Page 43 - The Importance of Patience in the Qur’an

When The Faithful Show Patience 41

go to waste. (Surat at-Tawba, 120)
As we can see, Allah announces that the patience displayed by the

faithful who are being tested will be rewarded, and that none of their
good acts will be overlooked, on the Day of Judgment. He also
proclaims His mercy toward the faithful by describing them as those
"who [He] has preserved them from hunger and secured them from
fear" (Surah Quraysh, 4).

When struck with illness
In societies characterized by the lack of Qur'anic morality, it is
considered quite normal that people's behavior will change according
to circumstances. They will exhibit good behavior when they can

meet all of their physical and spiritual needs easily and ensure their
own comfort, but will change completely when faced with any
problem that may endanger their comfort. They cannot meet even a
temporary affliction with patience. This becomes very clear in the
case of illness.
How people behave during times of illness, hunger, exhaustion,
and similar events are clear indications as to whether they do—or do
not—possess sound morality. Given this fact, difficult times are very
valuable opportunities for people to prove their faith in, devotion to,
and trust in our Lord. Allah states that among the conditions for true
morality and true goodness is showing correct behavior by being
patient in times of trouble and sickness (Surat al-Baqara, 177).
When faced with such a problem as illness, what enables the

faithful to behave steadfastly and with patience is their deep
attachment to and faith in Allah. Prophet Ibrahim (as) expressed this
truth by saying "and when I am ill, He heals me" (Surat ash-Shu'ara':
80).