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Perseverance

All perfect praise is due to Allaah; I testify that there is none worthy of worship but Allaah and that Muhammad is His Slave and Messenger; may Allaah send salutations upon him and exalt his mention, as well as his family and all his companions.

Allaah Has made perseverance a fort that can never be raided or demolished and a vehicle that never diverts its driver from the correct path. It is the twin half of victory because victory only arrives after perseverance; it is the route leading to success and the virtuous quality that is essential for the protection of one’s religion and worldly life.

Man either perseveres by fulfilling a command that he must fulfil, or refraining from committing a prohibition, or through a difficultly decreed upon him by Allaah, or by being grateful for a bounty that Allaah bestows upon him, and since these situations are what man usually fluctuates between, then perseverance is something that he must practice until death. Perseverance is the provision for the Mujaahid when victory is delayed; for the propagator of Islaam when people fail to respond to him and for the scholar during times Islaam is perceived as strange - in fact, it is the resource for all people of all ages in all situations.

Imaam Ahmad, may Allaah have mercy upon him, reported that ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allaah be pleased with him, said: “The best type of life (we lived) was when we persevered.” Allaah has given those who have perseverance unique descriptions and attributed to them distinct qualities that no other group can attain. Moreover, many of the ranks in Paradise are attained solely through perseverance.

Those who persevere are supported by Allaah, and this makes them attain the good of this life. Also, Allaah has made it so that man can only become an Imaam (i.e., a devout leader and example to others) through his perseverance, as He says:

وَجَعَلْنَا مِنْهُمْ أَئِمَّةً يَهْدُونَ بِأَمْرِنَا لَمَّا صَبَرُوا وَكَانُوا بِآياتِنَا يُوقِنُونَ

which means: “And We made from among them leaders guiding by Our command when they were patient and [when] they were certain of Our signs.” [As-Sajdah: 24]

Perseverance is to prevent one’s tongue from complaining and his limbs from striking his face or tearing his clothes. Islaamically, it is to drive oneself to perform that which Allaah has commanded, or to prevent oneself from doing something that Allaah Has prohibited.

Allaah has given in return for perseverance an excellent reward – if it was purely for His sake, because perseverance entails struggle and the exertion of effort. Thus, there are three types of perseverance:

· To perform acts of obedience

· To refrain from prohibitions

· During decrees of Allaah that are painful

Allaah has made success contingent on perseverance; He says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا اصْبِرُوا وَصَابِرُوا وَرَابِطُوا وَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ

which means: “O you who have believed! Persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allaah that you may be successful.” [Aal ‘Imraan: 200]

Allaah forbade us from doing anything that would oppose perseverance, as He says:

فَاصْبِرْ كَمَا صَبَرَ أُولُوا الْعَزْمِ مِنَ الرُّسُلِ وَلا تَسْتَعْجِلْ لَهُمْ

which means: “So persevere, [O Muhammad], as were those of determination among the messengers and do not be impatient…” [Al-Ahqaaf: 35]

Allaah rewards perseverance in multiples; He says:

أُولَئِكَ يُؤْتَوْنَ أَجْرَهُمْ مَرَّتَيْنِ بِمَا صَبَرُوا

which means: “Those will be given their reward twice for what they patiently endured…” [Al-Qasas: 54]

Almost all deeds have a specified reward, but the reward for perseverance is boundless, as Allaah says:

إِنَّمَا يُوَفَّى الصَّابِرُونَ أَجْرَهُمْ بِغَيْرِ حِسَابٍ

which means: “Indeed, those who persevere will be given their reward without account [i.e., limit].” [Az-Zumar: 10]

Allaah made His Ma’iyyah (which implies support) conditional on His slaves having perseverance, as He says:

إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَ الصَّابِرِينَ

which means: “…Indeed, Allaah is with those who persevere” [Al-Anfaal: 46]

Allaah has granted three exclusive gifts to those who persevere:

1.  His blessings

2.  His mercy

3.  His guidance

He says:

