Patience is Bright
When light and matter interact with one another, a few things can happen. Matter can absorb light (take it in); emit light (give it off); transmit light (allow it to pass through); reflect light (cause it to bounce off); and refract light (cause it to change speed and direction). In Sahih Muslim - 223, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) said “Patience is a brightness”. To grasp what this means, let’s look at the word patience. The definition of patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset. This sounds a lot like durability, continuing to do something despite difficulties, and in some cases it’s easier when there is an incentive. For an example, you might need patience when dealing with something that's painfully slow. The Prophet (saw) described patience as a dhiyaa which is an intense source of light. In fact, this word is also used in the Qur’an to describe the sun. If we take the case of being in darkness, delay, trouble, suffering, or in a tight space mentally physically, light can be a source of guidance.
"Adsorption is the process in which atoms, ions or molecules from a substance adhere to a surface"
You may notice that in times of impatience, you may experience tunnel vision. Good thing there’s light at the end of tunnels. In Qur’an 24:40, Allah (swt) describes how the darkness of a disbelieving person is like being in a deep sea and if they put their hand out, they can barely see it. This description of being able to have a visual of their hand tells us something very important. We learn that Allah (swt) is always with us, even in the darkest of places.
“Or ˹their deeds are˺ like the darkness in a deep sea, covered by waves upon waves, topped by ˹dark˺ clouds. Darkness upon darkness! If one stretches out their hand, they can hardly see it. And whoever Allah does not bless with light will have no light!” (Qur’an 24:40)
Thinking back to how matter and light interact with one another, if we take the concept that patience is a strong light, we can infer a few things. Patience can be absorbed, emitted, transmitted, reflected, and refracted. I’m sure you can think of times when you were able to give off this light/patience with something you were going through or perhaps you allowed it to pass right through you (losing patience). Thinking back to refracted light, which causes change in speed and direction of light, imagine your patience having those qualities. I believe this is most common light-to-matter interaction (not sole interaction) with Allah (swt). His light is superior, bright, and comforting. It’s intense and most certainly stronger than whatever we experience daily. Allah (swt) can change the situation or perhaps even our perspective; granting us patience. In surah An-Nur, Allah (swt) is described as the Light of the heavens and the earth (Qur’an 24:35); a source of guidance for us. Allah (swt) also tells us to Have patience. Verily, Allah is with those who are patient (Qur’an 2:153).
In Surah An-Nur, we learn about three companions who fell into slander, yet Allah (swt) chose not to name them, diminishing their light. Instead, He presented their story as a lesson for all of us to reflect on their mistakes. This surah emphasizes the importance of safeguarding our integrity, our private matters, our words, and exercising patience. The account of Aisha (as) being falsely accused of adultery is central to this message. It took nearly a month for revelation that would confirm her innocence to arrive. During that difficult time, her husband (saw) advised her to seek forgiveness, regardless of the truth of the accusation, as slander spread and her parents did not come to her defense. Imagine the despair she felt in such darkness.
Moreover, when the Prophet (saw) consulted his other wife Zainab (as), who had a competitive relationship with Aisha (as), she refrained from criticizing Aisha (as) and instead pointed out the inconsistencies in the accusations. Consider the emotions of grief, hopelessness, and fear that Aisha (as) must have experienced, yet she demonstrated remarkable patience. When the revelation finally came, Aisha (as) was not in the same place as the Prophet (saw). Her mother encouraged her to run to him, but Aisha (as) refused, stating that it was not her husband (saw) who proved her innocence—Allah (swt) did. Amid the turmoil and the spreading rumors, Aisha (as) realized that it was Allah (swt) who ultimately brought her resolution, though it came out of the Prophet (saw)’s mouth. We might find ourselves waiting for answers for a month, often questioning why things take so long. However, Allah (swt) is the best planners, all-knowing and all-hearing, and there was a greater purpose at play.
“Indeed, We have sent down to you clear revelations, along with examples of those who had gone before you, and a lesson to the God-fearing.”. (Quran 24:34)
Patience acts as a guiding light for believers, providing clarity and strength during difficult times. It enables us to confront challenges with trust in Allah (swt)'s wisdom, recognizing that every test offers an opportunity for growth and deeper spiritual understanding. Through patience, our faith becomes stronger, allowing us to face life's trials with a tranquil heart, assured that each struggle leads us closer to personal and spiritual development. Let patience be your anchor, trusting in Allah’s timing to fortify you through every challenge.
"My Lord, expand for me my chest (with assurance), and ease for me my task, and untie the knot from my tongue that they may understand my speech." (Qur'an 20:25-28) This prayer, attributed to Prophet Musa/Moses (as), expresses a deep call for clarity, strength, and ease amid life's challenges.
