rank and immense reward. This is illustrated by the report that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked, “Which people are most severely tried?” He replied:
“The prophets, then the righteous, then those next best, in descending order. A man is tried according to his religious commitment. If his commitment is firm, his trials are increased; if it is weak, they are lightened. Trials continue to afflict the believer until he walks upon the earth without a single sin remaining.”
He therefore needs a degree of patience that others do not. This is what leads to leadership in religion, as Allah Most High says:
“We raised from among them leaders, guiding by Our command, when they patiently endured and had sure faith in Our signs.”
One must therefore persevere in doing the good that is commanded and refraining from the evil that is forbidden. This includes patiently enduring harmful deeds and words, bearing the hardships that befall one, restraining oneself from arrogant exultation when blessed, and other forms of patience. Yet a servant cannot remain patient unless he has something that gives him reassurance, delight, and nourishment: namely, certainty. Thus, in the hadith narrated by Abū Bakr al-Siddīq, 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 after certainty no one has been given anything better than well-being. So ask Allah for both.”
Likewise, if he commands someone else to do good, or wishes that person to join him in doing so, or forbids