الَّذِينَ إِذَا أَصَابَتْهُمْ مُصِيبَةٌ قَالُوا إِنَّا لِلَّهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ * أُولَئِكَ عَلَيْهِمْ صَلَوَاتٌ مِنْ رَبِّهِمْ وَرَحْمَةٌ وَأُولَئِكَ هُمُ الْمُهْتَدُونَ

which means: “[They are those] who, when disaster strikes them, say: ‘Indeed we belong to Allaah 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.” [Al-Baqarah: 156-157]

Allaah has made perseverance a source of His support and provision and has therefore commanded us to possess it; He says: 

اسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلاةِ

which means: “…Seek help through perseverance and prayer…” [Al-Baqarah: 153]

Allaah has made victory contingent upon one’s perseverance and piety; He says:

بَلَى إِنْ تَصْبِرُوا وَتَتَّقُوا وَيَأْتُوكُمْ مِنْ فَوْرِهِمْ هَذَا يُمْدِدْكُمْ رَبُّكُمْ بِخَمْسَةِ آلافٍ مِنَ الْمَلائِكَةُ مُسَوِّمِينَ

which means: “Yes! If you persevere and are conscious of Allaah and they [i.e., the enemy] come upon you [attacking] in rage, your Lord will reinforce you with five thousand angels having marks [of distinction].” [Aal ‘Imraan: 125]

Allaah has made perseverance and piety a protection against the plots of the enemy; He says:

وَإِنْ تَصْبِرُوا وَتَتَّقُوا لا يَضُرُّكُمْ كَيْدُهُمْ شَيْئاً

which means: “…And if you persevere and fear Allaah, their plot will not harm you at all…” [Aal ‘Imraan: 120]

Allaah informs us that the angels will greet on their admission to Paradise those who persevered in this life. They will say as He says:

سَلامٌ عَلَيْكُمْ بِمَا صَبَرْتُمْ فَنِعْمَ عُقْبَى الدَّارِ

which means: “’Peace [i.e., security] be upon you for what you patiently endured. And excellent is the final home.’” [Ar-Ra’d: 24]

Allaah informs us that He will forgive and give a great reward to those who persevere when He says:

إِلَّا الَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ أُولَئِكَ لَهُمْ مَغْفِرَةٌ وَأَجْرٌ كَبِيرٌ

which means: “Except for those who persevere and do righteous deeds; those will have forgiveness and great reward” [Hood: 11]

Prophet Luqmaan, peace be upon him, advised his child to persevere through the afflictions that Allaah was testing him with, when he said as Allaah says:

يَا بُنَيَّ أَقِمِ الصَّلاةَ وَأْمُرْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِ وَانْهَ عَنِ الْمُنْكَرِ وَاصْبِرْ عَلَى مَا أَصَابَكَ إِنَّ ذَلِكَ مِنْ عَزْمِ الْأُمُورِ

which means: “’O my son! Establish prayer, enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and persevere through what befalls you. Indeed, [all] that is of the matters [requiring] determination.’” [Luqmaan: 17]

Perseverance results in one winning the love of Allaah; Allaah says:

وَكَأَيِّنْ مِنْ نَبِيٍّ قَاتَلَ مَعَهُ رِبِّيُّونَ كَثِيرٌ فَمَا وَهَنُوا لِمَا أَصَابَهُمْ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ وَمَا ضَعُفُوا وَمَا اسْتَكَانُوا وَاللَّهُ يُحِبُّ الصَّابِرِينَ

which means: “And how many a prophet [fought and] with him fought many religious scholars. But they never lost assurance due to what afflicted them in the cause of Allaah, nor did they weaken or submit. And Allaah loves the steadfast.” [Aal ‘Imraan: 146]

Allaah informs us of qualities that can only be attained by those who persevere. He says: 

وَقَالَ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُواْ ٱلْعِلْمَ وَيْلَكُمْ ثَوَابُ اللَّهِ خَيْرٌ لِمَنْ آمَنَ وَعَمِلَ صَالِحاً وَلا يُلَقَّاهَا إِلَّا الصَّابِرُونَ

which means: “But those who had been given knowledge said: ‘Woe to you! The reward of Allaah is better for he who believes and does righteousness. And none are granted it except those who persevere.’” [Al-Qasas: 80]

