By: veiledmuslimah.wordpress.com
Source: veiledmuslimah.wordpress.com
This world is an abode of deep trial, despair and sadness. During these times a Mu’min seeks comfort, solace and guidance in the words of ALLAH in the beautiful Qur’an Sharief. ALLAH reminds us that we will be tried and tested in life, and calls upon us, HIS servants to bear these trials with “patient perseverance and prayer.” Indeed, ALLAH reminds us that many people before us have suffered and had their faith tested; so too will we be tried and tested in this life. Afflictions are however a blessing — for our Beloved ALLAH showers mercy through trials and tries some with blessings.
There are many beautiful verses enshrined in the Qur’an Sharif to remind a Mu’min to be patient and to have Tawwakul (reliance) in ALLAH in the time of trials:
“Seek ALLAH’S help with patient perseverance and prayer: It is indeed hard, except for those who are humble.” [Qur’an 2:45]
“O you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer, for ALLAH is with those who patiently persevere.” [Qur’an 2:153]
“Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives, and the fruits of your toil, but give Glad Tidings to those who patiently persevere. Those who say, when afflicted with calamity: “To ALLAH we belong, and to HIM is our return.” They are those on whom descend blessings from ALLAH, and Mercy, and they are the ones who receive guidance.” [Qur’an 2:155,156,157]
“O you who believe, persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other, and fear ALLAH that you may prosper.” [Qur’an 3:200]
“And be steadfast in patience, for surely ALLAH will not suffer the reward of the righteous to perish.” [Qur’an 11:115]
“Patiently, then, persevere: for the Promise of ALLAH is true: and ask forgiveness for your fault, and celebrate the Praises of your Lord in the evening and in the morning.” [Qur’an 40:55]
“And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune.” [Qur’an 41:35]
“Surely man is in loss, except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual enjoining of Truth and of patience and constancy.” [Qur’an 103:1-2]
Beloved Reader! When we encounter sudden hardship, we should not let our emotions get the better of us. Drown your sorrows in the ocean of ALLAH’S Mercy, through waves of prayer and patience. Acknowledge that all these things are part of our test for which we have been put on the earth and know that our success lies in how well we react to and handle, such situations helps a Mu’min endure these hardships without panicking, complaining or being frustrated. We should place our complete trust in ALLAH TA’ALA, and have the certainty in heart and mind, that at the end of our pain and suffering, ALLAH’S Love and Mercy will embrace us. Subhan-ALLAH!
Beautiful words by Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam to ponder upon:
“If our connection with ALLAH is strong, we are able to overcome any trial and adversity that is thrown our way. The passing of a loved one, poverty and financial difficulties, or losing the love of your life, we will be content with ALLAH’S Decree. The pious servants of ALLAH are so immersed in HIS love that they do not allow any hardship to overcome them. The greatest trial to have been experienced by anyone in this Ummah was what the Sahabah endured upon the departure of our beloved Messenger (Allah’s peace be upon him) from this world, yet they did not allow it to overcome them. Many female Companions lost husbands and sons in battles, but they remained strong, for their solace was in ALLAH. So let’s build our love and connection with ALLAH. If we do, no matter what the adversity, it may affect us momentarily but we will remain in a inner state of peace and tranquility, Insha Allah! As Imam Ibn Ata’illah so beautifully said,
“Let the pain of tests be diminished through your consciousness that HE is the One testing you.” [Al-Hikam]
Patience is a greater and honourable position in the sight of our Beloved ALLAH TA’ALA and an essential quality of a Mu’min. It puts you in the right flow of life, and in touch with the full truth of what is unfolding. It implies forbearance, perseverance, determination, fortitude, constancy and steadfastness. This enables right understanding, decision-making, and action; hence success, enjoyment, and fulfillment in life. Patience is beautiful — sketching the personality of those who truly have Taqwa,
ALLAH TA’ALA mentioned:
“And those who practice Sabr in hardships, physical afflictions and during the war.” [Al-Baqarah 2:177]
Our Beloved Messenger (Allah’s peace be upon him), was talking to some poor Muslims from Ansar whom He had given whatever He had, said:
“Whoever practices Patience, ALLAH gives him Patience. And no one can be given anything better or more far-reaching (comprehensive) than Patience.” [Bukhari and Muslim Sharief]
In a letter of condolence dictated for Mu’adh Ibn Jabal on the death of his son, the Messenger (Allah’s peace be upon him) said:
“May ALLAH increase your reward and bestow you patience, and enable us and you to be thankful to HIM. Our lives, our wealth and our families are blissful gifts that are trusts temporarily entrusted. ALLAH gave you the opportunity to enjoy (your son gifted to you in trust) with happiness and pleasure, and then HE took it from you in return for a big reward. May HE bestow upon you blessings, mercy and guidance, if you restrain yourself in expectation for HIS reward. So, be patient and do not let wailing destroy your reward, to be sorry afterwards. Remember wailing neither brings back the dead, nor removes the grief. What had to happen has happened.” [At-Tabarani Sharief]
Gentle and discerning reader!
In the midst of every calamity lies ALLAH’S blessing… whenever you are faced with hardships in your life, just close those beautiful eyes, take a deep breath and say: “O ALLAH! I know its YOUR Plan and I put my complete trust in YOU!” La Hawla Wa La Quwata Illa Billah. And, say Al-Hamdulillah for your trials, and make Du’a that HE blesses those who are struggling with a hardship with greater Iman, Patience and Barakah!” ALLAH says, “Innallaha Ma’As Thabirin – ALLAH is with that person who makes Sabr.” When ALLAH is with a person what more can a person want after that? Subhan-ALLAH!
The reward promised to those who practice Patience is equally outstanding:
The people who practice Patience will be entered into the beautiful, everlasting Jannah and Angels of ALLAH will welcome them with: “Peace be upon you for that you preserved in Patience now how excellent is the final Home.” [Ar-Ra’d 13:24]
“And HE will reward them for their Patience in the form of Jannah and silk, reclining on raised thrones wherein they will not see sun or cold.” [Ad-Dahr 76:12-13]
“Those who practice Patience will be rewarded their recompense without measure.” [Zumar 39:10]
They will be rewarded not according to their average, but according to the best of their performance: “We will certainly bestow, on those who Patiently persevere, their reward according to the best of their actions.” [An-Nahl 16:96]
Al-Hamdulillah! Such beautiful ‘gifts’ awaits those who practice patience. So there is no question of us complaining in times of trial and adversity, we should exercise patience. On that Patience ALLAH will bless us with so many Ne’mats (bounties), we will truly be victorious. Keep these beautiful reminders in mind. Hence, it is incumbent upon Mu’mineen to enjoin each other this Patience. Without it, (according to Surah Al-Asr) loss is not insured, salvation is not promised and success is not assured.
“Acquire patience and endurance, because their relation with true faith is that of a head to a body; a body is of no use without a head, similarly true faith can be of no use without attributes of resignation, endurance and patience.” [Ali ibn Abi Thalib]
O ALLAH! Make us from those who have patience upon hardships and those who are thankful upon YOUR blessings. Ameen!
