This hadith teaches that recompense matches the nature of the deed; it also establishes Allah’s good pleasure, in a manner befitting His majesty, just as all His attributes befit Him. It sets out the wisdom behind afflictions that strike His servants, confirms divine decree and predestination—calamities occur solely by Allah’s determination—and legislates patience in the face of hardship, the return to Allah, and reliance upon Him alone in every ordeal and to ward off every harm.

Allah has commanded us to seek help through patience and prayer when confronted with the hardships and trials of this life, for behind them lie goodness and a commendable outcome. He has informed us that He is with those who are patient, granting them victory and support. The Exalted says, “O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer; indeed, Allah is with the patient.” ⦗1⦘ This shows how essential patience is and how urgently the believer needs it; it is one of the foundations of faith.

We ask Allah to grant us patience and hopeful expectation of reward, and to favor us with success and guidance.