Allaah informs us that it is only those who persevere who will benefit from His verses and signs; He says:

أَلَمْ تَرَ أَنَّ الْفُلْكَ تَجْرِي فِي الْبَحْرِ بِنِعْمَتِ اللَّهِ لِيُرِيَكُمْ مِنْ آيَاتِهِ إِنَّ فِي ذَلِكَ لَآياتٍ لِكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ شَكُورٍ

which means: “Do you not see that ships sail through the sea by the favour of Allaah that He may show you of His signs? Indeed in that are signs for everyone who perseveres and is grateful.” [Luqmaan: 31] This proves that only those who persevere and are grateful will benefit from the signs and evidences from Allaah. Belief consists of two halves – one being perseverance and the other being gratitude. The life of a Muslim is filled with matters that entail gratitude and perseverance. How else can one perform acts of obedience without persevering and being grateful?

Allaah praises His slave Prophet Ayyoob, peace be upon him, due to his perseverance when he says:

إِنَّا وَجَدْنَاهُ صَابِراً نِعْمَ الْعَبْدُ إِنَّهُ أَوَّابٌ

which means: “…Indeed, We found him patient, an excellent servant. Indeed, he was one who repeatedly turned back [to Allaah].” [Saad: 44] On the other hand, Allaah describes those who fail to persevere as losers; He says:

وَالْعَصْرِ *إِنَّ الْأِنْسَانَ لَفِي خُسْرٍ * إِلَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْحَقِّ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ

which means: “[I swear] by time. Indeed, mankind is in loss. Except for those who have believed and done righteous deeds and advised each other to truth and advised each other to patience.” [Al-‘Asr: 1-3]

Those who persevere will be the ones to take their record of deeds on their right hand on the Day of Judgement; Allaah says:

ثُمَّ كَانَ مِنَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالصَّبْرِ وَتَوَاصَوْا بِالْمَرْحَمَة*ِ أُولَئِكَ أَصَحاب ِالْمَيمَنة

which means: “And then being among those who believed and advised one another to perseverance and advised one another to compassion. Those are the companions of the right [i.e., those who will receive their record of deeds in their right hands].” [Al-Balad: 17-18]

Allaah parallels perseverance to the pillars of Islaam when He says:

وَاسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلاةِ

which means: “And seek help through perseverance and prayer…” [Al-Baqarah: 45]

He also parallels it to righteous deeds when He says:

إلا الَّذِينَ صَبَرُوا وَعَمِلُوا الصَّالِحَاتِ

which means: “Except for those who persevere and do righteous deeds…” [Hood: 11]

Allaah also parallels perseverance to many other virtuous actions such as piety, enjoining good, being merciful, being truthful and having certainty in Him. Indeed this is a lofty rank to attain and a praiseworthy attribute to possess. Allaah has granted great importance in the Qur’aan to the subject of perseverance in order to indicate its significance and clarify that it is indeed a noble quality to attain.

Perseverance leads to one being admitted into Paradise and being saved from Hell, because the way to Paradise is surrounded by matters that one is not inclined to, while the way leading to Hell is surrounded by desires. So, how could one enter Paradise without having persevered through these disliked matters, and how can one protect himself from Hell without persevering in the form of refraining from prohibitions and his controlling desires? Imaam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: “Since the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam mentioned the word ‘surrounded’ in the narration, then we understand that disliked matters come from all directions and thus he who fails to persevere through disliked matters will not enter Paradise.” Disliked matters are those which require sacrifice and effort, such as the Fajr prayer, performing ablution during cold weather, Jihaad, and so on.

What is the Islaamic ruling on persevering?

