Patience

By Rifat Sultana

Verily the friends of Allah are those who remember Him the most, are constantly grateful to Him and have greater patience in the face of His trials. 

(Imam Ali – as)

(ref: https://sayingsofimamali.com) 

As we end this year of 2023, and start the year 2024, many hearts are saddened, broken, grieving and shocked by the atrocities that are occurring around them. Mass destruction, massacres and injustice of every sort taking place whilst the notion of humanity, justice and compassion nowhere to be found within the power hungry individuals, so called ‘leaders’ and states. 

In these testing times that we are facing as an Ummah, while we raise our voices and stand up against injustice and oppression, we also need to keep in mind that there is that one Supreme Being over us all; who sees all, hears all, and knows all. As Muslims we believe nothing can happen without His permission, and that He knows best. He tests by giving and by taking, while we are expected to be patient and grateful to Him at all times, knowing the reward is with Him. 

We do what is in our control; we pray, focus on carrying out good actions, doing what we can to uphold our Imaan, all the while putting our full trust in Him, no matter what state we find ourselves in.

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient, Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah , and indeed to Him we will return." Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided. 

(Quran 2:155-2:157)

Allah promises here, “…but give good tidings to the patient..” , meaning these ‘glad tidings’ in the form of rewards and blessings are for those showing patience in the face of His trials. So we remind ourselves that in these extremely testing times, it has become imminent we focus on our Islamic teachings of Sabr – and trusting in His plans for us, and trusting that He has ultimate power over all. 

Now let’s take a look at this heartfelt Hadith of Imam Ali (as). Here he highlights the qualities and characteristics of the friends of Allah, stating that they are those who are patient and grateful to Allah, the Almighty. 

The first important word in this Hadith is (awliya' Allah) which translates to the friends of Allah. The term "awliya'" refers to those who have a close and intimate relationship with Allah, those who are beloved to Him and have earned His special favour and protection. These individuals are the embodiment of piety, righteousness, and devotion to Allah.

The next significant word is (dhikran) "ذِكْراً", which means "remembrance." The friends of Allah are described as those who remember Him the most. This remembrance encompasses both the remembrance of Allah through acts of worship, such as prayer, supplication, and recitation of the Quran, as well as the remembrance of Allah in their hearts and minds, constantly being aware of His presence and guidance.

 “…those who believe and whose hearts find comfort in the remembrance of Allah. Surely in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find comfort.” (13:28)

Through this Ayah of the noble Quran, we learn the importance and the need of remembering Allah. When we are distressed, lost and overwhelmed, turning to the Almighty for help and relief is the only way out. Remembering Him, and believing that He has Qudrat (power) over all, grants the heart that comfort it needs and relieves it of the unnecessary burden of things which are not in one’s control. 

The second quality mentioned is (shukran) "شُكْراً", which translates to "gratitude." The friends of Allah are characterized by their constant gratitude towards Him. They recognize and acknowledge the countless blessings and favors bestowed upon them by Allah, both apparent and hidden. Their hearts are filled with gratitude, and they express it through their words, actions, and attitudes.

“…remember Me; I will remember you. And thank Me, and never be ungrateful.” (2:152)

The third attribute highlighted is (sabr) "صَبْراً", which means "patience." The friends of Allah possess greater patience in the face of His trials and tribulations. They understand that life is a test, and they endure hardships, difficulties, and challenges with patience and perseverance. They trust in Allah's wisdom and rely on His support, knowing that every trial is an opportunity for growth and spiritual elevation.

 “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (2:153)

"Yes, if you hold on to patience and piety, and the enemy comes rushing at you; your Lord will help you with five thousand angels having marks (of distinction)." (3:125)

Through these beautiful verses also, we can further comprehend the virtues of Patience, and the importance of it. 

In my humble understanding, patience doesn’t mean staying idle in the face of Zulm (oppression and injustice) and not speaking up for your basic rights to live, or to not fight back in the cause of upholding Islam, but rather, being aware of Allah, His power over all – and thereby limiting our actions and reactions to what He has permitted only. It is the understanding that behind every trial and tribulation from Allah, there is His Hikmah (wisdom). I feel that patience teaches us our limits, and also relieves us of that which is not in our control, thereby lessening our hearts burdens.

So let us pray “…’Our Lord! Pour patience upon us, and grant us to die as Muslims.’” (Quran 7:126)