The Qur'an mentions patience in over seventy places, often associating it with great rewards and elevated spiritual ranks. It is described as a cornerstone of faith. For instance, the Qur'an states that Allah made some people leaders who guided by His command "because they were patient" (Qur'an 32:24, cited in Gazâlî — İhyâü Ulûmi'd-Dîn, s. V04/P060; Ebû Tâlib el-Mekkî — Kûtü'l-Kulûb, s. V01/P324). It also mentions that Allah's "best word" was completed for the Children of Israel "because they were patient" (Qur'an 7:137, cited in Ebû Tâlib el-Mekkî — Kûtü'l-Kulûb, s. V01/P324).
The reward for patience is immense. The Qur'an promises those who are patient, "their reward will be given to them twice, for what they have endured" (Qur'an 28:54, cited in Ebû Tâlib el-Mekkî — Kûtü'l-Kulûb, s. V01/P326; Gazâlî — Mukâşefetü'l-Kulûb, s. 4). Even more remarkably, it states, "Only those who are patient will be given their reward without limit" (Qur'an 39:10, cited in Ebû Tâlib el-Mekkî — Kûtü'l-Kulûb, s. V01/P326; Gazâlî — İhyâü Ulûmi'd-Dîn, s. V04/P061; İbn Hacer — Fethu'l-Bârî, s. V11/P302). This signifies that the reward for patience is beyond measure.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized the importance of patience, stating, "Patience is half of faith" (cited in Gazâlî — İhyâü Ulûmi'd-Dîn, s. V04/P060; Ebû Tâlib el-Mekkî — Kûtü'l-Kulûb, s. V01/P326). This is because faith involves both upholding what is right and refraining from what is wrong. The perseverance in doing so, especially when it goes against one's desires, is patience (Gazâlî — İhyâü Ulûmi'd-Dîn, s. V04/P066–V04/P067; Fahreddin Râzî — Mefâtîhu'l-Gayb, s. V04/P137).
Patience is understood in various forms:
- Patience in obeying Allah's commands: This includes performing obligatory acts of worship like salât (ritual prayer) and zakât (obligatory charity) (Ebû Tâlib el-Mekkî — Kûtü'l-Kulûb, s. V01/P331; İbn Hacer — Fethu'l-Bârî, s. V11/P302).
- Patience in abstaining from what Allah has forbidden: This means refraining from sins and unlawful actions (Ebû Tâlib el-Mekkî — Kûtü'l-Kulûb, s. V01/P331; İbn Hacer — Fethu'l-Bârî, s. V11/P302).
- Patience during calamities and hardships: This involves enduring difficulties, losses, and trials with fortitude, especially at the initial shock (Ebû Tâlib el-Mekkî — Kûtü'l-Kulûb, s. V01/P331; Gazâlî — İhyâü Ulûmi'd-Dîn, s. V04/P061).
The Qur'an also highlights that Allah is with the patient: "And be patient, indeed Allah is with the patient" (Qur'an 8:46, cited in Ebû Tâlib el-Mekkî — Kûtü'l-Kulûb, s. V01/P325; Gazâlî — İhyâü Ulûmi'd-Dîn, s. V04/P060). This divine companionship offers strength and support. Furthermore, victory and divine aid are linked to patience and piety, as seen in the verse: "Yes, if you are patient and fear Allah, and they come upon you in this rage, your Lord will provide you with five thousand angels marking [you]" (Qur'an 3:125, cited in Ebû Tâlib el-Mekkî — Kûtü'l-Kulûb, s. V01/P325; Gazâlî — İhyâü Ulûmi'd-Dîn, s. V04/P060).
In essence, patience is a fundamental virtue that underpins one's relationship with Allah, enabling individuals to navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience.