VIRTUE OF PATIENCE IN ISLAM

 

VIRTUE OF PATIENCE IN ISLAM

Assembled by Mallam Abba Abana issued and dated 24 February 2021

 

Bismillah Walhamdulillah Was Salaatu Was Salaam 'ala Rasulillah. As-Salaam Alaikum Wa-Rahmatullahi Wa-Barakatuhu. Amma Ba’d.

Praise be to Allaah; we seek His help and His forgiveness. We seek refuge with Allaah from the evil of our own souls and from our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allaah guides will never be led astray, and whomsoever Allah leaves astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allaah, and I bear witness that Muhammad (Sal Allahu Alaihi Wa Salaam) is His slave and Messenger.

Preamble

"Be patient, for your patience is with the help of Allah." (Holy Quran Chapter 16:127) "Patiently, then, persevere—for the Promise of Allah is true, and ask forgiveness for your faults, and celebrate the praises of your Lord in the evening and in the morning." (Holy Quran Chapter 40:55).

Patience is a culture of prophets; a method of prophets; a way of prophets. It is a very lofty quality. It is a culture of a man of mission. All the prophets adopted the culture of patience and avoidance of confrontation.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PATIENCE IN ISLAM [Highest Virtue]

PATIENCE or Sabr is a central Islamic value and teaching. It is repeatedly stressed in the Quran. There are other words with a similar meaning in the Quran—for instance, Eraaz, which means avoidance of conflict. These two words, Sabr and Eraaz, appear in the Quran more than 100 times. This indicates the great importance that the Quran gives to patience and avoidance.

There are two aspects of sabr (patience) and eraaz (avoidance). One is related to this worldly life—that is, the pre-death period of our life. The second is related to the world Hereafter, that is, the post-death period of our life.

Our worldly life is beset with challenges. The reason being the world we are living in presently is a world where everyone is free. This freedom creates competition and challenges which in turn creates problems constantly. We very well know that we cannot abolish the freedom given to man by God Himself. So, no human being has the power to abolish that situation which leads to competition and challenges.

Hence, we are compelled to live in a situation of problems. Given this scenario what do we need to face the challenges successfully?

The solution lies in adopting the concept and teaching of sabr. It tells us that we simply have to learn the art of problem management, rather than seeking to eliminate problems, which in any case is impossible. Problems arise because of the differences in nature amongst people. Sabr is only another name for the management of these differences.

Sabr is thus the basic condition for success in this world. The Prophet of Islam said: “God’s help is for those who keep patience.” (Musnad Ahmed)

Sabr is not a passive attitude. It is not cowardice. The Quran says: “Have patience, then, as had the steadfast Messengers before you.” (Holy Quran Chapter 46: 35).

Keep patience, just like the prophets. Patience is a culture of prophets;

a method of prophets; a way of prophets. It is a very lofty quality. It is a culture of a man of mission. All the prophets adopted the culture of patience and avoidance of confrontation.

Without patience, without avoidance, one cannot gain any valuable achievement. This is a law of nature, and “there is no altering the creation of God.” (Holy Quran Chapter 30: 30). One of the teachings of the Prophet talks about a believer (a person of deep faith in God) relying on patience. He makes patience or sabr his divine shield. To further explain how sabr can be a divine shield one needs to just look at nature to find an illustration of avoidance and patience.

In nature, you can perceive a validation of the benefits of avoidance and exercising patience. Consider a mountainous stream. When it flows, it encounters many boulders in its way. What does the stream do? What is its way? It isn’t the method of the stream to seek to remove the obstacles that lie in its path. Instead, it adopts the method of avoidance of confrontation. It flows on, swirling around the boulders, instead of clashing against them. This is what the Prophet of Islam meant when he said that patience is what a believer relies on. Patience is a divine shield for the believer. Like the stream the believer moves on with his mission without clashing with others.

This positive response of forgiveness in the face of provocation is a main source of cultivating a positive personality.

There is another illustration given to us in nature—the rose plant. On every branch of it you will find both flowers as well as thorns. Although they live side by side, the flowers never try to eliminate the thorns or vice versa. They live in total compatibility together. So, the rose plant has adopted what may be called the principle of peaceful coexistence.

We need to adopt this same principle in our lives, too. Otherwise, there is no gain, no success, and no achievement. The only other option is destruction. So, when achievement in the world depends on patience, one cannot underestimate its importance in every aspect of life— personal, social, national and international.

A verse in the Quran says: As-sulh khair, meaning, “reconciliation is best” (Holy Quran Chapter 4: 128). It means if there is some controversy between two parties, one must adopt a conciliatory course of action, rather than a confrontational course of action. This is as-sulh khair.

