The Reward for the Patient
Patience is a noble virtue that Allah has endowed upon His servants with mercy, guidance, and success in both this world and the Hereafter. Numerous hadiths in the Sunnah illustrate the rewards of the patient who seeks Allah’s pleasure. Among these is the narration by Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri, in which the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) stated: “No one has been given a gift that is better and broader than patience.” The essence of patience is the oneness of Allah and sincerity in worship. Allah has promised rewards for the patient in this life through a good ending and in the Hereafter with Paradise. Such rewards are contingent upon patience in all circumstances, and the patient are those who will receive the greatest rewards and joy on the Day of Resurrection. Allah says: “Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account” (Quran 39:10). Moreover, patience is frequently associated in the Quran with virtues and blessings.
Types of Patience
Patience is defined as restraining oneself and refraining from prohibited actions without expressing dissatisfaction, objection, or grievance towards anyone but Allah, seeking His Face. A Muslim must recognize that this worldly life is a realm of hardship and toil. If the world were created for happiness, it would not have been constricted for Allah’s Prophets. Therefore, one should embody patience in all matters, and there are three primary types of patience:
- Patience in obeying Allah and fulfilling His commands, which is the best and most complete form.
- Patience in avoiding the prohibitions that Allah has forbidden.
- Patience regarding Allah’s decree and destiny.
Actions that Contradict Patience
Various actions taken during times of calamity can nullify the reward of patience and are contrary to it; however, grieving and weeping without raising one’s voice or uttering forbidden speech do not contradict patience and seeking reward. Some actions that undermine patience include:
- Pulling out hair.
- Slapping one’s face.
- Publicly discussing one’s calamity and showcasing it.
- Ripping clothes.
- Raising voices and screaming during distress.
- Calling upon oneself with woe and punishment.
- Despair and panic.
References
- ↑ Narrated by Muslim, in Sahih Muslim, from Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri, page or number: 1053, Authentic.
- ^ Ab Dr. Jamal Abdul Nasser, “Good News for the Patient,” www.alukah.net, accessed on April 3, 2019, with modification.
- ↑ “The Reward of the Patient in This World and the Hereafter,” www.binbaz.org.sa, accessed on April 3, 2019, with modification.
- ↑ Surah Az-Zumar, Ayah: 10.
- ^ Ab Dr. Badr Abdul Hamid Hamisah, “And Give Glad Tidings to the Patient,” www.saaid.net, accessed on April 3, 2019, with modification.