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).
Definition of Patience
The Arabic word sabr comes from a root meaning to refrain and stop.
Patience is to prevent the soul from anxiety and discontent, prevent the tongue from complaining, and prevent the limbs from doing acts that displease Allah.
Types of Patience
There are three types of patience: being patient by doing things that please Allah, being patient by refraining from doing things that displease Allah, and being patient in respect of afflictions that Allah decrees for man.
The first and second types are related to things than a person can control and the third type is related to things that man cannot control.
Sheikh al-Islam ibn Taymiyyah said, ‘Patience of Prophet Joseph in respect of refraining from yielding to the seduction of the Potiphar’s wife, though she enjoyed a high rank, is greater than his patience when his brothers threw him into the well and then selling him as a slave, which led to depriving him of his father. Joseph could not control the latter things and man could do nothing regarding them but enduring them patiently. On the other hand, Joseph’s patience in respect of refraining from disobeying Allah was done willingly to please Allah and resist the soul’s whim, though there were strong causes that might motivate him to yield. First, Joseph was young then and it is known that young people’s sexual desire is strong. Second, he was a bachelor and had no lawful means to satisfy his sexual desire. Third, he was a foreigner and a stranger usually feels free to do whatever he wants like satisfying his sexual needs, unlike a person who lives in his hometown. Fourth, Joseph was also a slave. Deterrents preventing a slave from doing immoral acts are unlike that of a free person. Fifth, the Potiphar’s wife was beautiful, enjoyed high rank, and his master. Besides, no one could see them. Sixth, she strongly asked him to have sexual relations with her and threatened him with humiliation and imprisonment if he refused to yield to her commands. Nonetheless, Joseph was willingly patient, preferring to attain the reward of Allah. This type of patience cannot be compared with his patience when his brothers threw him into the well, which was out of his control.
Sheikh al-Islam ibn Taymiyyah also said, ‘Patience in respect of performing righteous acts is greater than patience in respect of refraining from perpetrating acts of disobedience. That is because Allah loves doing righteous deeds more than refraining from perpetrating acts of disobedience. Allah also dislikes refraining from doing righteous acts more than the negative effects of the presence of acts of disobedience.
Ranks of Patience
First, patience by seeking help from Allah, believing that He alone manages all affairs and one cannot be patient except by His support. Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [Be patient. Your patience is attained only by Allah’s bounty.] [Surah an-Nahl: 127]
Second, patience for Allah’s sake. It is done because of loving Allah and seeking His pleasure. It is also done to be close to Allah, and not show off one’s fortitude, be praised, etc.
Third, patience in respect of Allah’s commands and prohibitions. It is complete submission to Allah by complying with His commands and avoiding His prohibitions patiently no matter what the results may be.
This type of patience is the most difficult kind and it is the patience of the truthful people.
Al-Junayd said, ‘The journey from the worldly life to the Hereafter is easy for the believer, deserting people for Allah’s sake is difficult, the journey from the soul to Allah is more difficult, and being patient by complying with his commands and avoiding prohibitions is the most difficult.’
He was asked, ‘What does patience mean?’ he said, ‘It is unwilling sipping of bitterness without any resentment.’
Dhu-an-Nun, the Egyptian, said, ‘Patience is distancing oneself away from acts of disobedience, being clam when affliction befalls and pretending to be rich when poverty strikes one’s life.’
It is said, ‘Patience is cultured acceptance of affliction.’
It is also said, ‘Patience is honorable interaction with affliction, just like interaction with the blessings.’
Ranks of the Patient are Five
1) A person who is patient in all situations. 2) A person who exerts his best to be patient. 3) A person who endures hardship with difficulty. 4) A person who is y patient more than those around him. 5) A person who is deeply patient and this kind describes the extent of patience while the former ranks describe how patience is.
Allah says, interpretation of meaning, [O you who believe! Be patient, be steadfast, be on guard, and be God-fearing that you may be successful.][Surah al-Imran: 200]
This ayah describes patience, moving from the lowest to the highest rank.
It is said that it means to be patient at times of prosperity and adversity, keep on guard to protect your frontiers, and fear Allah that you may be successful in the Hereafter.
Messenger Muhammad was asked, ‘What is faith?’
He said, ‘It is patience and generosity.’
This answer contains the most eloquent statement, the greatest evidence, and the most comprehensive classification of the ranks of faith.
One is commanded to do two things. Giving what is commanded to give, which is done due to generosity, and to avoid what is prohibited to do, which is done due to patience.
In the Quran, Allah has commanded to be patient without complaining, forgiving others without reproaching, and deserting without enmity.
Complaining to Allah does not contradict patience. Jacob, peace be upon him, promised to be patient and a prophet never breaks his promise; however, he said, [I only complain of my anguish and sorrow to Allah and I know from Allah what you do not know.] [Surah Joseph: 86]
However, complaining to human beings contradicts patience. A man saw a person complaining about his poverty to another one. Hence, he said to him, ‘O man! Do you complain the One, Allah, who can bestow mercy on you to someone he cannot bestow mercy on you.’
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