a measure of steadfastness, perseverance, and struggle against his inner and outward enemies.¹ In proportion to that patience will be his performance of what is obligatory and his commitment to what is recommended.
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The second category is patience in refraining from what is forbidden until one does not commit it at all. The soul with its cravings, the embellishment of Satan, and evil companions all beckon him to sin and embolden him to it; his avoidance of sin, therefore, is commensurate with the strength of his patience. One of the early generations said, “Righteous deeds can be done by both the devout and the profligate, but none can keep away from sins except a ṣiddīq³—a truly truthful believer.”
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The third category is patience with whatever befalls a person without his choosing, and such calamities are of two kinds:
a) Calamities over which people have absolutely no control, such as illnesses and other heaven-sent afflictions. Patience here is relatively easy, for the servant recognises in them Allah’s decree and pre-ordainment and knows that people have no hand in them; he therefore endures them, whether out of necessity or by willing acceptance. If Allah then opens his heart to reflect on their benefits and on the blessings⁴ and subtle kindnesses⁵ hidden within them, he moves from mere patience to gratitude.