Page 60 - The Importance of Patience in the Qur’an

58 THE IMPORTANCE OF PATIENCE IN THE QUR'AN

commensurate to what they have done for Him. For this reason,
they show determination and patience by always behaving well and

making a serious effort. Thus they purge themselves of all bad
characteristics and find the opportunity to turn these into good
characteristics.

Patience ensures just behavior

By proclaiming that "Allah commands you to return to their
owners the things you hold on trust and, when you judge between

people, to judge with justice. How excellent is what Allah exhorts
you to do! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing" (Surat an-Nisa': 58),
Allah states that He expects the faithful to behave justly. Aware of
this command, the believers do not deviate from honesty and
justice. In order for them to live this superior morality, their greatest
aid is patience, a characteristic that they gain from adhering to the
Qur'an's teachings.
Those who are expected to ensure justice must not give way to
their emotions, succumb to anger, or act from such motives as
hatred and revenge. When they encounter such a situation, they
must display serious patience. Allah informs us of this, as follows:
O you who believe, show integrity for the sake of Allah,

bearing witness with justice. Do not let hatred for a people
incite you to injustice. Be just. That is closer to heedfulness.
Heed Allah. Allah is aware of what you do. (Surat al-Ma'ida, 8)

Patience gives believers a trustworthy character

All Prophets have said these words to the peoples to whom they
were sent: