It is easy to get discouraged when things are going badly. But we shouldn't lose heart, because Allah is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground-it just may be a smoke signal that summons The Grace of Allah.
Seek help in patience and prayer; and truly it is hard except for the humble-minded. (Surah al-Baqarah; 2:45)
O you who believe! Seek assistance through patience and prayer surely Allah is with the patient. (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:153)
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. (Surah al-Baqarah; 2:155)
If good befalls you, it grieves them, and if an evil afflicts you, they rejoice at it; and if you are patient and guard yourselves, their scheme will not injure you in any way; surely Allah comprehends what they do. (Surah ali-Imran; 3:120)
Do you think you will enter the garden while Allah has not yet known those who strive hard from among you, and (He has not) known the patient. (Surah ali-Imran; 3:142)
Patience implies firmness of purpose, dogged determination, strong will, steadfast pursuit and self-control. By patience and prayer a person strengthens his relationship with Allah. It has been said that 'Patience and prayer are the two great powers'.
There is a warning in the same verse to the effect that it is indeed hard, except to those who bring a lowly spirit.
Excerpts from the Text, 'Islamic Stories' book edited by AbdulRasheed Afolabi, 2011.
