Darussalam Publications,

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ramadaan, 1428 A.H . September 2007 "Be Patient and Paradise will be Yours" Narrated Abu Said AI-Khudree[4 J ~ : Some Ansari persons asked for (something) from Allaah's Messenger ~ and he gave them. They again asked him for (something) and he again gave them. And then they asked him and he gave them again till all that was with him finished.

And then he said: [4] Abu Said AI -Khudree ~ was from the tribe of Khazraj in Madinah. On the day of Uhud, he presented himself to the Prophet ~ to join the army but the Prophet ~ rejected him on account of his youth. He was about thirteen years old at that time. His father took part in the fighting and was martyred . After that battle, Abu Said ~ took part in all the battles of the Prophet ~ - He was one of the most knowledgeable of the Companions of the Prophet ~ - He passed on that knowledge to the following generation and was one of the mot important teachers of Hadeeth among the Companions.

He died in the year 64 in Madinah. 1,170 Ahadeeth have been attributed to his aut hority. 0 • • 0 ....... 0 ..... 0-"'/ L Q~ .... .! (_;-4.J ,.;; j, 0 ~ ,,. J. 0~ ,,,. .,,.,.,,, 0 /,,,. ,~ \ ~ J. ~"" 0 ,,, 0 ,,,. ., J.:., \ / • J, 0~ ~ (J-4..J <ill 0 ~ (J-4..J ,<ill ~ • "-1\ -: .r,--' ~ / / • i/ ( t:'..J ..J ~ / L,q' ~ ..J/ -: ~ ~ j_;.i ~ "If I had anything I would not keep it away from you. (Remember) Whoever abstains from asking others, Allaah will make him contented, and whoever tries to make himself self-sufficient, Allaah will make him self-sufficient. And whoever remains patient, Allaah will make him patient.

Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience." (SJ Also, Ata bin Abi Ra bah ~ said: lbn "Abbas ~ said to me, "Shall I show you a woman of the people of Paradise?" I said, "Yes." He said, "This black lady came to the Prophet ~ and said, 'I get attacks of epilepsy and my body becomes uncovered; please invoke Allaah for me .' The Prophet ~ said (to her) : ((~~ 0f Ji\ .:.i~; s ~; 0µ' t;.!1 4JJ-?.:,:;..;,i.;. ~ /~01Jl 'If you wish, be patient and Paradise will be yours; and if you wish, I will invoke Allaah to cure you.' She said, 'I will remain patient,' and added, 'but I become uncovered, so please invoke Allaah for me that I may not become uncovered.' So he invoked Allaah for her." 161 [SJ AI-Bukhaaree. (6) AI-Bukhaaree. Patience Is ... ? The Definition of Patience In the language, Sabr is an Arabic word derived from the same root meaning as 'to detain', 'refrain' and 'stop'. In Arabic expression, when it is said, "so-and-so was killed Sobran," it means that he was captured and detained until he died .

In the Shariah, patience means to stop ourselves from despairing and panicking, to stop our tongues from complaining, and to stop our hands from striking our faces and tearing our clothes at times of grief and stressPl [7] Patience has also been defined as " ... the controlling of oneself, that is, managing it properly, to adhere to what intelligence and Islamic law determine it should be adhered to . It also includes the controlling of oneself, that is, refraining it properly, to remain away from what intelligence and Islamic law determine it should remain away from. If we study the Verses of the Qur'aan Owing to the vastness of its meaning, Sabr (patience) has been generally defined as a good human characteristic or a positive psychological attitude, by virtue of which we refrain from doing that which is not good. Similitude of Patience Patience is a generic term that is manifested in numerous facets of human life. Each of these manifestations has its distinct name and description.

If patience is exhibited in restraining sexual desire, the result is honour, its opposite is adultery and promiscuity. If it is manifested in controlling one's stomach, it is called self-control and its opposite is greed. If it is manifested in keeping quiet about that which it is not fit to disclose, it is called discretion, its opposite is disclosing secret, lying, slander or libel. If patience is manifested in being content with what is sufficient for one's needs, it is called abstemiousness and its opposite is covetousness. If it is manifested in controlling one's anger, then it is called forbearance, the opposite of which is impulsiveness and hasty reaction.

