Patience and Productivity in Times of Hardships According to Islam

Patience is also known as “Sabr” in Arabic which means to confine or contain. Patience has great status in religion Islam and in the sight of Allah Almighty. Patience is of best from deeds and has a great reward with no limit. Allah (SWT) said in the Holy Quran: “Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without Hisaab (without limit, calculation, and estimation)” (Quran, 39:10). There is a great reward only for those among us who are patient with the Decree of their Lord. In this worldly life, we face many difficulties or trials and sufferings but we have to be patient because Almighty Allah loves those who did Patience (Sabr) in times of hardships. Sometimes in life, hardships befall us, it feels like difficulties add up on one another and the light at the end of the tunnel is hardly an illusion. Being Muslim we should be patient during times of hardships and we should be prepared to behave in the best way in such times. Allah Almighty said in the Holy Quran to those who are facing difficulties or trials that He is with them by guiding and supporting them and granting them a clear victory. Allah said: “Surely, Allah is with those who are As‑Saabiroon (the patient)” (Quran, 8:46). From this verse of the Holy Quran, we can say that no matter what’s the situation we are facing we should be faithful and patient as Allah is with us, He will never leave us alone. The Messenger of Allah Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “When a person’s child dies, Allah the Highest asks His angels, ‘Have you taken out the life of the child of My slave?’  They reply in the affirmative. He then asks, ‘Have you taken the fruit of his heart?’ They reply in the affirmative. Thereupon he asks, ‘What has My slave said?’ They say: ‘He has praised You and said: Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un (We belong to Allah and to Him, we shall be returned).’ Allah says: ‘Build a house for My slave in Jannah and name it Bait-ul-Hamd (the House of Praise)’.” (Tirmidhi) Allah Almighty provided us some tips to remain steadfast in times of trails of hardships. In the Holy Quran Allah (SWT) says: “And seek help in patience and As-Salah and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for humbly submissive [to Allah].” (Quran, 2:45) Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in hadith: “Allah does not punish a person for shedding tears or feeling pain in his heart. But He does punish, though He may show mercy, because of (what he utters with) this,” and then he pointed to his tongue.”  (Bukhari) Offer salah no matter how much difficulty or hardship you are facing in your life. Always stick to praying on time that is 5 times a day. Never miss a Salah and do best to pray each Salah with sincerity as if it’s your last in this world. No amount of hustle will ever make up for salah. Recite the Holy Quran in times of trials or hardships. The Holy Quran is so beautiful that no matter what difficulties you face, you’ll find relief in it. Give Sadaqah (charity) in times of hardships as it helps to push away hardships. Always speak to Allah (SWT) from the heart through Dua and seek guidance to face trials. May Almighty Allah remove hardships of all Muslims who are facing trials in this worldly life and bless them with a good life. Ameen!