Page 24 - The Importance of Patience in the Qur’an

22 THE IMPORTANCE OF PATIENCE IN THE QUR'AN

informs us of His "love of the patient" (Surah Al 'Imran, 146).
Moreover, Allah has revealed "Peace be upon you because of
your steadfastness! How wonderful is the Ultimate Abode!" (Surat
ar-Ra'd, 24) to let the patient know that they will receive a fine
reward on the Day of Judgment.
All of these blessings ensure that the faithful will live in patience
with great joy and desire.

Their patience is never shaken
People whose fear and consciousness of Allah, as well as their

faith in Him, are weak may modify their behavior according to other
people or their surroundings or circumstances. They may behave
well toward other people from whom they think they can benefit
while displaying exactly the opposite behavior toward those whom
they do not know or look down upon. For example, in societies that
are far from religion, a shopkeeper who shows an exaggerated
respect and interest toward a wealthy customer is a quite common
sight. If such a customer causes difficulties or is capricious or
condescending, the shopkeeper tolerates it all. But this same
shopkeeper might not act as tolerantly when faced with even a
justified request from a customer who might have only limited
means. Moreover, such people who behave well toward others
when life is good may change character completely when they are
facing hardship. So long as a friend entertains them or provides

them with opportunities, they behave very well. However, if that
person falls on hard times and cannot help or entertain them as
before, they may then become impatient.
This fickleness is due to their decision, conscious or otherwise, to