If it is manifested in refraining from haste, then it is called gracefulness and steadiness, its opposite is to be hotheaded. If it manifests in refraining from running away, then it is called courage and its opposite is cowardice. If it manifests in refraining from taking revenge, then it is called forgiveness, the opposite of which is revenge. If it manifests in refraining from being stingy, then it is called and the Hadeeth of His Messenger ~ we find that the word Sabris used in many different ways. However, they all derive from the meaning just mentioned for Sabr.

They also all lead toward the same goal and attainment of the same result: success and victory." (AI-Bugha and Mistu p. 130) generosity, the opposite of which is miserliness. If it manifests in refraining from being lazy and helpless, then it is called dynamism and initiative. If it manifests in refraining from blaming and accusing other people, then it is called chivalry (Muru'an literally "manliness").l 8l All these names may be applied to patience in different situations, but all are covered by the same idea of patience. This is an indication that the entire spectrum of life is moderated by patience. Extreme Definition Some scholars have however, defined patience with some requirements which are almost impossible for anybody to accomplish .

Abu Muhammad Al-Hariri said: "Patience means not seeing any difference between times of ease and times of hardship, and being content at all times."[9l Reacting to this definition, lbn Qayyim AI-Jawzi <lJI ~ J said: " This is too difficult, and we are not instructed to be like this. Allaah has created us in such a way that we feel the difference between times of ease and times of hardship, and all that we can do is refrain from panicking at times of stress. Patience does not mean feeling the same at both easy and difficult times. That is beyond us, and is not part of our nature. Having an easy time is better for us than having a difficult time.

As the Prophet ~ said in his well-known Du'aa': ,,, .;i ..... J ,,, J ..,, 0 , ' .J i ~ ~ 0 i ...r.? ' 1,.$-I Gi• ~ ~ ~ <~ ~ ., I;.. ~/ L.:. c..r"' 0 •I 0 0 I ,._,.,., 1,.$- ~, : ... '"-- ... ... ,,,. [8) 'Uddat As-Sabirin wa Dhakhirat Ash-Shakirin by lbn AI-Qayyim AI-Jawziyyah [9) 'Uddat As-Sabirin Wa Dhakhirat Ash-Shakirin by lbn AI-Qayyim AI-Jawziyyah "If You are not angry with me, then I do not care what happens to me, but still I would rather have Your blessings and favour."f_ioJ This does not contradict the Hadeeth which says: ~ ~ , ((!: :,11 ~ ~_Jij? ~~ ~ ~i ~i ~J)) "No-one has ever been given a better gift than patience,"f.11 1 because that refers to after a test or trial has befallen a person. But ease is still better."[121 Patience and Complaining Is it possible to complain about one's difficult condition and still possess the virtue of patience?

There are two categories of complaining (Shakwah), the permissible and the impermissible. The permissible complaints include: ComplainttoAllaah: Complaining to Allaah does not contradict patience. This has been demonstrated by several of the Prophets, for example, when Ya'qub ~ I said : ~..iii j1 'd;' .,, !:- ~ >-- ~-- ~ WI~ .,,,y->-J ~ "I only complain of my distraction and anguish to Allaah." [Yusuf {12): 86] Earlier, Ya'qub ~ I had said "sabrun jameel/' [Yusuf {12): 83] [10] lbn lshaaq [classified as weak (Daeef) by Shaykh AI-Albaanee] . [11] AI-Bukhaaree. [12] 'Uddat As-Sabirin Wa Dhakhirat Ash-Shakirin by lbn Qayyim AI-Jawziyyah. 20 which means "patience is most fitting for me." The Qur'aan also tells us about Ayyoob ~I : ""-/ 1(1' >/-; ,.,,,~. . . .>.-!,,,, / // ... . .;. J./; ,.., ... , />-:. ,.,.~ ~~J' r->"J ~L, _:,..;JI ~ ~\ ,4_) < S.)G ~~ yj\., y "And (remember) Ayyoob (Job), when he cried to his Lord, 'Truly distress has seized me ... " [AI-Anbiya (21):83] The impermissible complaint include: Complaint to People: Complaining to people, either directly, through our words, or indirectly, through the way we look and behave is contrary to the attitude of patience .[ 131 However, [13) Khabaab bin AI-Arat ~ narrated: "We complained to Allaah's Prophet ~ (of the persecution inflicted on us by the infidels) while he was sitting in the shade of the Ka'ba, leaning over his Burd (i.e. covering sheet).

