The Importance of Patience

Written by: Fadilat al-Sheikh Hafiz Abdul Sattar Al-Hammad (Hafidhahullah)
Arabic Text:

لَنْ تُعْطَوْا عَطَاءً خَيْرًا وَأَوْسَعَ مِنَ الصَّبْرِ

"You have not been given a gift better and more expansive than patience."

[Sahih Bukhari, Al-Riqaq: 4670]

Key Points:

Definition of Patience:
Patience refers to accepting trials from Allah with contentment, understanding them as His decree, and refraining from any complaints. Truly, there is no blessing better or greater than patience. Allah has given glad tidings to such people.

Allah says:
"And give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, who, when afflicted with calamity, say, 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him, we shall return.'"
[Al-Baqarah: 157]

True Patience:
Merely ceasing to cry or complain after exhaustion is not patience. True patience is exhibited at the first strike of calamity, bearing it for the sake of Allah. As mentioned in the Hadith:
"Patience is at the first stroke of calamity."
[Sahih Bukhari, Al-Janaiz: 1302]

These words were spoken by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to a woman mourning at the grave of a loved one. He further advised:
"Fear Allah and do not let go of the robe of patience."
[Sahih Bukhari, Al-Janaiz: 1252]

The Blessing of Patience:
Patience is an extraordinary gift from Allah. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ expressed amazement at the state of a believer who embodies patience:
"The matter of a believer is truly amazing; all his affairs are good, and this is exclusive to the believer. If he experiences happiness, he is grateful, and that is good for him. If he faces hardship, he remains patient, and that is also good for him."
[Sahih Muslim, Al-Zuhd: 2999]

Conclusion:

Patience is an invaluable gift from Allah, one that leads to success in both trials and blessings. It signifies reliance upon Allah, earns His pleasure, and serves as a source of unending reward in the Hereafter. May Allah grant us the ability to exhibit true patience in all aspects of life.
 
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