Patience in the Qur’an
Islamic Articles

Patience in the Qur’an

By May 3, 2020No Comments

In the name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful

(Researched by: Hanan Muhammad- Abdullah)

Glad tidings are to those who practice patience

Introduction: As Muslims many of us listen to the khutbas (Friday speeches) in our masajids every jummah prayer and hear the admonition from Allah SWT that one of the ways to the jannah (paradise) is Patience. In the collection of Imam Ahmed there is a hadith that Allah SWT mentioned Patience in the Qur’an in 90 places. In an effort to find these ayats (verses) about Patience I looked in the Qur’an and the Qur’anic Indexes for these ayats to help me and the reader to see what Allah (swt) says about patience and its benifit  for us as humans. I pray to Allah to make this effort helpful to others as it continues to be helpful to me to seek the guidance of Allah in my life and the benefit of understanding the value of patience in our way of dealing with ourselves and others.

  1.           Instruction. Patience is enjoined upon believers. And do thou be patient, for thy patience is but from Allah; nor grieve over them: and distress not thyself because of their plots. (an-Nahl 16:127) “Now await in patience the Command of they Lord: for verily thou art in Our eyes: and celebrate the praises of thy Lord the while thou standest forth,” (at-Tur 52:48)
  2.           That which is opposite to patience is forbidden.  Therefore patiently persevere, as did (all) Messengers of inflexible purpose; and be in no haste about the (Unbelievers). On the Day that they see the (Punishment) promised them, (it will be) as if they had not tarried more than an hour in a single day. (Thine but) to proclaim the Message: but shall any be destroyed except those who transgress? (al-Ahqaf 46:35) So wait with patience for the Command of thy Lord, and be not like the Companion of the Fish, when he cried out in agony.  (al-Qalam 68:48)
  3.           Patience is made a condition of success and prosperity. O ye who believe! persevere in patience and constancy; vie in such perseverance; strengthen each other; and fear Allah; that ye may prosper.  (Al’Imran 3:200)
  4.           The rewards of those who exercise patience will be doubled. Twice will they be given their reward, for that they have persevered, that they avert Evil with Good, and that they spend (in charity) out of what We have given them.  (al-Qasas 28:54).  Say: “O ye My servants who believe!  Fear your Lord. Good is (the reward) for those who do good in this world. Spacious is Allah’s earth! Those who patiently persevere will truly receive a reward without measure!” (az-Zumar 39:10)
  5.           Patience and iman are prerequisites for leadership in religion. And We appointed, from among them, Leaders, giving guidance under Our Command, so long as they persevered with patience and continued to have faith in Our Signs. (as-Sajdah 32:24)
  6.           Patience is the way to earn the companionship of Allah. And obey Allah and His Messenger; and fall into no disputes, lest ye lose heart and your power depart; and be patient and persevering: for Allah is with those who patiently persevere:  (al-Anfal 8:46)
  7.           Allah will reward those who have patience with a threefold reward: blessings, mercy and guidance.  Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods or lives or the fruits (of your toil), but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. (al-Baqarah 2:155-7)
  8.           Patience is a means of seeking Allah’s help. Nay, seek (Allah’s) help with patient perseverance and prayer: it is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit,  (al-Baqarah 2:45)
  9.          Patience and taqwa are conditions for Allah’s help and support.  “Yea, if ye remain firm, and act aright, even if the enemy should rush here on you in hot haste, your Lord would help you with five thousand angels making a terrific onslaught.” (Al’Imran 3:125)
  10.          Patience and Taqwa are a great protection against the cunning of enemies. If aught that is good befalls you, it grieves them; but if some misfortune overtakes you, they rejoice at it. But if ye are constant and do right, not the least harm will their cunning do to you; for Allah compasseth round about all that they do.  (Al’Imran 3:120)
  11.          The angels will salute the people of patience in Jannah.  “Peace unto you for that ye persevered in patience! Now how excellent is the final Home!” (ar-Ra’d 13:24)