The same principle is applicable to the other aspect of our life—our spiritual life. The Quran says: “That [Paradise] is the recompense for those who purify themselves.” (Holy Quran Chapter 20: 76). Only those people will find entry into Paradise who are purified souls. And who are purified souls? Those who are able to convert negativity into positivity.

In this world, we experience many negative situations. Every now and then we face provocations. How can one live amidst these negative experiences with positive thinking? How is it possible? There is a verse in the Quran which says that those who believe “forgive when they are angry.” (Holy Quran Chapter 42: 37). This positive response of forgiveness in the face of provocation is a main source of cultivating a positive personality.

Once, a man came to the Prophet and asked him for a master-advice by which he could manage all the affairs of his life. The Prophet replied:

“Don’t be angry.” (Sahih al-Bukhari). What does this mean? It means that when one is provoked, one should be able to keep control over anger.

If you become angry and react it will become a distraction for you. Patience and avoidance save you from this distraction.

When one discovers Truth, one becomes cautious and avoids all distractions. One is able to save oneself from all negative thoughts thereby becoming a positive person.

Another verse in the Quran says: “Truly, those who persevere patiently will be requited without measure.” (Holy Quran Chapter 39: 10). People of patience will be awarded unlimited reward. According to the Quran, only sabr has this special quality.

It is very important to know that one cannot find entry into Paradise simply by reciting some words like the Islamic creed declaring belief in God and the prophethood of Muhammad or by performing some rituals. All these things are not enough for entry into Paradise. In addition, one has to be a totally positive personality.

However, we must know that it requires a continuous process to build a positive personality. It begins from the discovery of Truth.

Discovery means awakening. The discovery of Truth creates a storm in the soul. It gives one the art of positive thinking and the art of positively managing challenges. Without this discovery, there is no revolution in the personality. This discovery makes one a truly living person; a positive person. Faith can become stagnant, hence, discovery is important for faith to be a living faith. When one discovers Truth, one becomes cautious and avoids all distractions. One is able to save oneself from all negative thoughts thereby becoming a positive person. The Quran uses the word purified to describe positivity and says that it is the purified soul which will be successful in the Hereafter. In other words it is the purified soul which is deserving of Paradise, a place of unlimited reward.

 

Some Of The Verses Of The Quran And Ahaadeeth That Speak Of The Virtue Of Patience?.

We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nuh and the Prophets who came after him. And We revealed to Ibrahim and Isma'il and Ishaq and Ya'qub and the Tribes, and 'Isa and Ayyub and Yunus and Harun and Sulayman. And We gave Dawud the Zabur. (Holy Quran Chapter 4:163)

We gave him Ishaq and Ya'qub, each of whom We guided. And before him We had guided Nuh. And among his descendants were Dawud and Sulayman, and Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa and Harun. That is how We recompense the good-doers. (Holy Quran Chapter 6:84)

And Ayyub when he called out to his Lord, 'Great harm has afflicted me and You are the Most Merciful of the merciful.' (Holy Quran Chapter 21:83)

Remember Our servant Ayyub when he called on his Lord: 'Satan has afflicted me with exhaustion and suffering.' 'Stamp your foot! Here is a cool bath and water to drink.' We gave him back his family and the same again with them as a mercy from Us and a reminder for people of intellect. 'Take a bundle of rushes in your hand and strike with that but do not break your oath.' We found him steadfast. What an excellent servant! He truly turned to his Lord. (Holy Quran Chapter 38:41-44)

Allaah has made patience like a horse that never gets tired, an army that can never be defeated and a strong fortress that can never be breached. Patience and victory are twin brothers, for victory comes with patience, relief comes with distress and ease comes with hardship. Patience is of more help to the one who has it than men, as it helps without any need for equipment or numbers and its relationship to victory is like that of the head to the body.

In the Qur’aan, Allaah has guaranteed those who are patient that He will give them reward without measure.

