This verse, then, urges a person to endure the harm inflicted by others and to forgive them for the wrongs they commit against him. Yet one must realize that forgiving the offender is not unconditionally praiseworthy. Allah—Majestic is He—has linked pardon to bringing about reform, saying, “But whoever pardons and makes things right, his reward rests with Allah” (al-Shūrā 40). If pardoning and forgiving do not lead to any rectification, then do not pardon and do not forgive.

For example, suppose the one who wronged you is known for wickedness and corruption, and that your pardoning him would only embolden him in his evil. In such a case, it is better not to pardon; rather, claim your right so that reform may be achieved. On the other hand, if pardoning him entails no resulting harm, then forgiveness is better, for Allah says, “But whoever pardons and makes things right, his reward rests with Allah” (al-Shūrā 40). A reward kept with Allah is far better for you than receiving immediate compensation through a transfer of your offender’s righteous deeds.

The fifth verse is His—Exalted is He—statement, “Seek help through patience and prayer; surely Allah is with the patient” (al-Baqarah 153). Allah—glorified and exalted—commands us to seek aid in all matters by remaining patient, for when a person is patient and awaits relief from Allah, his affairs become easier. Therefore, whenever you are tried by something that demands patience, endure and bear up, remembering the prophetic words: “Know that victory comes with patience, relief comes with hardship, and with difficulty there is ease.”

As for prayer, it assists a person in both his religious and worldly concerns—even to the point that the Messenger