has informed that all people are in loss except those who are themselves believers and righteous, and who, with respect to others, enjoin one another to truth and enjoin one another to patience. When the trial grows severe, that very ordeal becomes for the righteous believer a means of elevation in rank and of immense reward.

The Prophet—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—was asked:

“Which people suffer the most intense afflictions?”
He replied, “The prophets, then the righteous, then those most like them, and then those most like them. A person is tested in proportion to the strength of his religion: if his religious commitment is firm, his trial is intensified; if his religion is fragile, the trial is lightened. Adversity will keep striking the believer until he walks upon the earth without a single sin remaining.”

At such moments he needs a degree of patience that others do not, and this is what makes one an exemplar in religion, as the Most High says:

“And We made from among them leaders guiding by Our command when they persevered in patience and were certain of Our signs.” (Surah al-Sajdah, 32:24)

Therefore, one must be patient in performing the good he is commanded to do and in refraining from the evil he is forbidden. This encompasses patience when hurt or maligned, patience with the hardships that befall him, patience in restraining conceit during times of favor, and every other kind of patience.

A servant cannot show such patience unless he possesses something that brings him reassurance, joy, and sustenance—namely certainty (yaqīn). As narrated by Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq, may Allah be pleased with him, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:

“O people, ask Allah for certainty and well-being, for no one has been granted anything better, after certainty, than well-being. So ask Allah for them both.”