Page 49 - Perfected Faith

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THE MORAL PERFECTION CONFERRED BY PERFECTED FAITH

tience and imploration never wavers, even though he cannot elimi-
nate a problem or attain his wishes until death overtakes him. He
knows that Allah keeps everything under His control and that he will
earn great rewards in return for his patience. For this reason, he is
content with Allah no matter which situations he encounters, he be-
lieves in His eternal compassion and mercy, and puts His trust in
Him. If Allah does not answer his call immediately, he certainly
knows a greater goodness and beauty are hidden in this. He never
forgets that Allah answers all prayers and gives an excellent reward
to those who are patient. And His promise is true. One verse reads: "...
And whose words could be truer than Allah's?" (Surat an-Nisa', 87)
A believer who is aware of this fact thinks that Allah will probably
give him more blessings but, before that, He wants him to grow more
mature. Through this, He might well be putting his loyalty and deter-
mination to the test. Believers who are exemplary in their submission
are referred to in the Qur'an as: "those who, when disaster strikes
them, say, 'We belong to Allah and to Him we will return.'" (Surat
al-Baqara, 156)
Indeed, Allah advises His servants to be patient in the face of the
hardships they encounter and gives them the glad tidings that they
will eventually reap great benefits:
We will test you with a certain amount of fear and hunger and
loss of wealth and life and crops. But give good news to the
steadfast. (Surat al-Baqara, 155)
A believer exercises patience throughout his life. He obeys the com-
mand of his Lord: "Be steadfast for your Lord" (Surat al-
Muddaththir, 7) at every moment of his life. Ultimately he will meet
His Lord and be rewarded with His paradise. The angels at the gates
of paradise will address him as follows:
Peace be upon you because of your steadfastness! How wonder-
ful is the Ultimate Abode! (Surat ar-Ra'd, 24)