Patience in Islam
Patience is one of the most valuable virtues in Islam. It is an essential part of being a good Muslim. However, patience alone is not enough. One must also remain calm, avoid complaining, and be thankful to Allah. This gratitude can be expressed in various ways, such as being around non-Muslims or dealing with difficult situations. There are unlimited benefits of patience, but the most important benefit is that Allah loves those who are patient. SubhanAllah
What Exactly is Patience?
The meaning of patience is to restrain oneself from anything that goes against wisdom and Shariah. It involves enduring pain, suffering, and difficulties while dealing with problems. Although the word “Sabr” is only three letters in Arabic, it encompasses a whole universe of courage, confidence, tolerance, goodness, well-wishing, gentleness, and happiness.
Patience is a Virtue
Patience is the ability to remain calm and composed in challenging situations without feeling restless, irritated, or nervous. It involves tolerating delays and frustrations without becoming upset and, instead, maintaining a sense of understanding and control. It often requires self-control and a state of mind where one can accept the facts or conditions surrounding them while waiting for a desirable outcome or an intense state of mind to take action.
Patience in Islam hadith:
In Islam, patience is highly valued, and there are numerous examples of it in the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is important for us to believe and practice patience in our daily lives, especially when facing trials.
Here are some hadiths that highlight the significance of patience:
• Narrated Anas:
The Prophet (SAW) said, “The real patience is at the first stroke of a calamity.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 1302]
Abu Sa’id and Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (SAW) said:
“Never a believer is stricken with a discomfort, an illness, an anxiety, a grief or mental worry or even the pricking of a thorn but Allah will expiate his sins on account of his patience”. [Riyad as-Salihin 37]
• Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “Allah, the Exalted, says: ‘I have no reward except Jannah for a believing slave of Mine who shows patience and anticipates My reward when I take away his favorite one from the inhabitants of the world.”‘ [Riyad as-Salihin 923]
• Ibn Abbas reported
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: “If anyone sees in his commander what he dislikes he should show patience, for no one separates a span’s distance from the community and dies without dying like those of pre-Islamic times.” [Bukhari and Muslim.]
Types of Patience in Islam:
There are three different types of patience.
1. Patience in following Allah’s commands
This type of patience requires following Allah’s commands even when it is inconvenient or difficult. For instance, Allah commands us to control our anger in verse 134 of Surah Al-Imran. Although it is natural to feel emotions like love, hate, guilt, and fear, we must make an effort to limit our anger when we are tempted to lose control. This act of self-restraint is an act of patience.
2. Patience in times of suffering
This type of patience involves enduring difficult situations without complaining to Allah. Believers should not complain because Allah has predestined their situation. Instead, they should see their difficulties as an opportunity to worship Allah and draw closer to Him. They should maintain a calm and relaxed mental state, express gratitude to Allah, and say Innallahi wa ina’ilahi rajioun (Indeed, we belong to Allah, and Indeed, to Him, we shall return). Whatever we lost in the difficulty, it came from Allah (SWT) anyway so it doesn’t matter because we all have to go back to Him.
3. Patience in Stopping from Sins
In today’s society, there are many things that are considered acceptable by the majority, but they go against the teachings of Allah and the opinions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). For instance, the use of vulgar language is widely accepted, but it is considered a grave sin according to many authentic hadiths. Even Allah has forbidden the use of foul language in Surah Hujurat, verse 11. Therefore, it is important to exercise patience and refrain from engaging in such forbidden acts.
Dua for patience in Islam:
Prayers to Allah for patience:
“Our Lord! Pour out constancy on us and make our steps firm: Help us against those that reject faith.” [Surah Baqarah Ayat 250]
Benefits of Patience:
There are six benefits of patience according to the Quran;
The Believers enjoy patience.
Be patient, for your patience is only with Allah’s help. [Surah Nahl Ayat 127]
That which is opposite to patience is forbidden.
So be patient with your Lord’s decree, and do not be like (Jonah) the Man of the Whale, who cried out (to Allah), in total distress. [Surah Al-Qasas Ayat 54]
Patience is a source of success and richness.
Believers! Patiently endure, persevere, stand on guard, and be mindful of Allah so you may be successful. [Surah Imran Ayat 200]
The reward for those who exercise patience is doubled.
These ˹believers˺ will be given a double reward for their perseverance, responding to evil with good, and for donating from what We have provided for them. [Surah Al-Qasas Ayat 54]
Patience and Emaan are pre-necessary things for leadership in religion
We raised from among them leaders, guided by Our command, when they patiently endured and firmly believed in Our signs. [Surah Sajdah Ayat 24]
Patience is the way to earn the state of spending friendly time with someone else of Allah
Obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute with one another, or you would be discouraged and weakened. Persevere! Surely, Allah is with those who persevere. [Surah Al-Anfal Ayat 46]
Benefits of Being Patient:
Being patient has many benefits. Here are the top 10 benefits of practicing patience:
1. Helps you focus on long-term goals.
2. Helps you make more straightforward and more sensible choices.
3. Builds your reputation for constantly trying.
4. Helps you develop a skill set.
5. Makes you a people magnet.
6. Improves your mental health.
7. Improves your physical health.
8. It’s a way to practice kindness.
9. It can bring you peace.
10. It’s a way to practice faith.
Conclusion:
To understand the benefits and meaning of patience, we must learn and develop how to have patience in our personality. We need to learn how to develop patience qualities in bad situations and always be thankful to Allah. We understand that Allah says whatever happens in life with authority, and we cannot avoid that. Because of this, having patience and feeling content in our lives is essential.
