In this series of article on knowing ourselves and self control we look at patience.
With the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Ever Merciful,
“O you who believe! seek (God’s) help with perfect patience and Prayer, for surely Allah is with the patiently persevering.” Al Quran 2:153.
There are many other verses of the Holy Quran which extols people to be patient and most, of the many incidents related in the Holy Quran, depict patience as one of the themes. So important is patience that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) has said that:
“Patience is half of faith.” Al hadith 1:4:13:145w
and when asked “what is faith, he replied patience.” He also said:
“…Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.”
In life we going to face the death of loved ones, some loss in property and illness and it is during these times that we need to exercise patience. These are normal occurrences which we all face at some point or the other and although it is good to have patience during these times it is really no big deal. In Islam patience is much more than all of this and as we get closer to Allah Subhanahu Wa ta’alah the tests are greater.
When we are walking on the straight path, trying to please our Creator, or even doing something good in the way of Islam, then we must never think that everything is going to go smoothly for us. On the contrary we will most certainly be put to the test with things going wrong and it is in times like this that we have to exercise patience. These trials are there to make us better and to purify us.
“(Muslims!) We will put you to trial until We make manifest those among you who strive their utmost (in the cause of Allah), and those who persevere in patience, and We will (entrust you with such tasks as may) bring to light your reported mettle (and inner merits).” Al Quran 47:31
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the early Muslims did not have it easy. They faced extreme trials by way of ridicule, torture, poverty and boycotts but they had patience and never turned back on their faith. When the magicians of Pherone accepted Hazrath Moosa AS, Pherone threatened them with a painful death but they never gave up their faith but instead prayed in this way:
`…”Our Lord! pour forth upon us patience and perseverance and grant that we die in a state of complete submission (to You)”.’ Al Quran 7:126.
For those that walk the straight path the trials can be so severe that it is almost impossible to bear; it breaks their morale totally but even in that state, a true believer would not surrender his faith. When we face such trials, we would plead for help from Allah Subhanahu wa ta’alha but no help would come immediately. This is when our faith is really tested. Truly great are those, who, when in such situations, do not even complain. Of all examples, that of Hazrath Imaam Hussein RA is the ultimate when it comes to patience. Everything was thrown at him but he never flinched. While most trials come to an end and good times return, this was different. Everything was taken away from him in the most brutal way but he still held on to his faith till his last breath.
“Do you think that you will enter Paradise, while there has not yet come upon you the like of that which befell those who passed away before you? Distress and afflictions befell them, and they were made to suffer the violent tremors, so that the Messenger and those who believed along with him spoke out, `When (will come) the help of Allah?’ (Then they were told), `Behold! surely, the help of Allah is always nearby.’” Al Quran 2:214
In walking the “Siratul Mustaqeem” (the straight path) we have to follow Allah’s chosen ones such as the Prophets and the Aulia Allah. This teaching is from Sura Al Fatiha. When Hazrath Moosa AS wanted to learn the deeper teachings of Islam, he was directed to Harat Kizar AS and this is what Harat Kizar AS said to Hazrath Moosa (AS) when he asked to accompany him so as to learn.
“He (- the great man) said, `(Yes, but) while keeping company with me you will never be able to bear (and keep company) with me in patience, `And how can you have patience about things the knowledge of which you do not comprehend.’ Al Quran 18:67.
A pir o Murshid is definitely going to say and do things that we would not only find difficult to understand, but also find difficult to believe and accept. Even Hazrath Moosa AS failed in having patience with Hazrath Kizar AS. Truly great are those who manage to have patience with their spiritual guides to ultimately become the guiding lamp of future generations.
Consider the following: When we are fasting we sometimes feel hungry and thirsty but we control ourselves and wait until it is time to break fast. This is also exercising patience. In the same vein, patience in Islam is also about controlling oneself to the requirement of faith and Islamic teachings. There are things that our desires would want us to do and sometimes, these things are alluring, but we have to exercise patience and not do something that is outside the framework of Islamic teachings. When walking the true path these tests can become severe. Zulaika was very beautiful and when she tried to seduce Yusuf AS it must have been a challenge for him not to give in to her charm. This is the kind of severe testing that those that walk the path of righteousness face. Our Pir O Murshid (Spiritual Guide), Hazrath Poona Wale Shah Saib RA said in this regards: “Nagina hazaar baar kate hae, thab kahie jae kaar angotie mae baithi hae” (a diamond is cut many times before it sits on the ring).
“(inasmuch as) the fire of lust, which was flaming, has become the greenery of piety and the light of guidance (to the true faith); (inasmuch as) at once the fire of anger in you has turned to forbearance, and the darkness of ignorance in you has turned to knowledge…. (inasmuch as) you have answered the call of God and have brought water into the blazing hell of your soul- Our Hell also in regard to you has become greenery and roses and plenty and riches.” Matnawi bk2 verse 2562.
For us normal people, we also face some trying times which are challenging but it pales in comparison to what the Prophets and Aulia Allah go through. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) has said that marriage is half of faith and when we consider this carefully in the light of the above hadith, then we would realise that marriage is also about patience. Our nature does not want to be slave but to be master. For the wife, she has to exercise patience and follow the lead of the husband. For the husband, when his wife pushes him to the limits, he has to exercise patience and not react like an intolerant dictator who gives three divorces at one time, which is unislamic. Rather, he has to patiently work through his problems which can sometimes take years.
Then we have to learn endurance and to place our Trust in Allah Subhanahu wa ta’alha. If we encounter problems we must not beg or ask others for help. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever abstains from asking others, Allah will make him contented, and whoever tries to make himself self-sufficient, Allah will make him self-sufficient. And whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.” Bukhari Volume 2, Book 24, Number 548.
There is something great to be achieved from patience. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that :
“there is no patient man but possesses power, and no wise man but possesses experience.” Al hadith 1:4:13:162
A good way to try to instill patience is to strengthen our belief in destiny (taqdeer). Allah Subhanahu wa ta’alha is ultimately and totally in charge of our lives. Let’s just do our best and leave the rest in His Hands. We also need to remember that Allah Subhanahu wa ta’alha does not place a burden on us that we cannot bear so we must know for certain that it is within our reach to succeed when we are undergoing trials. This must give us the confidence to stand strong.
“….No soul is charged with a duty except to its capacity.” Al Quran 2:233
Peace and salutations be upon Allah’s Messengers who are responsible for guiding humanity throughout time. Ameen.
Published by Anjuman e Waris e Mohammedi.
Anjuman e Waris e Mohammedi was founded by Dr/Hakim Hazrath Khwaja Sayed Shareef Ahmed Ali Shah RA, (lovingly known as Hazrath Poona Wale Shah Saib RA).
Author: Mahomed Hassan Gaffoor
His WhatsApp: +27 84 910 1486