Page 41 - The Importance of Patience in the Qur’an

When The Faithful Show Patience 39

that they encounter in this world, and so they show Him no gratitude.
In fact, if even one blessing is removed, they rebel against Allah and
show ingratitude. In communities that are far from religion, one can
find such examples on a regular basis. Rich people who become poor
lose many blessings that Allah has bestowed upon them in the past.
Ignoring the fact that their houses, cars, clothes, foods, and drinks
were Allah's gifts to them, they believe that all such things belonged
to them alone. Unable to learn the intended lesson and ask Allah to
grant new blessings, they do not put their trust in Allah and thus turn
a beneficial test against themselves.
On the other hand, those who are aware of these truths and show
steadfast patience, who remain pleased with our Lord when rich or
poor, hungry or fed, will be rewarded with Allah's mercy. Allah
proclaims the good news that those faithful people who are grateful
to Him will have their blessings increased: "And when your Lord
announced: 'If you are grateful, I will certainly give you increase.
But if you are ungrateful, My punishment is severe'" (Surah
Ibrahim, 7).
The Qur'an also informs the faithful who are tested by hunger and
poverty, as follows:
Or did you suppose that you would enter Paradise without
facing the same as those who came before you? Poverty and
illness afflicted them, and they were shaken to the point that the
Messenger and those who believed with him said: "When is
Allah's help coming?" Be assured that Allah's help is very near.
(Surat al-Baqara, 214)

Allah tells us that these people were afflicted with poverty and
illness and sought refuge in His help. We must always remember that
He gives the good news that for those who are patient and meet such
a test with good behavior, whatever the circumstances, His help is