The Sunday Guardian | January 07, 2024

The Quran says:

‘Say, ‘[God says] O My servants who have believed, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world will have a good reward—and God’s earth is spacious. Truly, those who persevere patiently will be requited without measure.’ (39:10).

It may seem extraordinary that God should give an unlimited reward for any action. But it is only one action—that is, patience, that is so singled out.

The root of sabr (patience) means to restrain oneself in the face of provocation. There are two kinds of actions: in one, certain limits are observed; in the other, no such restraint is shown. For instance, if someone is good to you, he receives good treatment from you in return. People of quite ordinary character behave in this way without feeling it necessary to exercise any patience or forbearance. Even the followers of a religion that does not demand personal sacrifice may not feel compelled to practice patience and self-control.

However, one who chooses the second kind of action must strictly adhere to religious guidelines that require restraint. He must do so whether the circumstances are favourable or unfavourable to him. This is the true path of patience.

That is, even when someone is unkind to you, you are good to him. Even if he adopts a provocative stance, you remain moderate in your behaviour. Even if observance of the truth will be detrimental to your interests, you continue to adhere to the path of truth and justice. Even if the adoption of an unprincipled stand appears advantageous, you continue to be a man of principle. It is the practitioners of that aspect of religion which demands patience who will be ‘requited without measure.’

Source: Simple Wisdom