Chapter 3 - Patience and Perseverance

Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: 'Uyainah bin Hisn came to Al-Madinah and stayed with his nephew Hurr bin Qais who was among those whom Umar showed favour to. The knowledgeable people (Qurra'), whether they were old or young, had the privilege of joining Umar's council and he used to consult them.

'Uyainah said to Hurr: "My nephew, the Leader of the Believers shows favour to you. Will you obtain permission for me to sit with him?'' Hurr asked `Umar and he accorded permission. When `Uyainah came into the presence of `Umar, he addressed him thus: "O son of Khattab, you neither bestow much on us nor deal with us justly.'' `Umar got angry and was about to beat him up when Hurr said: ``O Leader of the Believers, Allah said to His Prophet : ' Show forgiveness, enjoin what is good, and turn away from the foolish (i.e., don't punish them).' (7:199) This one is from the ignorants. When Hurr recited this, `Umar became quite motionless in his seat. He always adhered strictly to the Book of Allah. [Al-Bukhari].


Commentary:

1. In this Hadith, the word `Qurra' does not stand for the kind of the `Qurra' (reciters) of the present age who are only professional in the art of reciting the Qur'an and have a melodious voice, but what it really meant was the class of scholars who were well-versed in its meanings and implications and who could thoroughly distinguish between the lawful and the unlawful, fair and foul. Such men used to be the companions of the early noble caliphs. It leads to the conclusion that rulers should choose their advisors from religious scholars and not from those who are given to the world and whose sole aim in life is to amass wealth rather than care about the welfare of the people and whose advice is based on selfish motives and vested interests.
2. Since scholarship and piousness are the foremost qualifications for counsellors and advisors, there is no restriction of age for them.
3. The ruler should always be very considerate and tolerant.
4. The ruler should never hesitate from accepting truth and righteousness.

Ibn Mas`ud reported: Messenger of Allah said,

"You will see after me favouritism and things which you will disapprove of.''

They submitted: "What do you order us to do (under such circumstances)?'' He replied,

"Discharge your obligations and ask your rights from Allah". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary: This Hadith tells that if you have rulers who deny your rights and give themselves and their relatives preference over you then patience is a better recourse. Rather than revolting against them, you should seek pardon and forgiveness from Allah and pray for His Protection against the mischief and tyranny of the rulers provided they do not show outright disbelief.

Usaid bin Hudhair reported that: A person from among the Ansar said, "O Messenger of Allah! You appointed such and such person and why do you not appoint me?'' Messenger of Allah said,

"After me you will see others given preference to you, but you should remain patient till you meet me at the Haud (Al-Kauthar in Jannah)". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary:

1. The prophecy of the Prophet came true, which is a miracle as well as an evidence of his truthfulness.
2. The Haud (pond) mentioned here is Haud Al-Kauthar which is granted to the Prophet in Jannah or in the field where people will be assembled on the Day of Resurrection. There he will offer his followers cups of pure drink with his own hands. It will be such that one who would take it will never feel thirst again.
3. Demand for an office is not a pleasant quality. It is, therefore, prohibited to give office to a person who demands it. It is, however, permissible only in case a person feels that he is more competent than others and there is no one else in view who is more intelligent, capable and pious.

Abdullah bin Abu Aufa reported: The Messenger of Allah at one time when he confronted the enemy, and was waiting for the sun to set, stood up and said,

 "O people! Do not long for encountering the enemy and supplicate to Allah to grant you security. But when you face the enemy, show patience and steadfastness; and keep it in mind that Jannah lies under the shade of the swords.'' Then he invoked Allah, saying, "O Allah, Revealer of the Book, Disperser of the clouds, Defeater of the Confederates, put our enemy to rout and help us in  over-powering them". [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


Commentary:

1. Although great stress has been laid on full preparation and readiness for Jihad, it is prohibited to wish for war with enemy.
2. Patience is a great weapon of a Muslim. In the context of Jihad, it means steadfastness, fortitude and fearlessness of death in the battlefield.
3. Muslims are ordained not to rely entirely on weapons, material resources and their military prowess. They are advised to pray to Allah for victory over their enemy.