Article: Patience through hardship

What is the reward of those who remain patient and steadfast when faced with hardship?

In times of hardship and pain, we must always remember the most central truth of our existence: "To God we belong, and to God we shall return".

God reminds us of this in the Quran, in verses 155 - 157 of surat Al-Baqarah:

And We will surely test you with some fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to those who are patient (155) Who, when disaster strikes them, say: "Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return." ( 156 ) Those are the ones upon whom will be blessings from their Lord, and mercy. And it is those who are rightly guided. ( 157 )

When we keep this truth present in our minds, and we are patient in the face of trials and hardships, God will reward us with blessings, mercy, and make us amongst those who are guided to the right path.

This life is a test. Those who pass the test with patience and virtue, no matter how difficult life seems, God will compensate them and will replace all their hardships with ease and comfort, either in this life or in the hereafter.

It is reported through authentic narrations that the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) taught us about a person who lived through extreme misery and hardship in this life. He would be asked, after a single dip in heaven, have you ever experienced any hardship? Have you ever experienced difficulty in your life? His response would be: No, I have never experienced hardship or misery.

God is the most just and the most merciful. All the hardships of this life will be wiped away in an instant and forever forgotten, and replaced by comfort, ease, and contentment. But this is only for those who are patient and stand firm in their belief and never lose hope in the mercy and power of God.

So in these difficult times, we say: To God we belong, and to God we shall return.