Imam Zijad's Corner: Patience is a Light

Patience is a Light
Reported by Abu Maalik al-Haarith ibn Aasim al-Ashari (r) that Muhammad (S) said:
“Patience is a Light (Brightness).”
Source: Muslim
Transliteration: “As Sabru Dhiya.”
Note: The Prophet (s) described Sabr (patience) as a dhiya which is an intense source of light. Patience is like a bright shining splendor that can that can assist a person in their time of need. Patience is not always easy.
By definition it involves restraining oneself and controlling one’s actions. But even if things appear very difficult, with patience, we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Whether a person has acquired the quality of Sabr or not is clearly reflected in that person’s initial reaction to any unfavorable event or circumstance.
The characteristic of light is that it shows us the way and allows us to see clearly. How does patience do this? Patience is linked with hope and trust in God.
Patience is an aspiration because it is not just something that we do, but rather something that we need to build in ourselves and adapt to different situations. Its importance is highlighted in the fact that it has been mentioned in the Qur’an over ninety times.
Impatience is darkness because it frustrates us, we can behave rashly and we do not see the wisdom in the delay. Muhammad (S) said “Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.” [Bukhari] Patience has no value after a person takes himself on a roller-coaster ride of uncontrollable emotions. The initial reflex of one’s emotion is the true test of Sabr.