Generally, it is mandatory upon every Muslim to persevere; indeed Allaah commands us to do so when He says:

وَاسْتَعِينُوا بِالصَّبْرِ وَالصَّلاةِ

which means: “And seek help through perseverance and prayer…” [Al-Baqarah: 45]

When we come to detail the types of perseverance, we see that there is one type which is mandatory and which entails sinning if one fails to practice it, and this is to persevere in acts of obedience and refraining from prohibitions. Another type of perseverance is recommended, which is when one perseveres to refrain from disliked matters, or while performing recommended acts. Evidence proving that perseverance is not always mandatory is the saying of Allaah:

وَإِنْ عَاقَبْتُمْ فَعَاقِبُوا بِمِثْلِ مَا عُوقِبْتُمْ بِهِ وَلَئِنْ صَبَرْتُمْ لَهُوَ خَيْرٌ لِلصَّابِرِينَ

which means: “And if you punish [an enemy, O believers], punish with an equivalent of that with which you were harmed. But if you persevere – it is better for those who persevere.” [An-Nahl: 126] This means that one has the choice to either endure and forgive the one who wrongs him, or to take his right and not endure; but enduring is higher in rank and more rewarding.

Types of Perseverance:

· Physical

· Mental

Each type has two branches: voluntary and involuntary, which means that there are four types:

1.  Voluntary and Physical; such as exercise or strenuous work.

2.  Involuntary and Physical; such as persevering through pain when one is hit, as he has no other choice but to endure.

3.  Voluntary and Mental; like refraining from non-recommended matters.

4.  Involuntary and Mental; like persevering through the death of a beloved person, because if one does not persevere through such an event he could end up in a state of despair.

Animals share the two involuntary types with humans, but man is distinct due to the perseverance that he does voluntarily. Some disbelievers may persevere through hardship, but the difference is that they get no reward as a result, while the Muslims do.

Perseverance has been mentioned in many Prophetic narrations, such as:

· The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam gave glad tidings to those who persevere when losing their eyesight or their child. He sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said on behalf of Allaah in the following two Qudsi narrations: “Allaah, the Glorious and Exalted, said: `When I afflict my slave in his two beloved things (i.e., his eyes), and he endures patiently, I shall compensate him for them with Paradise.`” [Al-Bukhaari] “Allaah, the Exalted, says: `I have no reward other than Paradise for a believing slave of Mine who remains patient for My sake when I take away his beloved one from among the inhabitants of the world.`” [Al-Bukhaari]

· When a black female slave complained to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam saying: “I suffer from epilepsy, and during the fits my body is exposed, so supplicate to Allaah for me.” He sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam replied: “If you wish you can endure it patiently and you will (therefore) be rewarded with Paradise, or, if you wish, I shall supplicate to Allaah to cure you.” So she said: “I shall endure it.” Then, she added: “But my body becomes exposed (during the fits) so pray to Allaah that it (i.e., the uncovering) no longer occurs.” So he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam then supplicated for her. [Al-Bukhaari & Muslim]

· It is a quality that one can strive and train himself to attain, as the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Whoever strives to endure, then Allaah will enable him to endure.” On the other hand, it is in some people’s nature to endure.

· The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Prayer is light (which guides the path); charity is proof of faith; endurance is light (in the slave’s heart), and the Qur’aan is a plea in your favour or against you.” [Muslim]

· The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam once passed by a woman who was crying over a grave and said: “Fear Allaah and persevere.” She replied: “(Get) away from me! My calamity has not befallen you and you are not aware of its nature.” The woman was later told that it was the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam who had advised her, so she came to his door where she found no doorkeeper, entered, and said: “(I am sorry) I did not know (it was) you.” The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Perseverance is (becoming) only at the first (stroke) of grief.” [Al-Bukhaari]

· When Abu Salamah, may Allaah be pleased with him, died, Umm Salamah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said what she had learnt earlier from the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam: “Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilayhi raaji`oon. Allaahumma’jurni fee museebati, wakhluf lee khayran minhaa (i.e., ‘We belong to Allaah and to Him we shall return. O Allaah! compensate me for my affliction, recompense my loss and give me something better in exchange for it.’” Umm Salamah, may Allaah be pleased with her, then asked herself: “Who could be better than Abu Salamah?” She said this due to his kind treatment, but Allaah bestowed upon her a better substitute, because she was later to be married to Muhammad, the Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. [Muslim]

