Chapter 30. The Severity Of The Test Causes Elevation Of Rank

When the test becomes severe, that is for the righteous believer a cause for the elevation of his rank, and the greatness of his reward, as can be seen in the following hadith:

 

"The Prophet was asked: 'Which people are most severely tested?' He said: 'The prophets, then the righteous ones, then others in descending order of their righteousness. Each one is tested in accordance to his belief: if firmness is found therein, his trials are increased, if, on the other hand, he is weak and wavering in belief, his trials are lightened. The believer will continue to be subjected to trials and tests until he walks on the surface of the earth without a single sin upon him.'"

 

Thus, he needs patience more than others, and that is the cause of leadership (Imamate) in faith, as Allah said:

 

[And we made them leaders (imams) who guide (the people) by our order as long as they were patient, and had a certainty of belief in our signs.] Quran 32/24

 

Patience Is Necessary In The Doing Of Good

A Muslim must have patience in doing what he has been ordered, and in avoiding what he has been forbidden and prohibited. Also included in this is patience in the face of persecution, and upon being spoken ill of, and patience in the face of the various calamities. Also, patience is required in times of ease and plenty so that one does not become proud, boastful, and haughty, and other types of patience.

• Good Must Support Good As Bad Supports Bad
• The Need For Certainty Of Belief

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