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4203 Cf. xxxviii. 30 above, where similar words are spoken of Solomon. Patience and constancy are also a form of service,
if our attitude is due to an active faith in Allah, and not mere passivity. So Milton in his Sonnet: "They also serve who
only stand and wait. " (38.44)
40:55 - Patiently then persevere: for the Promise of Allah is true: and ask forgiveness for thy fault
and celebrate the Praises of thy Lord in the evening and in the morning. 442744284429
4427 The Israelites corrupted or lost their Book; they disobeyed Allah's Law; and failed to proclaim and exemplify Allah's
Message. That is why the new Revelation came to the holy Prophet. If, in the beginning, it was rejected and
persecuted, there was no cause for discouragement; on the contrary, there was all the greater need for patience and
perseverance. (40.55)
4428 Every mortal according to his nature and degree of spiritual enlightenment falls short of the perfect standard of Allah
(xvi. 61), and should therefore ask Allah for forgiveness. What is merit in an ordinary man may be a human
shortcoming in one nearest to Allah: see xxxviii. 24-25, and notes 4175-76. Prophets have a further responsibility for
their People or their Ummat, and they ask in a representative capacity. (40.55)
4429 Cf. iii. 41. Evening and morning are the best times for contemplation and prayer. But the phrase "evening and
morning" may mean "at all times". (40.55)
40:77 - So persevere in patience! For the Promise of Allah is true: and whether We show thee (in
this life) some part of what We promise them or We take thy soul (to Our Mercy) (Before that)
(in any case) it is to Us that they shall (all) return. 4453
4453 Cf. x. 46, and n. 1438. As the eventual justice and readjustment of values must take place, when every soul retums to
the Judgment-Seat of Allah, it makes no difference if good and evil meet their deserts in this very life or not. Cf. also
xiii. 40. (40.77)
41:35 - And no one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and selfrestraint
none but persons of the greatest good fortune. 4506
4506 The moral standard referred to in the last verse can only be reached by the exercise of the highest patience and selfrestraint.
All sorts of human weaknesses and counsels of pseudo-wisdom and "self-respect" will keep breaking in, but
resist them as suggestions of Evil (see next verse). If you reach anywhere near that high standard, you will be indeed
most fortunate in a spiritual sense, for Allah's Revelation will have made you great and free. (41.35)
42:33 - If it be His Will He can still the Wind: then would they become motionless on the back of
the (ocean). Verily in this are Signs for everyone who patiently perseveres and is grateful.
4573
4573 If we study such Signs in the right spirit, we learn the highest lessons for our spiritual life: on the one hand, patient
perseverance with reliance on Allah, and on the other a feeling or attitude of grateful thanks to Allah, that He enables
us to achieve so much in spite of our shortcomings, and forgives in us so much that deserves punishment and
disaster. (42.33)
46:35 - Therefore patiently persevere as did (all) apostles of inflexible purpose; and be in no haste
about the (Unbelievers). On the Day that they see the (Punishment) promised them (it will be
) as if they had not tarried more than an hour in a single day. (Thine but) to proclaim the
Message: but shall any be destroyed except those who transgress? 48154816
4815 All good work proceeds in its own good time. We should never be impatient either about its success or about the
punishment which is bound to come for those who oppose it or wish to suppress it. The inevitable punishment is
spoken of as the Punishment promised. It will come so soon and so suddenly that it will appear as if there was not the
delay of a single hour in a single day! Time is a great factor in our affairs in this world, but it hardly counts in the next
world. (46.35)
4816 The Preacher's duty is to proclaim the Message in unmistakable terms. If any human beings come in the way, it will
be to their own destruction; but none but rebellious transgressor will be punished. There is always hope and
forgiveness for repentance and amendment. (46.35)
47:31 - And We shall try you until We test those among you who strive their utmost and persevere
in patience; and We shall try your reported (mettle). 48554856
4855 Cf. xxxiv. 21, and n. 3821. The test and trial is for our own psychological development, to help in the exercise of such
choice as has been given to us in our free-will. Cf. also iii. 154, and n. 467. (47.31)
4856 Akhbar: the things reported of you; reputation for courage and constancy, which has to be brought to the test of facts
and experience. In an epigram of Tacitus we are told of a Roman Emperor that he would have been considered in
every way to have been worthy of being a ruler if only he had never ruled! So in life people may think us courageous,
true, noble, and self-sacrificing; and we may consider ourselves as possessing all such virtues; but it is actual
experience that will bring them to the test. (47.31)
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