Among the best of the Muslim characteristics is patience and bearing harm for the sake of Allah. As for patience, it is to restrain oneself from what is harmful, or enduring what one dislikes with a sense of acceptance and submission.

So a Muslim restrains himself from what will damage his worship and obedience to Allah, or cause him to approach any act of disobedience to Allah the Almighty. He will not permit himself to do such acts no matter what they be. He will not give up nor grieve during troubles he experiences, and if he grieves he still protects his soul against wrongdoing.

Some of the wise people said, “Impatience over what is lost is a calamity, and impatience over what is expected is foolish.” And it is a form of being annoyed with the decree of Allah the Almighty.

In all circumstances, the Muslim seeks the help of Allah, remembering the promise of Allah to reward those who act obediently. He remembers the abundance of rewards and pleasures prepared for the people of obedience, and grievous penalty that Allah warned of and prepared for those who disobey and sin against Him. He bears in mind that the Divine Preordainment and decree of Allah will abide, while His decisions are just. His commandments are applicable to all and none can prevent them, be he patient or impatient. For patience with perseverance will attain great reward, while impatience will lead to sin.

Since patience without worry is one of the characteristics that result in continuous exercise and tireless struggle, then after the Muslim’s need for Allah to provide him with patience, he must seek patience, remembering the reward and recompense that are promised by Allah. As Allah the Almighty says: “O you who believe! Endure and be more patient (than your enemy), and guard, and fear Allah, so that you may be successful.” (Qur’an 3: 200). Allah says:” And seek help in patience and the prayer.” (Qur’an 2: 40). Allah says:” And endure patiently, your patience is not but from Allah.” (Qur’an 16: 127). Allah the Almighty says:” But give glad tidings to the patient, who, when afflicted with calamity, say:’ Truly, to Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return.’ The are those on whom blessings from their Lord, and received His mercy, and it is they who are the guided ones.” (Qur’an 2: 155-157)

Prophet Muhammad (saw) said: “Patience illuminates.” (Muslim). He (saw) said: “Whoever refrains from asking, Allah will grant him independence; and whosoever seeks self-sufficiency, Allah will make him self-sufficient. And whosoever would be patient, Allah will give him patience; and no one is granted a gift better and more comprehensive than patience.” (Bukhari). He (saw) said: “How wonderful is the case of a believer; verily, everything is good for him, and this is not the case with anyone except a believer. If prosperity attends him, he expresses gratitude to Allah and that is good for him; and adversity befalls him, he endures it patiently and that is better for him.” (Muslim)

by Yahya M. A. Ondigo