Lofty Status of Those Who Are Patient

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Mankind faces many problems and hardships in his lifetime. What matters is how he reacts to them. If he has an impulsive reaction, it will surely bring about other problems. However, if he remains patient and steadfast in the face of problems, he will reach inner peace.

In Islam, Sabireen (those who remain patient) have a higher status than believers. The Holy Quran mentions some advantages for believers. For example, the Quran says that when God’s name is mentioned their heart is burnished and that there will be blessings for them in the hereafter. But the Holy Book says Sabireen have a higher status.

God says in verses 156 and 157 of Surah Al-Baqarah: “(those) who, when a misfortune befalls them, say: Surely we are Allah's and to Him we shall surely return. It is they who will receive blessings and mercy from God and who follow the right guidance.”

There are some who are religious persons and do good deeds but hey have not been tested by problems and difficulties in life. These are not Sabireen. Sabireen are those who face hardships and misfortunes and remain patient, passing the divine test successfully.

For one who is wealthy and has not lived in poverty, it is good to say prayers and fast. He is a believer. But one who is in the battlefield fighting the enemy, or is exposed to poverty and danger, and keeps his faith and is thankful to God no matter what, he will receive God’s special favor.

One who passes these difficult tests successfully, God will give him blessing and mercy.

Patience also gives people inner peace and calm.

God’s mercy is extensive and all human beings benefit from it but God gives His special favor and mercy to special individuals. According to verse 156 of Surah Al-A’raf: “ (They say) ‘Grant us well-being in this life and in the life hereafter for we have turned ourselves to You.’ The Lord replied, ‘My torment only afflicts those whom I want to punish, but My mercy encompasses all things. I shall grant mercy to those who maintain piety, pay their religious tax, and those who have faith in Our revelations.’”

So God’s mercy benefits believers and they have a good status in hereafter but the status of Sabireen is higher and better because they have remained patient in the face of problems and on the path of Jihad.