He tells them that He is with them by guiding and supporting them and granting them a clear victory. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Surely, Allaah is with those who are As Saabiroon (the patient)”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Anfaal 8:46]

Allaah has made leadership in terms of religion conditional upon patience and certain faith, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And We made from among them (Children of Israel), leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, when they were patient and used to believe with certainty in Our Ayaat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Sajdah 32:34]

Allaah tells us that patience is better for those who are patient, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“But if you endure patiently, verily, it is better for As Saabiroon (the patient)”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Nahl 16:126]

Allaah tells us if we are patient and pious, the plot of the enemy cannot do any harm, even if he is powerful, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“But if you remain patient and become Al-Muttaqoon (the pious), not the least harm will their cunning do to you. Surely, Allaah surrounds all that they do”[ Holy Quran Chapter Aal ‘Imraan 3:120]

Allaah tells us that the patience and piety of his Prophet Yoosuf brought him to a position of power and strength, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, he who fears Allaah with obedience to Him (by abstaining from sins and evil deeds, and by performing righteous good deeds), and is patient, then surely, Allaah makes not the reward of the Muhsinoon (good doers) to be lost”[ Holy Quran Chapter Yoosuf 12:90]

Allaah has connected success to patience and piety, and the believers understand that. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“O you who believe! Endure and be more patient (than your enemy), and guard your territory by stationing army units permanently at the places from where the enemy can attack you, and fear Allaah, so that you may be successful”[ Holy Quran Chapter Aal ‘Imraan 3:200]

Allaah tells us that He loves those who are patient, and that is the greatest encouragement. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And Allaah loves As-Saabiroon (the patient)”[ Holy Quran Chapter Aal ‘Imraan 3:146]

Allaah has given glad tidings of three things to those who are patient, each of which is better than that for which the people of this world envy one another. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“but give glad tidings to As Saabiroon (the patient).

156. Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: ‘Truly, to Allaah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.’

157. They are those on whom are the Salawaat (i.e. who are blessed and will be forgiven) from their Lord, and (they are those who) receive His Mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Baqarah 2:155-157]

Allaah exhorts His slaves to seek help with patience and prayer when facing calamities that may befall a person. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And seek help in patience and As-Salaah (the prayer) and truly, it is extremely heavy and hard except for Al-Khaashi‘oon [i.e. the true believers in Allaah — those who obey Allaah with full submission, fear much from His punishment, and believe in His Promise (Paradise) and in His Warnings (Hell)]”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Baqarah 2:45]

Allaah states that the victory of attaining Paradise and being saved from Hell will be won only by those who are patient, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“Verily, I have rewarded them this Day for their patience; they are indeed the ones that are successful”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Mu’minoon 23:111]

Allaah tells us that the desire to earn His reward and to turn away from this world and its adornments is attained only by those who are patient and are believers. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“But those who had been given (religious) knowledge said: “Woe to you! The reward of Allaah (in the Hereafter) is better for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and this none shall attain except those who are As Saabiroon (the patient in following the truth)”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Qasas 28:80]

Allaah tells us that repelling evil with that which is better makes the evildoer become like a close friend. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allaah orders the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly) then verily he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend”[ Holy Quran Chapter Fussilat 41:34]

But this is something that “none is granted it (the above quality) except those who are patient — and none is granted it except the owner of the great portion (of happiness in the Hereafter, i.e., Paradise and of a high moral character) in this world” [Holy Quran Chapter Fussilat 41:35].

Allaah tells us, and reinforces it with an oath, (interpretation of the meaning):

“By Al ‘Asr (the time).

2. Verily, man is in loss,

3. Except those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al Ma‘roof) which Allaah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al Munkar) which Allaah has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allaah’s Cause during preaching His religion of Islamic Monotheism or Jihad)”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-‘Asr 103]

Allaah will divide His creation into two categories: those who are on the right hand and those who are on the left hand (cf. Holy Quran Chapter al-Waaqi’ah 56:8ff); those who are on the right hand are those who recommend one another to patience and mercy.

Allaah has chosen the people of patience and gratitude to benefit from His signs and be distinguished by this great good fortune. He says in four places in His Book (interpretation of the meaning):

“Truly, therein are Ayaat (evidences, proofs and signs) for every patient, thankful (person)”

[Holy Quran Chapter Ibraahem 14:5; Holy Quran Chapter Luqmaan 31:31; Saba 24:19; Holy Quran Chapter al-Shoora 42:33]

Allaah has made forgiveness and reward conditional upon doing righteous deeds and being patient, and that is easy for the one for whom He makes it easy. Allaah says:

“Except those who show patience and do righteous good deeds: those, theirs will be forgiveness and a great reward (Paradise)”[ Holy Quran Chapter Hood 11:11]

Allaah tells us that patience and forgiveness are among the things recommended by Allaah and those who pay heed to this will never lose, as He says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And verily, whosoever shows patience and forgives, that would truly be from the things recommended by Allaah”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Shoora 42:34]

Allaah commanded His Messenger to wait patiently for His Decision, and told him that his patience is not but from Him, and by virtue of patience all calamities become easy, as He said (interpretation of the meaning):

“So wait patiently (O Muhammad) for the Decision of your Lord, for verily, you are under Our Eyes”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Toor 52:48]

And He said (interpretation of the meaning):

“And endure you patiently (O Muhammad), your patience is not but from Allaah. And grieve not over them (polytheists and pagans), and be not distressed because of what they plot.