We said to him, "Would you seek help for us? Would you pray to Allaah for us?" He said: .,, _, .,., ,.,.. \ .,., ,.. ~ ((ij~ ~ j ~~ ~ ~..U\ "Among the nations before you a (believing) man would be put in a ditch that was dug for him, and a saw would be put over his head and he would be cut into two pieces; yet that (torture) would not make him give up his religion. His body would be combed with iron combs that would remove his flesh from the bones and nerves, yet that would not make him abandon his religion. By Allaah, this religion (i.e. Islam) will prevail till a traveller from Sana (in Yemen) 21 describing one's condition to specific people, such as physician or a close friend whose advice or knowledge is required in obtaining solution to a particular problem is not synonymous with the type of complaint that is discouraged.

The Strength of Patience As diverse as human beings are, so is their strength of character. Every individual has two forces at work moderating his actions and inactions. One is the "driving force", which pushes him towards some actions, and the other is the "restraining force", which holds him back from others. Patience essentially harnesses the driving force to push us towards good things, and the restraining force to hold us back from actions that may be harmful to ourselves or others. Some people have strong patience when it comes to doing what is good and beneficial for them, but their patience is weak with regard to restraint from harmful actions.

So you may find that such individual has enough patience to perform acts of worship (Salaah, Sawm, Hajj), but he has no patience in controlling himself and refraining from following his whims and desires and in this way he may commit haram deeds. Conversely, some people may have strong patience in abstaining from forbidden deeds, but their patience in obeying commandments and performing ibadah is too weak. Some people have no patience in either case! And, needless to say, the best people are those who possess both types of patience. Most people will be lacking in patience in any one case, and a few lack it in all these cases.

So, a man may have plenty of patience to Hadrarmaut will fear none but Allaah, or a wolf as regards his sheep, but you (people} are hasty." (AI-Bukhaaree) when it comes to standing for the night prayer, and enduring whatever conditions of heat or cold that may be prevalent, but may have no patience at all when it comes to lowering his gaze and refraining from looking at women. Another may have no problem in controlling his gaze, but he lacks the patience, which would make him enjoin the good and forbid the evi l, and he is so weak and helpless that he cannot even spare a word of truth against the Kuffaar and mushrikuun. The Virtues of Patience Allaah ~ has commanded us with patience and made it the most honourable trait with which man could be endowed after Eemaan {Faith}. The trials, man goes through in this world are numerous and varied . Sometimes, they come as difficulties and some other times in form of ease.

Allaah tE says: '"'5~,:; ~ -~ ~ ..:,\-;:•:,.!\",-,,</it / ;:.. ~ / J.(..~1--:--~ .:, r+-'Y":"J:f' "And We tried them with good (blessings) and evil (calamities) in order that they might turn (to Allaah's Obedience)." [AI-A'raaf {7) :168] Only the patient ones attain success. Allaah tE says: "And be patient; verily, Allaah loses not the reward of the good-doers." [AI-Hud (11) :115] Then the Prophet ~ said: "Whoever abstains from asking others, Allaah will make him contented, and whoever tries to make himself self-sufficient, Allaah will make him self-sufficient. And whoever remains patient, Allaah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience." r14J The importance of patience is further demonstrated by frequent reference to it in the Qur'aan where it is mentioned in 90 places. It is one virtue by which Allaah grants immense reward.

He ~ says: "And their recompense shall be Paradise, and silken garments, because they were patient.'' [Al-lnsaan (76):12] Ata bin Abi Ra bah .&1 6J- .J said: lbn 'Abbas~ said to me, "Shall I show you a woman of the people of Paradise?" I said, "Yes." (14] AI-Bukhaaree. He said, "This black lady came to the Prophet ~ and said, 'I get attacks of epilepsy and my body becomes uncovered; please invoke Allaah for me.' The Prophet ~ said (to her), ((~~0, 4lll~~; ,: ~ ~~ 0µ, t;.!1 ~_:; -?~ ,: ~ :· 0P 'If you wish, be patient and Paradise will be yours; and if you wish, I will invoke Allaah to cure you.' She said, 'I will remain patient,' and added, 'but I become uncovered, so please invoke Allaah for me that I may not become uncovered.' So he invoked Allaah for her."P5l Patience is the best course of action Part of the virtues of patience is that if you were to consider all possible actions or reactions to take in a particular situation, you will find patience the best course of action. Allaah ~ says: "And if you punish (your enemy), then punish them with the like of that with which you were afflicted. But if you endure patiently, verily, it is better for As-Saabireen (the patient ones, etc.).'' (An-Nahl [16]:126} It is a cause for Allaah's mercy and help. Allaah's mercy is usually attached to exercising patience.

