O You Who Believe

2)

"O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient."

[Surah Al-Baqarah 2:153]

Since the ummah has been invested with world leadership, a set of necessary directives is now provided for its guidance. Before laying down these directives it seemed necessary to caution the Muslims that the office which had been conferred on them was indeed no bed of roses. On the contrary, it was a great and perilous responsibility. Once they undertook it, they would be subjected to all kinds of afflictions, put to all kinds of trials and tribulations and made to bear all kinds of deprivation. If, however, the Muslims persisted along the path of God despite the perils they would be rewarded with God's favour in full measure.

To acquire the strength that is needed to bear this heavy burden of responsibility the believers should do two things: they should develop patience and they should strengthen themselves by devoting themselves to Prayer.

Patience:

'Patience' is a word embracing a whole set of moral virtues of the utmost importance. 'Patience' is indeed an indispensable key to success.

The root verb is; sa∙ba∙ra, which means to confine, detain, retain, restrain, restrict or withhold something. Usually, when used in the religious sense, it’s object is the self or soul.

As a concept in Islam, sabr is often translated as patience, but it also includes aspects of restraint, self-discipline, steadfastness, firmness, perseverance, endurance and determination – depending on the context in which it is used.

Sabr conveys a very active, dynamic, and positive quality in Islam. It is the quality of surging forward, striving, and not slackening in our purpose to purify the soul. It is a strong foundation, the firm lowermost rung of the ladder which holds firm come what may.

Abdur-Rahmān bin Zayd bin Aslam said, "Sabr has two parts: patience for the sake of Allah concerning what He is pleased with (i.e. acts of worship and obedience), even if it is hard on the heart and the body, and patience when avoiding what He dislikes, even if it is desired."

The only way to proceed through life is to strengthen that first step which has been long neglected and misunderstood: sabr.

Abu Sa’eed al-Khudri reported that the Prophet ﷺ said, “No one is given a better and more abundant gift than patience.”

Ease and comfort do not give strength as difficulties do. Thus when a trial befalls us, we must remain steadfast and firmly grip the rope of Allah (Qur'an) for guidance. Qur'an has given great importance to those who are patient.

"And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]."

[Qur'an 2:45]

"And be patient, [O Muhammad], and your patience is not but through Allah."

[Qur'an 16:127]

"Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without accountability."

[Qur'an 39:10]

"And Allah loves the steadfast."