Page 21 - The Importance of Patience in the Qur’an

The Patience Of The Faithful 19

destiny for them, they meet everything with pleasure and an open
heart. Allah tells the faithful to adopt this attitude in the following
verse: "Those who are steadfast and put their trust in their Lord"
(Surat al-'Ankabut, 59).
No matter what the circumstances, the faithful do not complain
or whine. In addition, Allah points out that His creation of difficulty
together with ease is His immutable law: "For truly with hardship
comes ease; truly with hardship comes ease" (Surat al-Inshirah, 5-
6).
Allah reminds His servants of another important fact: "Allah
does not impose on any self any more than it can bear" (Surat al-
Baqara, 286). Allah tests everybody through the difficulties with
which they can cope. Thus, if people experience problems, it is a
certain truth that Allah has given them the strength to endure
patiently.

Aware of such verses, the faithful do not regard patience as
"suffering through a misfortune." They know that even if their
troubles never end, these are concealed blessings and that the
patient will be granted the finest returns in the afterlife. Thus, they
are never overcome by troubles; rather, they pray to Allah to lighten
their load in the knowledge that only Allah can overcome a
problem, for He is the One Who sent it in the first place. They take
refuge in Him and seek His help:
"Our Lord, do not take us to task if we forget or make a
mistake. Our Lord, do not place on us a load like the one You
placed on those before us. Our Lord, do not place on us a load
that we have not the strength to bear. Pardon us, forgive us, and
have mercy on us. You are our Master, so help us against the
unbelievers." (Surat al-Baqara, 286)