· The Messenger of Allaah sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “When a man’s child dies, Allaah, the Exalted, asks His angels: `Have you extracted the life from the child of My slave?’ They reply in the affirmative and He then asks: `Have you extracted the fruit of his heart?’ They again reply in the affirmative and He then asks: `What did my slave say?’ They reply: `He praised You and said: ‘Inna lillaahi wa inna ilayhi raaji’oon’ (i.e., ‘We belong to Allaah and to Him we shall return’.’ Allaah then says: `Build a house for my slave in Paradise and name it the ‘House of Praise.’`” [At-Tirmithi]

· People are tested according to the strength of their faith. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “Those who face the toughest trials and hardships are the Prophets, then those who are nearest to them (i.e., in terms of faith) and a person will be tested according to the strength of his faith.” [At-Tirmithi] On the Day of Resurrection, people will wish that they had suffered and endured in this life when they see the great reward that those who did so will receive; indeed they will wish that their skin was cut and clipped with clippers in this life,.

· The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam would prepare people mentally for what they would face in the future, such as when he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam said: “You will face days of (i.e., that require) endurance ahead. A person who acts in accordance with Allaah’s injunctions (at that time) shall have a reward equivalent to that of fifty of you doing the same work that he does.” He sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam called them days of endurance because one could not survive them without it. His companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, were tested severely in Makkah until they reached a state where they went to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and asked him to supplicate to Allaah to lift the hardship that they were in; but instead, he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam helped them to persevere by telling them that the nations before them went through a lot more, to the extent that a man from those nations would be cut in two, but would still not give up his religion.

With regards to perseverance, people are of different types, as categorised by Imaam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allaah have mercy upon him:

1.  People of piety who persevere through acts of obedience and refrain from prohibitions; these are the blissful ones who rejoice in this life and the Hereafter.

2.  People of piety who do not persevere; a man may be a devout worshipper who prays optional night prayers, fasts and spends in charity, but whenever he is afflicted, this causes him to break down. This type of person gains no benefit from his worship.

3.  People who persevere but have no piety; there are sinful people like thieves and murderers who may persevere through imprisonment or other punishments. Also, some disbelievers persevere when they are afflicted with a disaster.

4.  People who neither persevere nor have piety, and this is the worst type of person.

The ranks of perseverance:

The finest and highest rank is when one perseveres through performing acts of obedience, after this comes persevering by refraining from prohibitions, and the final and lowest rank is when one perseveres through afflictions and other difficult decrees of Allaah. The reason for this is that the first two ranks are voluntarily performed while one has no choice regarding the lowest rank. Imaam Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: “The perseverance of Yoosuf, peace be upon him, in refraining from the seduction of the wife of the minister reflects a more perfect perseverance than his perseverance during the trial of his brothers throwing him into the well.”

Fields where perseverance applies:

· During afflictions and trials; Allaah says:

وَلَنَبْلُوَنَّكُمْ بِشَيْءٍ مِنَ الْخَوْفِ وَالْجُوعِ وَنَقْصٍ مِنَ الْأَمْوَالِ وَالْأَنْفُسِ وَالثَّمَرَاتِ وَبَشِّرِ الصَّابِرِينَ

which means: “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to those who persevere…” [Al-Baqarah: 155]

· In refraining from desires; Allaah says:

يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لا تُلْهِكُمْ أَمْوَالُكُمْ وَلا أَوْلادُكُمْ عَنْ ذِكْرِ اللَّهِ

which means: “O you who have believed! Let not your wealth and your children divert you from the remembrance of Allaah…” [Al-Munaafiqoon: 9] Imaam Ibn Al-Qayyim, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said: “Perseverance in refraining from desires (in this regard) must be in four ways: not to be deceived by them (i.e., ones wealth and children); not to excessively exert efforts in attaining them; to give Allaah His rights due to them (e.g., in paying Zakaah); and not to utilise them in a prohibited way.”

