Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Undoubtedly, one of the most important mottos of Islamic values ​​is patience. Prophet Muhammad (saw), who was sent as a mercy to the worlds has said; “Whoever persists in being patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.” Patience does not mean giving in and surrendering to troubles and disasters. It means to show resistance in the face of sadness, distress and trouble. Persistence to overcome hardship. It is the courage put forth to overcome difficulties.

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Patience and perseverance undoubtedly have both benefits in this life and the next. Allah (swt), the sole owner of all existence says in the Quran; Say, “O My servants who have believed, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world is good, and the earth of Allah is spacious. Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account [i.e., limit].”[1] He says that those who are patient will be rewarded in this world and in the hereafter. In another verse Allah (swt) says; “O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”[2] The fact that it is mentioned together with prayer, which is one of the most important conditions of Islam, is a clear indication of the importance of patience. 

Dear Brothers and Sisters!

Patience has both individual and social aspects. There will always be the personal difficulties we face and the calamities that we are tested in the course of life. Allah (swt) says in the Quran; “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient”[3]. We will definitely be tested with sicknesses, difficulties in livelihood and sometimes with our families. The only life free from troubles is the heavenly life promised by Allah (swt) to believers. The torment and suffering of this worldly life will never end. If one ends, after a while the other will begin. Allah (swt) says in the Quran, “For indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.”[4] With this in mind, a believer will not fall into hopelessness. A believer trusts in Allah (swt) and strives to overcome difficulties. In return for their patience, they mature spiritually, develop and become stronger.

Dear Jama’ah!

Allah (swt) created man, the most honorable of all creatures, as a social being. We Muslims cannot remain ignorant of the societies in which we live. It is the duty of all of us not to be intimidated by the obstacles we may face to practice our religion in different parts of the world and to patiently struggle again these by staying within the limits of the law. In addition, Islam has imposed social responsibilities on its followers. It is a duty on Muslims to strive for the establishment of justice and peace in relations between people and societies, and for the peaceful coexistence of different segments. It is the order of our religion to work with patience in the face of difficulties that may be encountered in this regard. Starting from the closest circle, Muslims approach the whole world with the awareness of entrustment, and they feel responsible for all humanity.

May Allah (swt) make us one of his servants who fulfill their individual and social responsibilities and are aware of their duty towards all the oppressed and victims in this world. May He grant us to fight patiently in the face of difficulties. Ameen.

[1] Surah Az-Zumar, 39:10

[2] Surah Al-Baqarah; 2:153

[3] Surah Al-Baqarah; 2:155

[4] Surah Al-Inshirah; 94:5

Khutba-Our Understanding of Patience