The Virtue of Concealing a Believer's Faults and the Excellence of Patience

Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Azmi (Rahimahullah)

Concealing One's Own Faults​

❀ Narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA):
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"All my followers will be forgiven except those who commit sins openly. It includes a person who commits a sin at night, and though Allah had kept it hidden, in the morning, they reveal it to others, saying, 'I committed such and such a sin last night,' while Allah had kept it hidden during the night. Such individuals remove Allah's cover from themselves."

[Bukhari 6069, Muslim 2990]

The Light of Patience​

❀ Narrated by Abu Malik Al-Ash‘ari (RA):
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"Purification is half of faith. Saying 'Alhamdulillah' (All praise is due to Allah) fills the scale. Saying 'SubhanAllah' (Glory be to Allah) and 'Alhamdulillah' fill what is between the heavens and the earth. Prayer is light. Charity is proof (of faith). Patience is illumination. The Quran is either a proof for you or against you. Everyone goes out in the morning to sell themselves, either freeing themselves (from Hellfire) or destroying themselves."

[Muslim 223]

Patience in Facing Criticism​

❀ Narrated by Abdullah bin Mas‘ud (RA):
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) distributed some wealth as he usually did. A man from the Ansar remarked, "By Allah, this distribution was not intended for the pleasure of Allah." Abdullah bin Mas‘ud said, "I will inform the Prophet (ﷺ)." He then approached the Prophet (ﷺ) and mentioned the remark in private.

The Prophet (ﷺ) became visibly upset, and his complexion changed. He said:

"Musa (Moses, peace be upon him) was hurt more than this, yet he remained patient."

[Bukhari 6100, Muslim 1062]

The Believer Who Engages with Society​

❀ Narrated by Ibn Umar (RA):
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"The believer who mingles with people and bears their harm with patience will have a greater reward than the one who does not mingle with them and does not bear their harm."

[Tirmidhi 2507, Ibn Majah 4032, Ahmad 5022]

Key Lessons from These Narrations​

1. Concealing Faults: A believer should not publicize their sins or the sins of others. Concealing faults is a means to Allah’s mercy.
2. Patience as Illumination: Patience is described as a radiant light, guiding individuals through life's challenges while earning them Allah’s pleasure.
3. Dealing with Criticism: Prophets faced greater trials, yet they exhibited exemplary patience, serving as a model for believers.
4. Interacting with Society: Believers who engage with society and endure its hardships are more virtuous than those who isolate themselves.

Reflection​

These narrations highlight the virtues of self-restraint, patience, and community engagement, emphasizing that a believer's strength lies in their ability to conceal flaws, endure trials, and interact with society while maintaining faith and character.