Patience involves restraining one’s soul from impatience and displeasure. It also entails refraining from complaining with the tongue and preventing harm to oneself or others through one’s actions. The Quran and Sunnah of the beloved Prophet (SAW) frequently mention patience. The Virtues, Rewards, and Wisdom of Patience in the Arabic language (Sabr) mean to confine or contain.
Patience in Islam
Patience in Islam is one of the best and most valuable virtues of life, it’s part of being a good Muslim. Being patient alone is not the only thing, you should be patient while being calm, not complaining, and being thankful to Allah. You must be thankful in different ways, such as being around non-Muslims, being afflicted with tragedy in your life, and much more. Allah does love patience. Patience is one of the qualities that makes Islam very unique and special compared to other religions. Allah gives us many examples of patience. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the best example. Even though he never had much of a family, was abused, and never even had a full stomach, he never complained and was always thankful. All of his children died in his lifetime, except Fatima. Whoever followed him was tortured.
Patience in Holy Qur’an
Allah emphasizes the importance of patience multiple times in the Quran, underscoring its value and benefits. He encourages individuals to cultivate patience, as it brings goodness to their lives. Patience is so important in Islam that Allah mentions it ninety times in the Quran. These are a few that he mentioned. These verses prove how patience is a big part of Islam and faith.
Obey Allah and His Messenger and do not dispute with one another, or you will be discouraged and weakened. Persevere! Surely Allah is with those who persevere. [al-Anfal 8:46]
And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah] [al-Baqarah 2:45]
“Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account.” [az-Zumar 39:10]
If you retaliate, then let it be equivalent to what you have suffered. But if you patiently endure, it is certainly best for those who are patient. [Quran, 16:126]
Those whose hearts tremble at the remembrance of Allah, who patiently endure whatever may befall them, and who establish prayer and donate from what We have provided for them. [SURAH AL-HAJJ AYAT 35]
There are so many examples related to Patience in the life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) that we should consider and practice in our daily lives while facing some trials or difficulties. Some of the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) related to patience are given below:
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said that
“The real test of patience is at the first stroke of a calamity.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 1302]
“Never a believer is stricken with discomfort, illness, anxiety, grief, mental worry, or even the pricking of a thorn, but Allah will expiate his sins on account of his patience” [Al-Bukhari and Muslims]
“Do not wish for an encounter with the enemy. Pray to Allah to grant you safety; but when you encounter them, show patience.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslims]
“If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 5645]
Rewards and Benefits 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. The Virtues, Rewards, and Wisdom of Patience enable 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 have happened for good. So, it is important that believers have the virtues, rewards, and wisdom of patience 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, which will never end.
Conclusion
Patience improves your ability to accept setbacks and enjoy life much more. There is a saying; “Good things come to those who wait.” Patience enables perseverance and the ability to make more productive decisions, often resulting in heightened success. Patience also fosters a focus on positivity and cultivates gratitude. In fact, patience and gratitude reinforce each other. Being deeply grateful for the positive aspects of life contributes to an increase in patience. This enhanced patience, in turn, enables you to slow down and appreciate the things that are going well.
