Excerpts from Madaarij as-Salikeen by Ibn Quyyim al-Jawziyya
Madaarij Saalikeen, which is a commentary on, and explanation of the book by Shaikh Abu Ismail al-Ansari al-Harawi al-Sufi, Manazil-u Sa'ireen (Ranks of the Seekers).
The Rank of Patience: Part One
Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal, may Allah have mercy on him, said, ‘Patience has been mentioned about ninety times in the Quran. It is obligatory according to the consensus of the Islamic nation. Patience is half of the faith. Hence, if faith is divided into two parts, then patience will be one half and the other will be gratitude.’
Sixteen types of patience are mentioned in the Quran.
First, the commandment to be patient. Allah says, interpretation of meaning,
[O you who believe! Seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.] [Surah al-Baqarah: 153]
Second, prohibiting impatience. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [So be patient, as the messengers of the strong will were patient and do not be in haste about them.] [Surah al-Ahqaf: 35]
Third, praising the patient. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [… and those who are patient in times of poverty, hardship, and war. Those are the truthful and those are the God-fearing.] [Surah al-Baqarah: 177]
Fourth, mentioning that Allah loves the patient. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [And Allah loves the patient.] Surah al-Imran: 146]
Fifth, mentioning that Allah is with the patient, which is especial companionship that indicates that Allah will protect them, make them victorious, and help them. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [And Allah is with the patient.] [Surah al-Baqarah: 249]
Sixth, mentioning that patience produces positive results for the patient. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [If you are patient, verily it will better for the patient.] [Surah an-Nahl: 126]
Seventh, mentioning that the patient deserve the best reward. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [We shall surely reward them their recompense according to the best of what they used to do.] [Surah an-Nahl: 97]
Eighth, mentioning that the reward of the patient will be limitless. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without measure.] [Surah az-Zumar: 10]
Ninth, the patient are given the good news of unqualified reward. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [We shall surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of wealth, lives, and fruits. And give good news to the patient.] [Surah al-Baqarah: 155]
Tenth, victory and help are guaranteed for the patient. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [Most certainly, if you are patient and God-fearing, and they swiftly attack you, Your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels, distinguishingly marked.] [Surah al-Imran: 125]
Eleventh, mentioning that the patient are characterized by a strong will. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [And whoever is patient and forgives – indeed, that is of the matters indicating determination.] [Surah ash-Shura: 43]
Twelfth, mentioning that only the patient are qualified for performing righteous deeds and deserving great rewards. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [Those who had been given knowledge said, ‘Woe to you! The reward of Allah is better for him who believes and does righteous deeds. And none attains this but the patient.’] [Surah al-Qasas: 80]
Thirteenth, mentioning that only the patient benefit from lessons and admonitions. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [Indeed, We sent Moses with Our proofs, saying, ‘Bring your people out of darknesses into the light and remind them of the Days of Allah.’ Surely in that are proofs for every patient, thankful one.] [Surah Ibrahim: 5]
Fourteenth, mentioning that attaining desired goals, being saved from fearful things, and entering Paradise is only acquired by patience. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [Gardens of eternal abode, they will enter along with the righteous among their fathers, wives, and descendants. And the angels will come to them through every gate. Peace be upon you for what patiently endured. What an excellent ultimate abode!] Surah ar-Ra’d: 23-24]
Fifteenth, the patient are qualified for leadership. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [We made from them leaders, guiding by Our command when they patiently endured and firmly believed in Our signs.] [Surah as-Sajdah: 24]
Sixteenth, Connecting patience with Islam, faith, certainty, fear of Allah, reliance on Allah, thankfulness, righteous deeds, and mercy.
Therefore, patience is like the head for the body. Whoever does not have faith, does not have patience. Likewise, whoever does not have a body, does not have a head.
Umar, may Allah be pleased with him, said, ‘We attain happy life by being patient.’
Messenger Muhammad, peace be upon him, said in an authentic narration, ‘Patience is light.’ He also said, ‘Whoever exerts his best to be patient, Allah will help him to be patient.’
Messenger Muhammad, peace be upon him, said in another authentic narration, ‘How wonderful the condition of a believer is! All his conditions are good for him and this is not for anyone but the believer. If a good thing happens to him, he is thankful and it will be good for him. And if adversity befalls him, he is patient and it will be good for him.’ [Narrated by Imam Muslim]
A black woman came to Messenger Muhammad and said, ‘I get epileptic seizures and my body becomes uncovered. Please invoke Allah for me.’ He said, ‘If you wish, be patient and you will enter Paradise, and if you wish, I will invoke Allah to cure you.’ She said, ‘I will be patient. But my body becomes uncovered, so please invoke Allah for me that I may not become uncovered.’ So he invoked Allah for her. [Narrated by Imam al-Bukhari]
Messenger Muhammad mentioned that all results of patience are good. He said, ‘No one is given a gift better and blessed than patience. [Narrated by Imam al-Bukhari]
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