behave in the way that Allah desires from him and be regular in perform-
ing his prayers. A person of faith knows that Allah's knowledge and wisdom
is in everything, nothing happens without His permission and that, behind
every event, lie the purpose and all the countless good things that He has
created."
"In that case, a person shouldn't be upset at the things that happen to
him, but should always have patience," said Idrees.
Grandpa Uthman smiled: "Very true, Idrees. Allah is the friend, protec-
tor and helper of a believer. So, even if some don't appear so at first sight,
all the things that happen to us are for our own good. For this reason, for a
believer, being patient does not mean being forced to follow a moral com-
mand; on the contrary, it is an act of worship that he performs with joy and
sincere pleasure. Believers know that whatever happens to them has been
created by Allah and that something good will certainly come out of it.
Because they know that Allah has determined the best fate for them, they
face every event with enormous pleasure and inner content. In the Qur'an,
Allah says: '[Believers are] those who are steadfast and put their trust in their
Lord.' (Surat al-‘Ankabut: 59)"
"In that case, a believer's patience can't wear out!" exclaimed
Idrees excitedly. "Now I understand what the lady on the bus
was saying."
Grandpa Uthman answered: "Yes, my boy.
Human beings show patience because it is a
command from Allah, and so they will never
be in a situation where they will lose it.
Throughout their whole lives they will per-
form this act of worship with pleasure and
eagerness."
"Thanks Grandpa," said Idrees. "Now I
understand that patience is very important,
and, if Allah so wills it, a person's patience
will never come to an end."
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