Patience – At the First Stroke of a Calamity
Linta Mustafa
Calamities occur in every person’s life. However, the response of each individual to this sudden distress differs.
- Some respond by cursing their life and inevitably drown in despair.
- Others initially respond by wailing or beating themselves and then show patience.
- The last category includes people who instantly respond to the calamity by turning towards Allah (swt) with patience.
Out of the three categories mentioned above, the last one is considered true patience.
Narrated Anas (rta): The Prophet (SA) said: “The real patience is at the first stroke of a calamity.” (Bukhari)
These were the words that the Prophet (SA) had told the woman who was crying over the grave of her son. We cannot express our heightened emotions and then claim that we are now patient.
Remember that patience is not only in the face of a big calamity, rather it must be implemented against daily challenges that may cause any kind of distress or annoyance. The Quran states:
“And certainly, we shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As-Sabirun (the patient). Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: “Truly! To Allah we belong and truly, to Him we shall return”. (Al Baqarah 2:155-156)
Certain people may question that human emotions cannot be turned on and off as one pleases. However, Islam does not ask Muslims to stop expressing feelings. We are simply stopped from doing anything that would displease Allah.
Observe the Prophet’s (SA) conduct during his son’s death. Narrated Anas bin Malik (rta): We went with Allah’s Messenger (SA) to the blacksmith Abu Saif, and he was the husband of the wet-nurse of Ibrahim (the son of the Prophet (sa)). Allah’s Messenger (SA) took Ibrahim and kissed him and smelled him and later we entered Abu Saif’s house and at that time Ibrahim was in his last breaths and the eyes of Allah’s Messenger (SA) started shedding tears. `Abdur Rahman bin `Auf said, “O Allah’s Apostle, even you are weeping!” He said, “O Ibn `Auf, this is mercy.” Then he wept more and said, “The eyes are shedding tears and the heart is grieved, and we will not say except what pleases our Lord, O Ibrahim! Indeed we are grieved by your separation. (Bukhari)
So how does one respond when facing a distressing situation?
- Firstly, remember that Allah’s Messenger (SA) said: “If Allah wants to do good to somebody, He afflicts him with trials.” (Bukhari).
- Secondly, turn towards Allah, repent, and make Dua.
“O you, who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Al-Baqarah 2:153).
- Thirdly, remember the rewards for experiencing pain during distress. The Prophet (SA) said: “Never a believer is 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”. (Bukhari and Muslim)
May Allah grant patience to all the Muslims in the face of calamities
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