The Sunnah Bag - An ounce of patience is worth a pound of brain

Many of us have over time had to face the storms of life, when times of trial, despair and sadness loom over us. I've heard many people, including myself at some stage, ask why? and wonder about all disasters that can and do strike at anytime and take away everything of worth and things we value. There is evil caused by humans, natural disasters occur, individuals suffer and large numbers of people that suffer. But what about the flip side of the coin? Besides the negative aspects of life, we also see beauty, love, affection, health, life, birth, wisdom, prosperity and growth. We see sincerity, happiness, charity and piety in people.

Often we fail to realise that everything that happens is part of Allah's larger plan. We as believers need never to forget that there is wisdom and goodness in everything that happens, leading to great blessing both in this world and hereafter. We need to remember that Allah did not make this world a permanent one, but a test with a time limit. Those who pass this test will be rewarded with perfection and happiness in the world to come.

"And certainly, we shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to As Sabirun (The Patient)" (2:155)

So what is it that makes us think this way? What are we lacking?

Perhaps an ounce of patience...or bucket loads of it in some cases. Patience to problems is like Penicillin to medical conditions, we will be tried and tested and as muslims we should bear these trials with patience and perseverance. Even our beloved Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) faced brutal persecution and opposition from his own people. However these harsh experiences only made him stronger and perfected his faith in Allah, making him more devoted to his mission.

So once again we should follow the Sunnah, next time you face with a problem, be it small or big, be patient and bag yet another good deed because those who follow patience, success follows him. Keep on riding the storm because Allah is with those who are patient. Call to mind that believers face the sufferings with prayers, repentance and good deeds, while non believers occupy their mind with doubts and confusion.

Written By: Ferdousi Choudhury. Ferdousi Choudhury is a Guest Writer on MuslimsinEngland.com