Allaah ~ says: [15] AI-Bukhaaree. "O you who believe! Seek help in patience and As-Sa/at {the prayer). Truly! Allaah is with As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.)." [AI-Baqarah (2) :153] Patience brings spiritual joy When patience is combined with remembrance of Allaah, the result is Allaah's rewards which brings spiritual joy.

Allaah ~ says: -.11> /.~ ~ / ~ ._ ,, ,, Zii~/ ~ ,i; . ·i~ ·~11 ~ ~ __µ Y ,, ;, ~.., !i~ .....:.r -.t;:,"' r ~&6 ~ -dl+ll :,~~ ~ -P-1 L> J1: ~~ ~;; J;; "So bear patiently {O Muhammad , ,_.. ) what they say, and glorify the praises of your Lord before the rising of the sun, and before its setting, and during some of the hours of the night, and at the sides of the day, that you may become pleased with the reward which Allaah shall give you." [TaaHaa (20):130] The final victory is earned only with patience Nations and civilisations have succeeded various others who were stronger than them in power and vaster in wealth. One of the qualities that grant succession in power and wealth is patience. Allaah ~ relates the statement of Prophet Moosa to his people: "Moosa said to his people: "Seek help in Allaah and be patient. Verily, the earth is Allaah's. He gives it as a heritage to whom He wills of His slaves, and the (blessed) end is for the Muttaqun (pious)." [AI-A'raf (7):128] The good end belongs to the Patient Whatever the turn of event a believer encounters in his affair as a result of his patience, there is an assurance that the end is sure to be good if he perseveres upon his patience.

Allaah ~ says: .,.> , ,. .,.,,,,,,.. ~j_) ~):JI "And those who remain patient, seeking their Lord's countenance, perform As-Sa/at (lqamat-as-Salat), and spend out of that which We have bestowed on them, secretly and openly, and defend evil with good, for such there is a good end." [Ar-Ra'd (13) :22] 29 Types of Patience Patience is of three types: a) Patience upon obedience to Allaah ~ ' b) Patience upon the disobedience to Allaah, and c) Patience at the time of painful events from the Qadar (Pre-decree) of Allaah ~ . Patience upon obedience to Allaah ~ Obeying Allaah ~ ' following His commands and avoiding His prohibitions come with some difficulties and sacrifices. Man is a creature of comfort and ease and often times the requirements of the Deen puts strain on these human tendencies. The most important requirements of faith are the obligatory deeds. For instance, to abandon all duties, trade, social activities or rest and to perform the prayer requires patience; as many would find it hard to leave their worldly life and take time out, five times a day to remember their Lord.

This is indicated in the following words of Allaah ~: "And enjoin As-Salat (the prayer) on your family, and be patient in offering them [i.e. the Salaat (prayers)]." [Taa Haa {20): 132) The need for Sabr (patience) is just as clear in fulfilling the other obligatory deeds. With Sawm (fasting) comes the hardship of hunger and thirst, preventing the soul from food and its desires. The reward of Sadaqah (charity) will not be complete without parting with the wealth that is beloved to us.l 16l And in Jihad, one is exposed to the danger of being killed or injured. All of which require patience and perseverance. Patience upon obedience to Allaah has three parts: 1.

Patience prior to an act of lbaadah. This patience is done by purifying the intention behind the act and avoiding Ar- [16] Allaah ~ says: "All food was lawful to the Children of Israel, except what Israel made unlawful for himself before the Taurat (Torah) was revealed. Say (0 Muhammad ~ ): "Bring here the Taurat (Torah) and recite it, if you are truthful." [Aal lmraan (3) :93] Riyaa (showing off).