Page 52 - The Basic Concepts in the Qur’an

Perseverance

All throughout the life of the believer fundamental worship involves two things: being in
constant pursuit of a life based entirely on the principles of the Qur’an and avoidance of
behaviours contradicting its commandments. The term “patience” encompasses the virtues of
being persistent, brooking no neglect of or delay in worship, and protecting oneself from the
erosion of devoutness.
That is why patience and endurance are two separate concepts. Endurance implies a sense
of objection and resistance. It is actually suffering difficulties or pain. The patience believers
demonstrate, on the other hand, is totally different: A patient believer does not feel defeated or
demoralized. On the contrary, he feels himself closer to Allah and consequently finds joy in
any distresses befalling him. This is surely a source of ardour and excitement for believers.
Many of the verses in the Qur’an enjoin perseverance:
So patiently persevere: for the promise of Allah is, indeed true: nor let those shake
your firmness, who have (themselves) no certainty of faith.
(Ar-Rum, 60)

O you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance;
strengthen each other; and fear Allah, so that you may prosper.
(Al-Imran, 200)

And be patient, for your patience is but from Allah; nor grieve over them: (i.e. the
unbelievers) and do not distress yourself because of their plots.
(An-Nahl, 127)

It is stated, moreover, in the Qur’an that the believers will be put to the test with patience:

And We shall try you until We test those among you who strive their utmost and
persevere in patience; and We shall try your reported (mettle).
(Muhammad, 31)

You shall certainly be tried and tested in your possessions and in your personal selves;
and you shall certainly hear much that will grieve you, from those who received the
Book before you and from those who worship many gods. But if you persevere
patiently, and guard against evil, that will be a determining factor in all affairs.
(Al-Imran, 186)

Perseverance is also the key to the victory of believers. Allah gives strength to the believers
provided that they persevere:
If there are a hundred of you, patient and persevering, they will vanquish two
hundred, and if a thousand, they will vanquish two thousand, with the leave of Allah:
for Allah is with those who patiently persevere.
(Al-Anfal, 66)

And obey Allah and His Messenger; and fall into no disputes, lest you lose heart and
your resolve weaken; and be patient and persevering: For Allah is with those who
patiently persevere.
(Al-Anfal, 46)
Perseverance is an essential attribute of a believer and it is also the key to the will of Allah
and to the attainment of heaven. In one verse, Allah states the attributes of believers “(They are)
those who persevere in patience, and put their trust on their Lord.” (An-Nahl, 42). The
importance of the issue is emphasized in other verses: