6.6. SABR AND TAQWA IN THE BOOK AND THE SUNNAH
Allah has mentioned sabr and taqwa in numerous places in His book. He says that He will help the servants against their unbelieving and defiant enemies who wage war against them as well as the hypocrites and the Muslims that oppress them. Victory will come to those who practice sabr and taqwa. Allah, Most High, says:
“Yes, if you remain patient and conscious of Allah and the enemy comes upon you
(attacking) in rage, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels having marks (of distinction).” (Al-’Imran (3)125)
And
“You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allah much abuse. But if you are patient and fear Allah indeed, that is of the matters (worthy) of determination.” (Al- Imran (3) 186)
And
“O you who have believed, do not take as intimates those other than yourselves, for they will not spare you (any) ruin. They wish you would have hardship. Hatred has already appeared from their mouths, and what their breasts conceal is greater. We have certainly made clear to you the signs, if you will use reason. Here you are loving them but they are not loving you, while you believe in the Scripture all of it. And when they meet you, they say, ’We believe.’ But when they are alone, they bite their fin- gertips at you in rage. Say, ‘Die in your rage. Indeed, Allah is Knowing of that within the breasts.’ If good touches you, it distresses them; but if harm strikes you, they re- joiceatit.And if you are patient and fear Allah,their plot will not harm you at all. Indeed, Allah is encompassing of what they do.” (Al-’Imran (3) 118-120)
The brothers of Yusuf told him:
“‘Are you indeed Yusuf ?’ He said ‘1 am Yusuf, and this is my brother. Allah has certainly favoured us. Indeed, he who fears Allah and is patient, then indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.’” (Yusuf (12): 90)
Patience has been combined with righteous deeds (al-a’mal-salihah) in all situations, both specific (khusus) and general (‘amum)
“And follow what is revealed to you, (O Muhammad), and be patient until Allah will judge. And He is the best of judges.” (Yunus (10): 109)
Following what was revealed to him covers the entire meaning of taqwa as it entails belief in Allah’s words and obedience to His commands. Allah says:
“And establish prayer at the two ends of the day and at the approach of the night. Indeed, good deeds do away with misdeeds. That is a reminder for those who remember. And be patient, for indeed, Allah does not allow to be lost the reward of those who do good.” (Hud (11): 114-115)
And
“So be patient, (O Muhammad). Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth. And ask forgiveness for your sin and exalt (Allah) with praise of your Lord in the evening and the morning.” (al-Ghdfir (40): 55)
And
“So be patient over what they say and exalt (Allah) with praise of your Lord before the rising of the sun and before its setting; and during periods of the night.” (al-Qaf (50):39-40)
And
“And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humble submissive (to Allah ).”(al-Baqarah (2): 45)
And
“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (al-Baqarah (2): 153)
In all of these places the Qur’an prayer is joined with patience. Mercy {rahma) and patience are mentioned together in verses like:
“And advised one another to patience and advised one another to compassion.” (Balad (90): 17)
Rahma entails kindness (ihsan) towards other beings through the payment of zakat and other such actions.The division Of the people regarding their patience and mercy is fourfold: some, like the strong and the cold-hearted, are patient but have no mercy. Others are merciful but have no patience, like the weak and the lenient, among them many women and others just like them. Some people have neither patience nor mercy, like the cold and the anxious.
What is praiseworthy, however, is having both sabr and rahma. The jurists have said about the ideal ruler that he should be strong but not aggressive and soft but not weak. His patience enables him to be strong and his softness makes him merciful. One only gains victory through patience, for victory goes hand in hand with patience. As one shows mercy to others Allah, Most High, shows mercy to him. The Prophet said: ‘Allah only has mercy on the merciful of his servants.’ And he said: ‘He who has no mercy will not be granted mercy.’ ‘And he said: ‘Mercy is only taken away from the wretched.’ And he said: ‘The merciful will be granted mercy by the merciful. Have mercy on those on the earth and you will be granted mercy by him who is in heaven.’ Allah knows best.
By Shaykhu’l-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah
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