Page 53 - The Importance of Patience in the Qur’an

When The Faithful Show Patience 51

a number of enemies and suffered from their verbal and physical
assaults. But such assaults could not weaken them; rather, they
passed their whole lives showing patience and determination in
preaching Allah's religion.
One of these Messengers was Prophet Ibrahim (as). Throughout
his life, he was tested by various incidents that demanded patience.
Despite all of the unfavorable incidents that Allah set before him, he

always displayed devotion, submission, and great patience. For
example, his people, who worshipped stone idols, tried to burn him
alive for inviting them to the true faith and Allah, the One. The Qur'an
recounts this test, as follows:
They said: "We heard a young man mentioning them. They call
him Ibrahim." They said: "Bring him before the people's eyes so
they can be witnesses." (Surat al-Anbiya', 60-61)
They said: "Build a pyre for him and fling him into the blaze!"
They tried to outwit him, but We made them the lowest. He said:
"I am going toward my Lord; He will be my guide." (Surat as-
Saffat, 97-99)

As stated above, Prophet Ibrahim's (as) tribe wanted to cast him
into the fire. However, in exchange for his display of patience and
devotion, Allah protected him by ordering the fire to become
"coolness and peace for him," as follows:
We said: "Fire, be coolness and peace for Ibrahim!" They desired
to trap him, but We made them the losers. (Surat al-Anbiya', 69-
70)

This incident is a help to Allah's servants who are patient and
steadfast for Him, and it is one of the finest examples of what great
blessings our Lord can grant to Muslims in return for their patience.
Prophet Ibrahim's (as) life story contains many other examples of