Asalamualaykum Mufti saab
I have read numerous texts that stress the importance of exerting patience especially during trying times and this message remains consistent with quotes from the holy quraan, which I readily accept. I am, however, having difficulty reconciling this with the apparent dichotomy as to whether one should specifically pray to Allah Taala for patience as I have read a number of texts that appear to differ in advice, i.e. as the bounties of exerting patience are so great:
1. Should we or should we not ask Allah Ta’ala to bless us with patience especially when it feels increasingly rare during testing times?
2. A number of Haj texts state that the Hujaj should pack “bags of sabr” as this will be required. How do we contextualise this in relation to 1 above?
Some references that I have contemplated appear below:
A. Quoted from: Illuminating Discourses on the Noble Quraan Vol 5 Pg 93
?Another Sahaabi (RA) prayed to Allah to grant him patience. Thereupon Rasulullaah (SAW) said, You have prayed for difficulty (because patience is only needed then), so now pray for safety.
B. Quoted from: Illuminating Discourses on the Noble Quraan Vol 5 Pg 118
?Patience is also a great aid. Allah says in Surah Baqara, ?O you who believe, seek assistance by means of patience and salaah. Indeed Allah is with the patient ones
?The patient ones shall be granted their reward without reservation Surah Zumar
?Hadhrat Abu Saeed (RA) narrates that Rasulullaah (SAW) said, Allah grants patience to the person who wants to be patient. None can be granted a gift better and more extensive than patience
C. Quoted from: Admonition for the Neglectful Part 3 Pg 90
?Hadrat Ali (RA) said, There are 4 parts to Islaam 1)Yaqeen 2)Justice 3)Patience 4)Jihaad. Also 2 parts to patience
a) One happily endures whatever difficulty comes ons way in the fulfilment of the Commands of Allah Tala.
b) One enthusiastically bears with patience whatever difficulty there may be in abstaining from the prohibitions of Allah Taala
D. Quoted from Solutions through duas Pg 38
?Dua for Acquiring the ability to make sabr- Ifgrieved due to loss of a beloved one or for any other reason recite each of the following thrice in the morning and evening and blow on both palms and pass them over the heart. Insha-Allah the reciter will soon find the courage to make sabr: (English translation as follows)
a) Allah will give strength to those who believe with the Firm Word in this world and the Hereafter.
b) Without doubt, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find peace
I have noted that the duas themselves do not directly translate to include patience
May Allah forgive me my inadequacies and increase me in knowledge. Ameen.
Jazakallah
