Allah—said: “No servant has ever swallowed a greater draught than a draught of forbearance when angry and a draught of patience when afflicted.”

This is because the foundation of all this is patiently enduring pain. The courageous, strong person is the one who patiently endures what pains him. If the source of pain can be repelled, it arouses anger; if it cannot be repelled, it arouses grief. Thus, the face reddens in anger as the blood surges when one feels capable, and turns pale in grief as the blood recedes when one feels helpless.

For this reason, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, brought both together in the authentic hadith narrated by Muslim from ʿAbd Allāh ibn Masʿūd, may Allah be pleased with him, who said: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, asked, “Whom do you consider childless among you?” They replied, “The one to whom no child is born.” He said, “That is not the truly childless man; rather, the truly childless man is the one none of whose children have preceded him in death.” Then he asked, “Whom do you consider a mighty wrestler among you?” We replied, “The one whom no man can throw down.” He said, “He is not