[Commentary]
These hadiths recorded in the Chapter on Patience all point to the noble merit of patience.
As for the first report—the hadith of Muʿādh ibn Anas, may Allah be pleased with him—in which the Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever suppresses his rage while able to carry it out, Allah will summon him before all creatures on the Day of Resurrection….” Ghayz (rage) is extreme anger. A person becomes angry only when he imagines he has the power to execute what his anger demands, for one who lacks that ability does not grow angry; he merely grieves. Hence Allah is described as becoming angry but never as grieving, for grief denotes deficiency, whereas anger, when warranted, is a perfection. Therefore, if someone is enraged by another person yet has the power to strike back, and he restrains himself solely for the sake of Allah and patiently endures the provocation, he earns this tremendous reward: he will be called before all creation on the Day of Resurrection and allowed to choose whichever of the houris of Paradise he wishes.
Concerning the hadith of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, in which a man said, “Messenger of Allah, advise me,” and he replied, “Do not become angry,” repeating the same counsel each time the man asked—its explanation has already been given.
The third hadith likewise indicates that when a person endures affliction, seeking reward from Allah, Allah expiates his sins. Should a believer be tried in his own self, in his children, or in his wealth and remain patient, Allah will continue to test him in this manner until he meets Him bearing no sin. Thus afflictions that befall one’s body, offspring, or property serve as expiation, until he walks upon the earth with no