The Book on Jana'iz (Funerals)

Jami' at-Tirmidhi - Hadith Reference: Jami` at-Tirmidhi 988

Hadith Text

The Messenger of Allah said: "(Real) Patience is at the first stroke of the calamity."

Commentary on the Meaning

This noble hadith distinguishes between true patience (as-sabr al-haqiqi) and mere endurance. True patience manifests immediately when calamity first strikes, when the heart is most vulnerable to shock and grief. The believer who restrains their tongue from complaint, their heart from resentment toward Divine Decree, and their limbs from prohibited actions at that initial moment demonstrates genuine faith.

Scholarly Explanation

Al-Mubarakfuri explains in Tuhfat al-Ahwadhi that patience has three degrees: patience at the initial shock, patience in enduring the calamity's continuation, and patience in refraining from what Allah has forbidden. The highest form is the first, for it requires immediate submission to Allah's decree without hesitation.

Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali notes in Jami' al-Ulum wal-Hikam that this hadith teaches us that the most precious patience is that which comes at the moment when grief is freshest and pain is sharpest. The one who patiently accepts Allah's decree at this critical moment receives the greatest reward.

Practical Application

When receiving news of a death or other calamity, the Muslim should immediately say "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un" (Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return) and affirm belief in Divine Decree. This immediate response demonstrates true patience and brings comfort to the heart while earning Allah's pleasure and reward.