Allah tells us in the Qur’an:
"Surely, We will test you with fear and hunger, and with loss of wealth, lives, and fruits. But give glad tidings to those who are patient." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:155)
This life is not meant to be free from difficulty. Fear, hunger, loss, and grief are inevitable. But for the believer, each trial is an opportunity — a chance to earn Allah’s pleasure, purification from sins, and elevation in rank.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"When Allah loves a people, He tests them." (Tirmidhi)
Patience (Sabr) is the key to facing these trials with faith and dignity.
From the loss of loved ones to financial hardship, life will challenge us. The Prophet ﷺ himself experienced deep personal losses — becoming an orphan, being exiled from his home, facing assassination attempts, and enduring the rejection of his people. Yet, he responded with unwavering patience.
Allah tests not to break us, but to bring out the best in us. The most severely tested are the prophets, followed by those closest to them in righteousness.
Patience is not simply waiting for hardship to pass — it is restraining the self from wrong reactions and maintaining good thoughts about Allah.
True patience means:
Controlling anger and refraining from harmful words or actions.
Avoiding complaints against Allah’s decree.
Staying optimistic, believing that Allah’s wisdom is perfect.
Accepting that everything belongs to Allah and will return to Him.
The Prophet ﷺ taught that patience is at the first strike of calamity — when emotions are raw and pain is fresh. Over time, anyone can come to terms with loss, but the true believer responds with faith immediately.
Control Your Reactions
When angry or distressed, pause before speaking or acting. Avoid actions you’ll regret.
Trust Allah’s Wisdom
Believe that every trial has hidden benefits, even if you cannot see them now.
Seek Help Through Prayer
The Prophet ﷺ found comfort in salah during distress. Prayer connects you to the One who controls all affairs.
Remember the Hereafter
Loss in this world is temporary. The afterlife promises reunion, justice, and eternal reward.
Make Effort to Be Patient
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Whoever tries to be patient, Allah will grant him patience." (Bukhari & Muslim)
One of Allah’s names is As-Sabur (The Most Patient). People deny Him, mock Him, and attribute partners to Him — yet Allah continues to provide for them and give them opportunities to repent. If Allah is patient with His creation, we should strive to reflect this quality in our own lives.
Patience is the believer’s shield against despair and doubt. It transforms hardship into a source of spiritual growth and draws us closer to Allah.
We ask Allah to make us among those who, when tested, say:
"Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed, to Him we will return." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:156)
May Allah grant us patience in times of hardship, gratitude in times of ease, and steadfastness upon His path. Ameen.
Khutbah by Sheikh Farooq Sulayman
