When we first hear of the death of a loved one, or the loss of a job, or a personal calamity, it’s common for others to tell us to “be patient.” Patience is such an integral part of the way we live our faith that it has been preserved as a du’a in the Qur’an: "Our Lord, pour upon us patience, and plant firmly our feet, and give us victory over the disbelieving people." But what does it mean to be patient, and how can we be patient in times of difficulty?

رَبَّنَا أَفْرِغْ عَلَيْنَا صَبْرًا وَثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَنَا وَانْصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ

Rabbana afrigh 'alayna sabran wa thabbit aqdamana wansurna 'ala al-qawmi alkafireen