128. Truly, Allaah is with those who fear Him (keep their duty unto Him), and those who are Muhsinoon (good doers)”[ Holy Quran Chapter al-Nahl 16:127]

Patience is the foundation of the believer’s faith which has no other foundation. The one who has no patience has no faith, and if he has any, then it is only a little faith and it is very weak, and such a person worships Allaah as it were upon the edge (i.e. in doubt): if good befalls him, he is content therewith; but if a trial befalls him he turns back on his face (i.e. reverts to disbelief after embracing Islam). He loses both this world and the Hereafter (cf. al-Hajj 22:11). All he gets from them is a losing deal.

The best life is attained by the blessed through patience, and they rise to the highest degrees through their gratitude. So they fly on the wings of patience and gratitude to gardens of delight (i.e., Paradise). That is the bounty of Allaah that He bestows upon whomsoever He will, and Allaah is the Owner of Great Bounty. End quote from ‘Uddat al-Saabireen by Ibn al-Qayyim, p. 3-5.

With regard to the ahaadeeth which speak of the virtue of patience, they include the following:

Al-Bukhaari (1496) and Muslim (1053) narrated that Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “…whoever is patient Allaah will bestow patience upon him, and no one is ever given anything better and more generous than patience.” And Muslim (918) narrated that Umm Salamah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (S) say: “There is no Muslim who is stricken with a calamity and says what Allaah has enjoined – ‘Verily to Allaah we belong and unto Him is our return. O Allaah, reward me for my affliction and compensate me with something better’ – but Allaah will compensate him with something better.”

And Muslim (2999) narrated that Suhayb (may Allaah be pleased with him)said: The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “How wonderful is the affair of the believer, for his affairs are all good, and this applies to no one but the believer. If something good happens to him, he is thankful for it and that is good for him. If something bad happens to him, he bears it with patience and that is good for him.”

For more ahaadeeth about the virtue of patience and exhortation to be patient, please see al-Targheeb wa’l-Tarheeb by al-Mundhiri (4/274-302).

‘Umar ibn ‘Abd al-‘Azeez (may Allaah be pleased with him) said: Allaah has not bestowed any blessing upon His slaves then taken it away and replaced it with patience, but what He has compensated them with is better than what He has taken away.

Patience In Islam- The Reward Of Patience In Quran And Sunnah

What is Patience?

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 (ﷺ), which shows the virtues and greatness of Patience. In the Arabic language, (Sabr) Patience means to confine or contain.

Patience in Islam

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)” (Holy Quran Chapter 8:46). From this verse 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.

The Reward of Patience

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 (SWT) 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 (ﷺ) said: “Whoever persists in being patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.” (Al-Bukhari)

Benefits of Patience

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:

Summary of Patience in Holy Quran

There are more than ninety verses in the Holy Quran about the virtues and benefits of patience. Some of are given below:

1)      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.” (Holy Quran Chapter 32:24)

2)      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.”( Holy Quran Chapter 16:126)

3)      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.” (Holy Quran Chapter 39:10)

4)      Allah is with those who are patient. He says in Holy Quran: “And be patient. Surely, Allah is with those who are As-Sabirin.” (Holy Quran Chapter 8:46 )

5)      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.” (Holy Quran Chapter 42:43)

6)      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.” (Holy Quran Chapter 25:75)

Patience in Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

There are so many examples related to Patience in the life of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) that we should consider and practiced in our daily lives while facing some trials or difficulties. Some of the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) related to patience are given below:

1)      The Holy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said that the Patience is illumination. “As-Sabr (the patience) is illumination.” (Muslim 223).

2)      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 (ﷺ) 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 )

3)      The reward of being patient while the true believer is afflicted with any kind of calamities and trials. Holy Prophet (ﷺ) 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)

4)      Holy Prophet (ﷺ) 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)

5)      Be mindful of Allah and be patient as Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Verily, patience is at the first strike” (Sahih Bukhari)

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.

And Allaah knows best.

Sources

The virtue of patience

https://www.spiritofislam.co.in/spiritnew/index.php/the-importance-of-patience-in-islam

https://islamqa.info/en/answers/35869/the-virtue-of-patience

http://www.quranreading.com/blog/patience-in-islam-the-reward-of-patience-in-quran-and-sunnah/