Page 30 - The Importance of Patience in the Qur’an

28 THE IMPORTANCE OF PATIENCE IN THE QUR'AN

their own salvation. For this reason, they call on the faithful to be
patient in all their acts of worship and while going about their daily
lives. The Qur'an gives the example of this when our Prophet (saas)
and his companion were in the cave on their way to Madina:
If you do not help him, Allah helped him when the
unbelievers drove him out and there were two of them in the
cave. He said to his companion, "Do not be despondent, for
Allah is with us." Then Allah sent down His serenity upon
him. (Surat at-Tawba, 40)
Even while hiding under extremely difficult conditions from
people who might have killed him, the Prophet (saas) reminded his
companion of Allah's assistance. All Muslims should learn from and
follow this example. Guiding one another toward patience by
mentioning the strength and assistance of Allah whatever the
circumstances may be indicates superior morality.
The Qur'an refers to such people as "the Companions of the
Right":

[Have We not] shown him the two highways? But he has not
braved the steep ascent. What will convey to you what the
steep ascent is? It is freeing a slave or feeding on a day of
hunger, an orphaned relative or a poor man in the dust; then to
be one of those who believes and urge each other to
steadfastness and compassion. Those are the Companions of
the Right. (Surat al-Balad, 10-18)