7 Hadiths That Teach Patience in Difficult Times
Life is not always easygoing and smooth. Various moments in life are difficult to face and test our patience. In Islam, these are the moments where we are rewarded the most. Both the Quran and Sunnah place high importance on Sabr or patience. It is believed to be one of the virtues that help us get closer to Allah. In this article, we will discuss seven instances whereby our Prophet (PBUH) gave guidance and encouraged practicing patience.
1. Patience at the First Stroke of Calamity
Anas narrated that:
The Messenger of Allah said: “(Real) Patience is at the first stroke of the calamity.”
The significance of hadith is such that it highlights how to react when faced with any difficult situation. According to this hadith, you must react patiently if adversity strikes you. True patience is not just about going through a trial. It also trusts Allah’s wisdom and puts our whole faith in Him. Whenever you go through a hardship and feel overwhelmed, you must accept it calmly.
2. Patience Sets the Path to Jannah
It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ)said:
“The greatest reward comes with the greatest trial. When Allah loves a people He tests them. Whoever accepts that wins His pleasure but whoever is discontent with that earns His wrath.”
Accepting the trials of life with acceptance is one of the greatest signs of faith in Allah. Yet again, in this hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) explains that the true definition of patience is accepting Allah’s divine plan. Those who remain steadfast in adversity will be given a place in Jannah. A promise that is the ultimate reward for all the Muslims in the world.
3. Patience During the Loss of a Loved One
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, “Allah, the Exalted, says: ‘I have no reward other than Jannah for a believing slave of Mine who remains patient for My sake when I take away his beloved one from among the inhabitants of the world”.[Al-Bukhari].
One of the most testing times that any human has to face may be to face the loss of a loved one. This hadith is a powerful reminder of being patient when faced with such a situation. If a Muslim believer practices patience in such cases, He earns Allah’s pleasure. Moreover, Allah has also promised paradise for such Muslim believers. Humans must channel their sorrow towards prayers and believe entirely in His creator.
4. The Limitless Reward for Patience
Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri and Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were the prick he receives from a thorn, but that Allah expiates some of his sins for that.”
This hadith is a beautiful illustration of the mercy Muslims receive from Allah. If a believer goes through a struggle, even as small as getting hurt by a thorn, it becomes a means of forgiveness. Being patient helps to change the pain into purification from sins. It brings us closer to Allah. Therefore, the believers must find satisfaction that any hardship they face has a greater purpose.
5. Patience Is as Important as Salah and Zakat
It was narrated from ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Ghanm that Abu Malik Al-Ash’ari told him that the Messenger of Allah said:
“Isbagh Al-Wudu is half of faith; Alhamdu lillah (praise be to Allah) fills the balance; the Tasbih and the Takbir fill the heavens and Earth; the Salah is light; the Zakah is a sign (of sincerity); patience is an illuminating torch; and the Qur’an is proof, either for you or against you.”
This hadith shows us how the power of patience is similar to the light of a torch. Just like any torch helps vanish darkness, patience also helps believers navigate through the darkness of life and its uncertainties. It helps to strengthen our faith and makes us resilient. Patience is the key that ignites hope in all of us and helps us to maintain reliance on Allah.
6. The Prophets Were Tested for Patience Too
It was narrated from Mus’ab bin Sa’d that his father, Sa’d bin Abu Waqqas, said:
“I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, which people are most severely tested?’ He said: ‘The Prophets, then the next best and the next best. A person is tested according to his religious commitment. If he is steadfast in his religious commitment, he will be tested more severely, and if he is frail in his religious commitment, his test will be according to his commitment. Trials will continue to afflict a person until they leave him walking on the earth with no sin on him.'”
7. Patience Protects Us
Narrated Abu Sa`id Al-Khudri:
Some Ansari persons asked for (something) from Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) (p.b.u.h) 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 “If I had anything. I would not keep it away from you. (Remember) 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.”
Have you ever thought about the best gift that Allah can bestow on any Muslim man or woman? It is the gift of patience, as mentioned in this Hadith. It is a protective shield that helps believers face hardships and trials without giving up on hope. Patience is not just a virtue but also a blessing from Allah Himself that nurtures the soul.
Conclusion
Patience is an integral part of any Muslim believer’s journey. These seven hadiths mentioned in this article will help you to understand the importance of patience and trust in Allah. It is among the highest awards for those who remain steadfast in facing challenges. The trials that life sends towards us must not break us. Instead, it should help to build strength within us.
If ever in your life, you feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges, remember, Allah will always protect you. He only tests those who can sustain. Therefore, never falter in the face of adversity. Rather, make it your source of patience and guidance.
Prophets have been facing adversity ever since the advent of Islam. Multiple prophets were given strict trials, and yet they surpassed all of them with patience and trust in Allah. Prophets Like Nuh (A.S.), Ibrahim (A.S.), and Ayub (A.S.) which serve as an example of their unwavering patience. They went through extreme hardships and yet never complained to Allah. This hadith encourages all Muslims to remain patient and steadfast. It is also a potent reminder that being Tested by Allah is a sign of His attention and love.
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