Expressing the importance of patience and endurance, Khateeb of Ahl-us-Sunnah in Zahedan mentioned patient people as the lucky ones who receive the ‘enunciation of Paradise’ before dying.
The outstanding Islamic scholar began his Friday sermon of March 8, 2013 by reading the noble Qur’anic verses (153-155) of Baqarah chapter. He said as the Holy Prophet, prayer & blessings be upon him, stated patience is the widest and most comprehensive blessing of Allah the Almighty. Prosperity of humankind in all angles of life depends on his/her level of tolerance and patience.
Alluding to some meanings of patience, Shaikh-ul-Islam considered ‘fasting’ (Sawm) one of the best examples of patience. He said according to Hadiths, observing fast is half of patience. When a person observes fast, s/he avoids eating, drinking and other desires of the self. If someone has no patience, s/he can withstand leaving food, water and desires of humankind. Thus, fasting plays an important role to reform human being’s soul and breaks down their self, ego and pride. A patient person has everything in fact, while impatient people have nothing.
Allah the Sublime has enjoined us to be patient and offer prayers. Prayers connect humankind to Allah the Almighty. It helps humankind to get tolerance. In the next verse, Allah Exalted mentioned martyred people and their highest position in the heavens. They enjoy a different life; all of these virtues belong to Shohada because they were patient. Martyred people combated enemy of Allah without running away from the battle ground. Martyrdom can be given to patient people. A patient person resists his/her ego and establish prayers, Shaikh Abdol-Hameed further said.
Explaining the recited verses, he pointed, “Allah the Almighty has informed us that He may test His servants. Allah examines His slaves to recognize who can withstand with fear, hanger and loss in wealth and self. Patience means to bear any sort of damage and loss; such tests are good finally for people as they can get experience and training. So such tests are the mercy of Allah. When a person shows endurance in examinations, Allah the most merciful will wipe out his/her sins and faults.”
The rector of Darululoom Zahedan added more sometimes Allah tests His servants by wealth and affluence of money. Because it is possible a wealthy person misuses his money or influence to carry out very horrible misdeeds and sins like using drugs, drinking vine and other bad actions. All ways of sins are open for wealthy people, but if they resist their desires and show patience, they will be considered ‘Saberoun’ or patient servants of Allah. It is quoted from some Companions, may Allah be pleased with them, that patience over sin was easier for them than tolerating on wealth and abundance of money and property; the second test was harder for them.
Remaining a good and obedient servant of Allah is one the best examples of patience on the path of Allah the Sublime. Only patient people establish five-time, Eid and Friday prayers, pay the Zakah, take care of others’ rights, look after ills and serve their parents. The prophet Ayyub was ill for seven years; he never complained. His all family and tribe left him alone; only his wife was looking after him. After seven years, when Satan was striving to mislead his wife, he prayed to Allah the Almighty: “رب إنی مسنی الضر و أنت أرحم الراحمین”, then Allah granted him the blessing of health. The prophet Yousuf was also patient as he withstood and resisted when he was so young. He ran away from sin and asked the refuge of Allah. Allah S.W.T supported him and opened all close doors for him. In the same way, gates and doors of the Paradise would be opened for patient servants; angels of Allah will give them enunciation of paradise at the time of demise.
Students are hope of the nation
In the last part of his sermon, Khateeb and Friday Imam of Sunnis in Zahedan, Iran, pointed out toward the recent meeting of university students and intellectuals held in Darululoom Zahedan on Thursday, March 7. He said each year students of different universities gather in Darululoom Zahedan to meet their scholars and fellow students. Such meetings strengthen relations between seminary and university.
He underlined the society needs both sorts of education and knowledge; Shar’ee and modern sciences are two wings of the prosperity for any Muslim society. We must do our best to encourage them and facilitate higher education for them. We can optimistic when we provide appropriate education to young generation.
Shaikh Isma’eelzahi expressed his deep sorrow over creating obstacles for some students on the way of Zahedan and said, “Many students succeeded to take part in the function, unfortunately many others were stopped to reach Zahedan. We will continue to get our due status in the world by the weapon of education and knowledge.”