  12.          Allah made it permissible to treat our enemies no worse than they treat us, but He has made it clear that practicing patience is better. And if ye do catch them out, catch them out no worse than they catch you out: but if ye show patience, that is indeed the best (course) for those who are patient.   (an Nahl 16:126)
  13.           Allah made patience and right actions a condition for forgiveness and great reward. “Not so do those who show patience and constancy, and work righteousness; for them is forgiveness (of sins) and a great reward.”  (Hud 11:11)
  14.           Allah has made patience a standard of courage and determination in the conduct of one’s affairs. But indeed if any show patience and forgive, that would truly be an exercise of courageous will and resolution in the conduct of affairs. (ash-Shura 42:43) “O my son! establish regular prayer, enjoin what is just, and forbid what is wrong; and bear with patient constancy whatever betide thee; for this is firmness (of purpose) in (the conduct of) affairs. (Luqman 31:17)
  15.           Allah has promised the believers His support and victory and has said that they deserve this because of their patience. And We made a people, considered weak (and of no account), inheritors of lands in both East and West-lands whereon We sent down Our blessings. The fair promise of thy Lord was fulfilled for the Children of Israel, because they had patience and constancy, and We levelled to the ground the Great Works and fine Buildings which Fir’aun and his people erected (with such pride).  (al A’raf 7:137)
  16.           Allah has made patience a condition of His love.  “How many of the Prophets fought (in Allah’s way), and with them (fought) large bands of godly men? But they never lost heart if they met with disaster in Allah’s way, nor did they weaken (in will) nor give in. And Allah loves those who are firm and steadfast.” (Al-Imran3:146)
  17.           Allah has made patience a condition of receiving many blessings. But those who had been granted (true) knowledge said: “Alas for you! The reward of Allah (in the Hereafter) is best for those who believe and work righteousness: but this none shall attain, save those who steadfastly persevere (in good).” (al-Qasas2 8:80) And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune.  (Fussilat 41:35)
  18.           Allah has mentioned that only those who practice patience and gratitude will benefit from the signs of Allah.  Seest thou not that the ships sail through the Ocean by the grace of Allah? That He may show you of His Signs? Verily in this are Signs for all who constantly persevere and give thanks. (Lugman 31:31) And among His Signs are the ships, smooth-running through the ocean, (tall) as mountains.  If it be His Will, He can still the Wind: then would they become motionless on the back of the (ocean). Verily in this are Signs for everyone who patiently perseveres and is grateful. (ash-Shura 42:32-33)
  19.           Allah praised Ayyub (AS)for his patience. “And take in thy hand a little grass, and strike therewith: and break not (thy oath).” Truly We found him full of patience and constancy, how excellent in Our service! ever did he turn (to Us)!  ( Sad 38:44)
  20.           Allah has given a general ruling that whoever does not have faith and does not belong to the people of truth and patience. Except such as have Faith, and do righteous deeds, and (join together) in the mutual teaching of Truth, and of Patience and Constancy.  (al-Asr 103:1-3)
  21.           Allah has mentioned the main characteristic of those who attain salvation is patience and compassion. Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, (constancy, and self-restraint), and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion. (al-Balad 90:17-18)
  22.           Allah has mentioned patience in many chapters including: (al-Baqarah 2:45)(Hud 11:11)(ash Shura 42:32-33)(al-Asr103:1-3)(al-Balad 90:17)(as-Sajdah32:24)(al-Ahzab 33-35)

References:

Subject Index of Qur’an, Afzalur Rahman, Islamic Publications Ltd. Lahore, Pakistan, 1st. Edition, 1983

Translation of the Meaning of “The Noble Qur’an in the English Language by Dr. Muhammad Taqi-ud-Din Hilali and Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan, King Fahd Complex for the Printing of The Holy Qur’an, Madinah, KSA,1420 AH

The Holy Qur’an, Text, Translation and Commentary by Abdullah Yusuf Ali,New Revised Edition, Amana Corporation, Brentwood, Maryland U.S.A . 1404 A.H.-1989 A.C.

An Exhaustive Concordance of the Meaning of the Qur’an based upon the translation of Abdullah Yusuf Ali by John (Yahya) Cason, Kamel El- Fadl, Frederick (Fareed) Walker, 1421A.H./2000C.E.