Page 18 - The Importance of Patience in the Qur’an

16 THE IMPORTANCE OF PATIENCE IN THE QUR'AN

people may well be totally unaware of this. Allah points out this
important truth: "It may be that you hate something when it is
good for you, and it may be that you love something when it is
bad for you. Allah knows, and you do not know" (Surat al-Baqara,
216).
Thus, knowing that only Allah possesses this knowledge and
wisdom, the believers put their trust in Him, fully aware that
whatever He wills is always beneficial, even though the benefit may
not be immediately apparent. Therefore, they display true patience. In
other words, one characteristic of those who have true patience is that
they are people who have grasped and embraced the nature of destiny.
The Qur'an states that the faithful are patient and put their trust in
Allah, as follows:
Those who are steadfast and put their trust in their Lord. (Surat
an-Nahl: 42)

Another reason why the believers exhibit such a patient
determination throughout their lives is their strong fear and
consciousness of Allah. Just as they know that Allah has a boundless
love and mercy for His servants, they also know that the punishment
of Hell is eternal. Allah warns those who consider themselves too great
to worship Him and who turn their faces away from Him of the
torment to come. As the faithful are aware of this warning, they take
pains to avoid it by being extremely careful and patient in
implementing all of Allah's instructions and prohibitions. They
channel their fear and consciousness of Allah into living the Qur'an's
morality throughout their lives.
Awareness of this world's true face also ensures that the faithful
will continue to be patient. As is stated in "We will test you until We
know those of you who strive hard [for the cause of Allah] and those
who are steadfast, and test what is reported of you" (Surah