Humans are constantly subject to two conditions in life: happiness and adversity. Islam teaches two key concepts to deal with these circumstances: gratitude (syukur) and patience (sabar). They are complementary and inseparable like two sides of a single coin. True happiness and inner peace for a Muslim are based on the practical principles of patience and gratitude which are not merely abstract ideas. With reference to credible Islamic sources this article will go over the significance connection and real-world applications of patience and gratitude.
Patience: The Ability to Handle Difficulties
Islam views patience as more than just acceptance or a passive attitude. When faced with challenges or hardships patience is the capacity to control oneself maintain ones resolve and rely on Allah. Allah ﷻ states in the Quran:
And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits. However give good news to patients (Quran 2:155).
One way to submit to Allahs will is to be patient. When faced with hardships Muslims are taught to surrender everything to Allah rather than to gripe or give up. Finding answers and holding onto the belief that there is always a solution to a problem are other aspects of patience. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated in a hadith:
The believers affairs are wonderful! All of his affairs are good. If good things coming his way, he is appreciative which is advantageous for him. If hardship hits him, he is patient which is advantageous for him. (HR. Muslim).
The Essence of Gratitude: Recognizing the Blessings of Allah ﷻ
Recognizing and appreciating all of Allah ﷻ’s blessings is the essence of gratitude. Health, prosperity family and even the chance to worship are examples of these blessings. Allah ﷻ states:
And [remember] when your Lord said If you are thankful I will definitely increase you [in favor] but if you deny indeed My punishment is severe (Quran 14:7).
Expressing gratitude involves more than just words it also involves deeds. A Muslim who is thankful will use Allah ﷻ’s blessings for acts of worship almsgiving and good deeds that please Him. Recognizing that Allah is the source of all blessings is another aspect of gratitude therefore we must avoid being conceited or forgetful.
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The Connection Between Gratitude and Patience
The concepts of gratitude and patience go hand in hand. When a Muslim receives blessings they must express gratitude. They must however exercise patience when faced with challenging tests. One can become closer to Allah ﷻ through both types of worship. We frequently encounter circumstances in daily life that call for both principles at the same time. When we are fortunate enough to be healthy for instance we express our gratitude by caring for our bodies and using them for worship. But in the event that we become ill we must have patience and work toward getting better while relying on Allah ﷻ.
Using Patience in Everyday Situations
Patience can be exercised in many ways throughout daily life. First and foremost a Muslim should maintain composure and refrain from making snap decisions when faced with challenges. Patience is the ability to think things through and come up with the best solution. Accepting that we cannot control everything is another aspect of patience. For instance we must exercise patience and have faith that Allah ﷻ will provide for us in unexpected ways when we lose our jobs. Third patience entails making an effort to continue worshiping consistently in the face of adversity. For example staying up late to pray even when you’re exhausted or busy. Patience will give us the inner serenity and spiritual fortitude we need to face lifes challenges.
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Gratitude Practice in Everyday Life
You can cultivate gratitude in many facets of your life. First by showing gratitude for our health food and fresh air—small blessings that we frequently take for granted. Being thankful for the little things in life will make it easier to be happy. Second showing gratitude can also be done through deeds like performing good deeds with Allah ﷻ’s blessings. For instance we can assist others or donate to charities when we have extra money. Third we must not be conceited or forgetful because acknowledging that Allah ﷻ is the source of all blessings is another aspect of gratitude. As a way to express our gratitude to Allah we should say Alhamdulillah and maintain our humility when we succeed.
In conclusion
A Muslims life is characterized by two inseparable principles: patience and gratitude. Regardless of happiness or adversity they teach us to always stay near Allah. We will find inner peace and genuine happiness in this life as well as the next by cultivating patience and thankfulness. May Allah ﷻ constantly give us the fortitude to remain thankful and patient in any circumstance. Ameen.
Also read:Kufur Nikmat: Denial of Allah’s Blessings
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References:
Muslim.or.id. (n.d.). Being Grateful in Times of Joy and Patient in Times of Calamity. Retrieved from https://muslim.or.id/20127-bersyukur-ketika-senang-dan-bersabar-ketika-mendapat-bencana.html
Bimbingan Islam. (n.d.). Between Gratitude and Patience. Retrieved from https://bimbinganislam.com/antara-syukur-dan-sabar/
Rumah Zakat. (n.d.). Patience and Gratitude. Retrieved from https://www.rumahzakat.org/sabar-dan-syukur/
Al-Islam.org. (2015). Patience and Gratitude. Retrieved from https://al-islam.org/message-thaqalayn/vol-16-no-3-autumn-2015/patience-and-gratitude-tawus-raja/patience-and-gratitude
