Question
Regarding this Hadith, kindly explain what is meant by the words: ‘No one is granted a gift better and more comprehensive than patience’.
Answer
Patience, and/or the ability to exercise it, is a great virtue indeed. It is a divine bestowal from Allah Ta’ala, as He has mentioned in the Quran:
‘Be patient! And your patience is only from Allah’ [i.e. Only Allah can give you the ability to exercise patience]
(Surah Nahl, Verse: 127)
It is for this reason the ‘Ulama have regarded patience as one of the most praiseworthy characteristics a person can be granted. Some ‘Ulama have mentioned that it is an embodiment of several noble characteristics.
The Muhaddithun have explained that patience is vastly comprehensive, in that it can be applied in various scenarios: when one is afflicted or tested with adversity, when restraining one’s self from falling into sin, in remaining persistent and consistent in the obedience of Allah Ta’ala, so on and so forth.
Hafiz Ibn Hajar (rahimahullah) has remarked that the rewards for exercising patience have neither been enumerated nor have they been confined to any amount. In other words, the reward for having patience is limitless.
(Refer: Sharhu Masabihis Sunnah of Ibn Malak, Hadith: 1305, Fathul Bari, Hadith: 1469 and 6470, Irshadus Sari, Hadith: 6470, Fathul Ilah, Hadith: 1844, and Mirqat, Hadith: 1844; Also see: Badhlul Majhud, Hadith: 1644)
Allah Ta’ala says in the Quran:
‘Verily the patient ones shall be granted their reward in full without measure!’
(Surah Zumar, Verse: 10)
And Allah Ta’ala knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Farhan Shariff
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar