Page 55 - The Importance of Patience in the Qur’an

When The Faithful Show Patience 53

my calling has only made them more evasive. Indeed, every time
I called them to Your forgiveness, they put their fingers in their
ears, wrapped themselves up in their clothes, and were
overweeningly arrogant. Then I called them openly. Then I
addressed them publicly and privately." (Surah Nuh, 5-9)

Certainly these examples can teach a lesson to all Muslims today.
By sending the Qur'an to inform us of these events, Allah instructs us
never to abandon our patience and always to follow the Prophets'
examples of patience.
So be steadfast as the Messengers, with firm resolve, were also
steadfast. (Surat al-Ahqaf, 35)
Just as among the tribes of old, it is possible that now and in the

future believers will encounter similar situations and people who
know nothing of religion, deny the faith, and have only a limited
ability to comprehend it. In every age there may be people who deny
Allah's existence and the afterlife. Muslims are required to explain to
all people His existence and the truth of creation without becoming
tired of doing so. They may encounter people who say: "I'm an atheist
and so reject Allah's existence," feigning ignorance of all of the truths
or scientific proofs that have been explained to them. Or some people
may be unable to save themselves from the negative effects of the
surrounding ignorant society and thus find it hard to understand the
truths that are explained to them. In such a situation, being steadfast
in preaching religion by trying every method, like Prophet Nuh (as),
and taking all kinds of risks, like Prophet Ibrahim (as), are very

important forms of worship, because strong patience in explaining
the faith may help some people see the light and be saved in the
afterlife.
Believers undertake this important service with the sole intention