· When seeing others having favours from Allaah that one does not have; one should not be deceived by this because Allaah says:

وَلا تَمُدَّنَ عَيْنَيْكَ إِلَى مَا مَتَّعْنَا بِهِ أَزْوَاجاً مِنْهُمْ زَهْرَةَ الْحَيَاةِ الدُّنْيَا لِنَفْتِنَهُمْ فِيهِ وَرِزْقُ رَبِّكَ خَيْرٌ وَأَبْقَى

which means: “And do not extend your eyes toward that by which We have given enjoyment to [some] categories of them, [its being but] the splendour of worldly life by which We test them. And the provision of your Lord is better and more lasting.” [Taa Haa: 131]

· During acts of obedience, and this is the most difficult. This perseverance must occur in three stages: Before the act of obedience by one striving to have a correct and sincere intention and shunning all pretension and showiness; whilst performing the act, so as not to perform it whilst being heedless or lazy and so that one makes sure that he has fulfilled all its pillars and is doing the act while in tranquil submissiveness; and after performing the act by not publicising that one has done it, lest he falls into ostentation.

· During the hardships that face those who propagate Islaam and call people towards Allaah. Prophet Nooh, peace be upon him, called his people for nine-hundred and fifty (950) years and persevered through a multitude of trials and afflictions; he called his people to Allaah openly and in secret and by day and night, but they insisted on shunning his call. Calling to the path of Allaah is not easy and one may face plotting from even those who are the closest to him during the course of it, and thus he should persevere; Allaah says:

لَتُبْلَوُنَّ فِي أَمْوَالِكُمْ وَأَنْفُسِكُمْ وَلَتَسْمَعُنَّ مِنَ الَّذِينَ أُوتُوا الْكِتَابَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ وَمِنَ الَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوا أَذىً كَثِيراً وَإِنْ تَصْبِرُوا وَتَتَّقُوا فَإِنَّ ذَلِكَ مِنْ عَزْمِ الْأُمُور

which means: “You will surely be tested in your possessions and in yourselves. And you will surely hear from those who were given the Scripture before you and from those who associate others with Allaah much abuse. But if you persevere and fear Allaah – indeed, that is of the matters [worthy] of determination.” [Aal ‘Imraan: 186] All the prophets persevered through the harm afflicted on them by their people as Allaah informs us of when He says:

وَلَقَدْ كُذِّبَتْ رُسُلٌ مِنْ قَبْلِكَ فَصَبَرُوا عَلَى مَا كُذِّبُوا وَأُوذُوا حَتَّى أَتَاهُمْ نَصْرُنَا

which means: “And certainly were messengers denied before you, but they persevered through [the effects] of denial, and they were harmed until Our victory came to them…” [Al-An’aam: 34] The propagator of Islaam should therefore endure the long and difficult path of calling people to Allaah, as well as patiently await the delayed victory and support of Allaah.

· During war when facing the enemy; this type of perseverance is a precondition of victory while fleeing from the battlefield is one of the major great sins; thus, Allaah mandates steadfastness during that time; He says: 

إِذَا لَقِيتُمْ فِئَةً فَاثْبُتُوا

which means: “…When you encounter a company [from the enemy forces], stand firm…” [Al-Anfaal: 45] Sometimes perseverance is required on the part of the teacher due to him having to endure what his student makes him go through - as Al-Khadr, peace be upon, him said to Prophet Moosaa, peace be upon him, as Allaah says:

قَالَ إِنَّكَ لَنْ تَسْتَطِيعَ مَعِيَ صَبْراً * وَكَيْفَ تَصْبِرُ عَلَى مَا لَمْ تُحِطْ بِهِ خُبْراً

which means: “He [i.e., Al-Khadr] said to him [i.e., Moosaa] ‘Indeed, with me you will never be able to have patience. And how can you have patience for what you do not encompass in knowledge?’” [Al-Kahf: 67-68]

Things which help one to persevere:

Ñ Knowing the nature of this life and the hardships it contains; and that Allaah Has created man and decreed that he will certainly struggle. One who is unaware of this fact will be shocked by the events that life throws at him.

