In this ayah, Allah swt mentions that we will be tested through fear, hunger, loss of wealth, loss of lives of loved ones and loss of children. Everyone goes through different tests in their lives. Whatever our test is, no matter how big or small, we will only be able to pass it through patience and prayer.
O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient. (Baqarah 153)
What is Sabr (patience)?
Sabr is holding ourselves from every kind of negative reaction whenever we are tested. Negative reactions may include swearing, yelling, blaming others, being violent, etc. Sabr also includes to accept the test as the decree of Allah swt and to say Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Rajioon (Indeed we belong to Allah , and indeed to Him we will return) whenever anything bad happens to us.
Who, when disaster strikes them, say, "Indeed we belong to Allah , and indeed to Him we will return." Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided. (Baqarah 156, 157)
Being patient at the time of difficulty is not always easy. Therefore, the next tool which we have is Salah. Prophet saw used to rush to Salah whenever any calamity strikes. So, the correct attitude of a believer when facing any difficulty is not whining or saying "Why me?", but instead a believer should seek Allah's help by praying two rakah Hajaat Nawafil.
Sabr includes three things:
1) to stop oneself from negative reactions and accept the test as a decree of Allah swt
2) to be steadfast and firm on obedience of Allah
3) to stay away from doing what Allah has forbidden.
Also there are three levels of sabr:
Level 1: to at least control oneself from negative reactions (it is okay to weep and make dua)
Level 2: to be pleased/content with the decree of Allah swt
Level 3: Despite being in a calamity, person thanks Allah swt (by saying alhumdulillahi ala kulli haal) realizing that it could have been worse and it is an opportunity to earn more reward. Person also makes this dua:
To Allah we belong and unto Him is our return. O Allah, recompense me
for my affliction and replace it for me with something better.
We should aim for the third level of sabr which is the best level.
Also, we should know that sabr should start as soon as the calamity strikes. it is not sabr to first whine and complain and then say that now I will do sabr. Moreover, sabr should be done consistently. It is not sabr to stop being patient and say "now thats enough, I cannot do it anymore".
Also remember the purpose of tests by Allah s.w.t. By putting us in hardships, Allah forgives us our sins, raises our ranks in His eyes and makes us stronger. Allah tests everyone through different kinds of trials. For some, praying on time or waking up for fajr could be a test. For others, doing house chores, fulfilling family commitments or managing time could be a test. Allah also tests us through people especially our loved ones. Basically, any command of Allah which is hard for us to fulfil or any of His prohibitions which is hard for us to resist is a test for us. Only through patience and prayer, we can submit ourselves to the will of Allah s.w.t and pass all the test successfully.
This life itself is a test. Only those who will lead their lives according to the will of Allah swt will be successful in the Hereafter.
We should always remember that Allah's mercy and support is always with the patient ones and Allah loves those who endure every test with patience as mentioned in verses in Quran.
May Allah swt makes us among Sabireen (those who are patient), Shakireen (those who are grateful to Him) and Aabideen (those who worship Him), Ameen!
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