wants the Beloved to see him in the best of states, and so he proves the best of patience. Patience is a virtue, which enables the individual to proceed towards worthy goals. So many times in our lives something happens to us and we feel that this is the worst thing that can happen to us. But then after the trial, when relief and ease come, we realize that the difficult times had happened for good to come. So, it is important that believers have to be patient and know that Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) is sufficient for us and is the best arranger of all our affairs. He will guide us to that which is good for us in this life and Hereafter too. If we don’t get the reward of Patience in this world then it will surely be saved by Almighty Allah for the Hereafter that will never end. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said: “Whoever persists in being patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.” [Al-Bukhari].
Patience is the great virtue and significance of patience that we will recover with great rewards and benefits. Some of these rewards and benefits are immediate and others are longer-term. Among the many benefits of patience in Quran and Sunnah are the following: There are more than ninety verses in the Holy Quran about the virtues and benefits of patience. Some of them are given below:
• From those People who have patience are the rightful people to lead so we can say leadership comes with patience as Allah said in Quran:
• “And We made from among them leaders guiding by Our command when they were patient and [when] they were certain of Our signs.”
• (Quran, 32:24)
• With patience you will get all good things as Almighty Allah says in Quran:
• “But if you endure patiently, verily, it is better for As-Sabirin.”
• (Quran, 16:126)
• If you are patient in all your sufferings then the patient ones will receive plenty of rewards for their good deeds. Allah says in Holy Quran:
• “Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without reckoning.” (Quran, 39:10)
• Allah is with those who are patient. He says in Holy Quran:
• “And be patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are As-Sabirin.” (Quran,8:46 )
• Patience is something that is recommended by Almighty Allah which means it requires determination. Allah said in Holy Quran:
• “And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives that would truly be from the things recommended by Allah.” (Quran, 42:43)
• Those who will remain patient will enter into Paradise. Allah said in Quran:
• “Those will be rewarded with the highest place (in Paradise) because of their patience. Therein they shall be met with greetings and the word of peace and respect.” (Quran, 25:75)
• There are so many examples related to Patience in the life of Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) that we should consider and practiced in our daily lives while facing some trials or difficulties. Some of the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) related to patience are given below:
• The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said that the Patience is illumination. “As-Sabr (the patience) is illumination.” [Muslim 223].
• The one who’s beloved ones or relatives die and endures patiently, Allah will also admit him to Paradise as a recompense of his patience. He (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said: “Allah says, ‘I have nothing to give but Paradise as a reward to my salve, a true believer of Islamic Monotheism, who, if I cause his dear friend (or relative) to die, remains patient (and hopes for Allah’s Reward).’” [Al- Bukhari]
• The reward of being patient while the true believer is afflicted with any kind of calamities and trials. Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said: “No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.” [Al-Bukhari]
• Holy Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said: “The believer who mixes with people and bears their annoyance with patience will have a greater reward than the believer who does not mix with people and does not put up with their annoyance.” [Ibn Majah]
• Be mindful of Allah and be patient as Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said: “Verily, patience is at the first strike” [Sahih Bukhari]
• During our lifetimes, we can all be assured we will experience times of joy, times of sadness, times of fear, and times of anger. The only certainty in our lives is the fact that there will always be uncertainty, and we must therefore find solace in the only truth and stability: Allah. By remembering Allah and the Holy Quran, we can hopefully remember that during our lives – whether they be during times of turbulence or times of peace – we must stay patient with whatever the Will of Allah may be.
• Patience, in its true form, is one of the greatest acts of worship – by being patient we are fully committing ourselves to the Will of Allah and accepting whatever He may have written for us. While it may be difficult, we must collectively strive towards living a life of complete trust and faith in God and remember that the strenuous act of patience will always have the sweetest rewards.
• In the hopes that we all may be blessed with the ability to truly understand patience, here is what the Holy Quran says about this act of worship: 1. The Reward for Those Who Do Good, “Be patient [steadfast]: God does not let the rewards of those who do good go to waste” (Quran, 11:115) In this verse, the Quran reminds us that being patient in it of itself may be a reward – it is an act of faith and worship to remain steadfast and patient. No matter what trial or daunting task we may be faced with, here the Quran reminds us that Allah will never overlook the rewards of those who deserve it. 2. Patience is Only Because of the Help of Allah, “And bear with patience, and your patience is only because of the help of Allah – and do not grieve over them, nor feel distressed by their evil plans” (Quran, 16:127) Here, the Holy Quran states that in the end, we must remember that even the blessing of having patience is from Allah – we must continuously be thankful for the ability to have patience and to strive towards being Muslims who appreciate the beauty of having full faith in Allah. 3. Allah’s Promise is True,
• “So, be patient. Surely Allah’s promise is true, and let not the disbelievers shake your firmness” (Quran, 30:60) It is easy for many of us to become doubtful or frightened during our lives, and this verse from the Quran reminds us to stay firm in our faith. By remaining patient and trusting in Allah, we can be assured that our strength will definitely come from unwavering faith. 4. Patience for the Humble, “Seek help with patience and prayer – though this is hard indeed for anyone but the humble” (Quran, 2:45) In this verse, the Quran reminds us that true patience is only for the humble, and for those who are able to understand that all joys and hardships are equally a blessing from Allah. We must continuously strive towards being better Muslims who are able to humbly remain patient no matter what we may be facing. 5. Attaining Such Goodness, “Only those who are steadfast in patience, only those who are blessed with great righteousness, will attain to such goodness” (Quran, 41:35) Here again, the Holy Quran stresses the need for us all to understand patience in order to attain goodness. To be able to practice and act on patience is no easy feat – but when practiced with the sincerity of heart, patience can be the most rewarding of all. 6. Persevere in Patience so that You May Prosper, “Oh you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy. Vie in such perseverance, strengthen each other, and be pious, that you may prosper” (Quran, 3:200) While it may seem easy to remain patient for a short period of time or just once, we must remember that being patient is a long-term goal. This verse of the Quran is a reminder that we all must persevere in being patient, and that the reward will be from Allah Himself. 7. Allah is with the Patient, “And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not quarrel with one another lest you should lose courage and your power depart. Be patient, surely Allah is with those who remain patient” (Quran, 8:46) In this verse, the Holy Quran tells us that Allah will remain with us while we are patient. For us as believers, there should be nothing more comforting than knowing that Allah will remain by our side while we are patient, and this should encourage us to strive towards being steadfast no matter what. 8. Never Lose Heart, “How many of the prophets fought (in Allah’s way), and with them (fought) large bands of [religious] men? But they never lost heart if they met with disaster in Allah’s way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And Allah Loves those who are firm and steadfast” (Quran, 3:146) This verse of the Quran explains that even the prophets of God were faced with trials in which their patience was tested – and that this should be a sign for us to take faith and strength from these stories and remember to stay patient ourselves. 9. Endure Patiently, “Oh my son, keep up the prayer, and command beneficence, and forbid malfeasance, and (endure) patiently whatever may afflict you. Surely that is (an indication of true) resolve concerning His Commands” (Quran, 31:17) The Quran also tells us here that by showing patience and prayer, this can be a sign that we are truly trusting in Allah’s decisions and will. By committing ourselves to accept our fates – whatever it may be – we can help ourselves grow in faith and as Muslims. 10. Allah Will Test Us All, “Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives, and the fruits of your toil. But give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Those who say, when afflicted with calamity, ‘To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return.’ They are those on whom descend blessings from their Lord, and mercy. They are the ones who receive guidance” (Quran, 2:155-157) Finally, in this verse of the Holy Quran, Allah tells us that no matter how safe we may feel, all of us will be tested in this lifetime. But, as the Quran reminds us, by affirming our faith and stating “To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return”, we will hopefully be able to gain the blessings of patience and live out of our lives as truly faithful Muslims. Despite our lives being temporary, many of us continue to feel the pressures to quickly succeed and do well in terms of modern societal standards. It remains imperative, however, that we remember the true meaning of success and stay patient no matter what trial may face us – we are, after all, only here for one purpose: to worship and love Allah alone. There is great judgment behind the trials and tests we go through in our difficult time. All the calamities we face and the troubles which come on our way are character builders which make us stronger than before. May Allah gives us the strength to face difficulties with Patience! Ameen!!!
(The authors write regularly on Islamic topics exclusively for “Kashmir Horizon”. Views are their own)
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