Ñ Believing that life belongs to Allaah and that He grants what He wills to whomever He chooses, as well as depriving or afflicting whomever He wills.

Ñ Knowing the immense reward for those who persevere.

Ñ Trusting that Allaah will bring about ease and a way out from all hardships, and knowing that Allaah sends down support to His slaves proportional to the level of hardship they are facing.

Ñ Seeking the support of Allaah and relying on Him.

Ñ Believing in and submitting to what Allaah has decreed and predestined; He says:

مَا أَصَابَ مِنْ مُصِيبَةٍ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلا فِي أَنْفُسِكُمْ إِلَّا فِي كِتَابٍ مِنْ قَبْلِ أَنْ نَبْرَأَهَا

which means: “No disaster strikes upon the earth or within yourselves except that it is in a register before We bring it into being…” [Al-Hadeed: 22] Additionally, the slave should know that being discontent and despairing does not help, nor does it bring any change to the predicament that he is in; therefore, the only choice he has is to endure.

Obstacles on the path of perseverance:

Ñ Hastiness: Many attempted missions to call people to the path of Allaah have failed, but why? They have failed because the people attempting to do so were hasty and wished for the fruits and results to arrive too quickly; hence, they did not have the required endurance.

Ñ Anger: This contradicts endurance. Prophet Yoonus, peace be upon him, was angry with his people, but he learnt about perseverance and endurance when he was inside the stomach of the whale; Allaah says:

فَاصْبِرْ لِحُكْمِ رَبِّكَ وَلا تَكُنْ كَصَاحِبِ الْحُوتِ

which means: “Then be patient for the decision of your Lord, [O Muhammad], and be not like the companion of the fish [i.e., Yoonus]…” [Al-Qalam: 48]

Ñ Despair: Prophet Ya’qoob, peace be upon him, warned his children against this, as Allaah says:

يَابَنِيَّ اذْهَبُوا فَتَحَسَّسُوا مِنْ يُوسُفَ وَأَخِيهِ وَلا تَيْأَسُوا مِنْ رَوْحِ اللَّهِ

which means: “O my sons! Go and find out about Yoosuf and his brother and despair not of relief from Allaah…” [Yoosuf: 87] Thus, one should have hope and seek His help; support and victory will definitely arrive, even if this is to be after some time.

Reflecting on stories of perseverance is a great way which helps one to persevere:

Prophet Nooh, peace be upon him, persevered and endured greatly during his mission; he did so for nine-hundred and fifty years and in the process he tolerated the harm afflicted upon him by his own people who accused him of being insane, misguided and a magician. He persevered until they said, as Allaah informs us:

قَالُوا لَئِنْ لَمْ تَنْتَهِ يَا نُوحُ لَتَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْمَرْجُومِينَ

which means: “They [i.e., his people] said: ‘If you do not desist, O Nooh, you will surely be of those people who are stoned’” [Ash-Shu’araa’: 116] In fact he, peace be upon him, persevered and endured even after this.

Prophet Ibraaheem peace be upon him persevered and endured until his people threw him into the fire; he was commanded by Allaah to slaughter his only son and he persevered in attempting to do this and even placed a knife at the throat of his son; his son also submitted to the command of Allaah, but in the end, Allaah commanded him to slaughter a sheep instead – Prophet Ibraaheem, peace be upon him, persevered through all this.

Prophet ‘Eesaa, peace be upon him, was afflicted by the children of Israel who falsely accused him of many terrible things; they even plotted to assassinate him, and yet he endured through all this until Allaah raised him to Himself.

Whenever our Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was afflicted with harm from his own people, he would remember the harm afflicted on Prophet Moosaa, peace be upon him, and say: “May Allaah have mercy upon my brother Moosaa, he was afflicted with more than this and he endured.” The most difficult thing for a wise man to be accused of is insanity; and for a truthful person, it is to be accused of lying, while for an honest man, it is to be accused of treachery; the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was accused of all of these and yet he endured. His people expelled him from his home town, and when he travelled to convey the message of Islaam to the tribes of Taa’if, he was ridiculed there. His people plotted to murder him; they succeeded in killing some of his companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, and torturing others, and all he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was able to do was to urge his companions to persevere and promise them that Paradise would be theirs in return. Even when he sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam went to Madeenah, he still had to patiently endure trials, but this was a different type of endurance, which entailed persevering through the trials that the hypocrites put him through. In Madeenah, the hypocrites slandered his wife ‘Aa’ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, saying that she had committed adultery. Also, the Jews plotted to kill him by poisoning his food.

