3.2, Patience and Perseverance (Khutbah)

Abdullah bin Mas’ud (RA) reported: I can still recall as if I am seeing the Messenger of Allah (SAW) resembling one of the Prophets whose people scourged him and shed his blood. While he wiped blood from his face, he said: “O Allah! Forgive my people, because they certainly do not know.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

This Hadith mentions the refined character and compassion of the prophets, which is an important lesson for those who preach righteousness. We should be prepared to face hardships in inviting people to the right path and, instead of retaliation, forgive our audience and pray for their guidance.

Further, any hardship that we do face, in any aspect of life, we should remember the words of Allah’s Messenger, “Never is a believer stricken with a discomfort, an illness, an anxiety, a grief or mental worry or even the pricking of a thorn but Allah will expiate his sins on account of his patience.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)

Such is the special Grace and Mercy of Allah: The hardships and troubles suffered by a Muslim are turned into a means of expiation (atonement) for his sins. But this is only possible if the believer exercises patience. If, on the other hand, he starts cursing and swearing instead of showing patience then besides suffering hardship, he would also be deprived of the reward which lies in bearing it patiently. Thus, on top of the hardship he faces he shall have to take the burden of additional sins also. This is also an indirect reason why we must make our tongues moist with the remembrance of Allah; constantly reciting Qur’an and saying words like “Alhumdulillah” and “Subhaana-Allah”. So that when something goes wrong, instead of instinctively responding with a curse or a swear word, we respond with a better response, which is the praise and glorification of Allah.

I end by reminding myself and those before me that difficulties in the path of Faith are irrespective of time and place. People devoted to their religion have passed through trials and tribulations everywhere and in every age, and have emerged purified as does the gold after passing through the furnace.