Likewise, many of his companions and the generation that succeeded them had to persevere, like the woman whose husband, father and brother were killed in Jihaad and who nevertheless accepted the decree of Allaah and endured through these crises.

‘Urwah ibn Az-Zubayr, may Allaah have mercy upon him, was one of the great Taabi’een (i.e., the generation that succeeded the Companions). He had a very handsome son who was killed by being trampled by camels and horses, then, he contracted a disease in his leg which required its amputation, and whilst it was being amputated he fainted; when he regained consciousness, he picked up the amputated leg, kissed it, and said: “I swear by the One who carried me on you! Allaah knows that I have never walked with you to any place which had prohibitions (in it), nor did I use you to disobey Him.” The people had offered to give him an anaesthetic before amputating his leg so that he would feel less pain, but his response to this was: “Allaah is testing me to see my endurance” and so he refused to take it.

Imaam Ahmad, may Allaah have mercy upon him, persevered and endured through ‘The trial of the claimed creation of the Qur’aan’ which was when some Muslim leaders claimed that the Qur’aan was a creation of Allaah and not one of His attributes, which entailed that eventually, the Qur’aan would come to an end, just like any other of his creations. During this trial, Imaam Ahmad, may Allaah have mercy upon him, remained steadfast and endured torture and imprisonment; he was taken in to Al-Ma’moon, who was the ruler at that time, along with a young man who also refused to accept this false claim about the Qur’aan. On the way, this young man said to Imaam Ahmad, may Allaah have mercy upon him: “You are a scholar and I am unknown, so you must endure” and then he died. Some people approached Imaam Ahmad whilst he was on his way and reminded him that he would be excused by Allaah if he said something (false) to save his life, but his reply was the same as that of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam when he informed his companions about the believers from the previous nations who would be cut in half with a saw and would nevertheless still persevere and endure and remain steadfast. Then he (i.e., Imaam Ahmad) said: “O Allaah! Do not show me the face of Al-Ma’moon” and sure enough, Al-Ma’moon died before Imaam Ahmad reached him. His successor threatened to beat him to death but he endured and remained steadfast. He was severely lashed and tortured, and the ruler would visit him during this and say: “Why are you killing yourself? Approve of what I am saying about the Qur’aan” and his response, may Allaah have mercy upon him, would be: “Give me a single proof from the Qur’aan or the Sunnah proving what you claim and I will give in to your opinion.” He would then continue to be lashed and tortured until he lost consciousness. He remained in this condition for twenty-eight months before being released; after that, he was forced to remain at home and prevented from lecturing or seeing others. It is a terrible thing for a scholar to be prevented from spreading knowledge.

O people of no resolve! The path is long; Prophet Aadam, peace be upon him, exhausted himself in it; Prophet Nooh, peace be upon him, sacrificed and endured through it; Prophet Ibraaheem, peace be upon him, was thrown in a fire due to it; Prophet Ismaa’eel, peace be upon him, was willing to give up his life for it; Prophet Zakariyyaa, peace be upon him, was cut by a saw for its sake; Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was accused of many false things, his teeth were smashed and his face was cut for it; ‘Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, was assassinated for it - There is no way towards Allaah and Paradise except through endurance.

The slave should not do anything that contradicts perseverance, such as complaining to others, because in reality, all he will be doing thereby is complaining about Allaah and His decrees to them, but this does not mean however that one should not, for example, inform one’s doctor about a medical problem that he suffers from, as this does not contradict perseverance. Some people begin wailing or striking their faces due to the death of a beloved person, and these are acts that contradict endurance and perseverance, so one must refrain from them.

From islamav.com