The death of a loved one, the problems at home or work, and even maintaining the Islamic regulations and orders might sometimes be challenging for us. In all these cases and many others, the patience to which Islam has invited can be enlightening for a Muslim. This patience is not merely passive waiting. Instead, patience in Islam directs us toward bearing things in a more steadfast and hopeful way.  

What is Patience in Islam?

The word patience in Islam has several meanings like limiting and constraining the self (Nafs), and, strengthening it against anxiety and discomfort [1]. Patience in Islam can be defined in two ways:

1. Patience Concerning the Islamic rules and Duties and in Worshiping Allah:

Being steadfast in doing what Islam and Allah have advised us to do and in preventing ourselves from whatever they have forbidden us to commit [2] & [4]. The duties that God has assigned to human beings, and especially those He has determined for Muslims, are not free of hardship. Hence, one might ignore some of them or abandon entirely or choose to be patient and experience their eternal joy: “so worship Him and have the patience for His worship” (19:65).

Moreover, being steadfast in avoiding sins and against committing evil deeds is the highest level of patience and the hardest one. Resisting the temptations and desires that appeal to evil deeds, to worldly positions or personal benefits against the collective interests, etc. is not easy, such that Prophet Joseph (AS) said: “And I do not acquit myself. Indeed, the soul is a persistent enjoiner of evil, except those upon which my Lord has mercy.” (12:53).   

2. Patience in our lives:  

Keeping the inner peace and serenity in difficulties and disasters such as  the loss of a loved one or some money, sickness or natural disasters, and having perseverance and persistence in those circumstances such that one keeps calm, does not complain, nor shows overreaction are the signs of patience in our personal lives: “And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to those who are patient.” (2:155) [3], [6]

The Manifestations of Patience in Islam

According to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) patience is manifested in the behavior of the one who believes in the other world, its rewards and punishments, is pious and considers this world as a temporary dwelling, and is aware of his/her mortality and the fact that one day he/she will be no more and the difficult moments will soon pass and be forgotten [5].

Four Characteristics of a Patient Person

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) has explained the characteristics of a patient person as follows [7]:

1. Is not lazy or indolent:  being lazy and not doing anything equals ignoring the rights of others, including family, friends, neighbors, etc., as well as those of oneself [7];

2. Does not get upset and disappointed:  believing that there is a wisdom behind every happening, a patient person does not lose his\her hope [7]. These are the ones that in case of sorrow, tell themselves that: “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him, we will return.” (2:156);

3. Does not complain: a patient person does not complain [7] despite any difficulties that he\she faces, because he\she is satisfied with everything that God has considered for him\her to be the best thing that could happen. On the contrary, he\she asks God for the help and solution on that matter.

3. Controls his words: a patient person does not lose his temper when being frustrated or hurt and avoids insulting, slandering, and offensive words. 

When Is Patience Required?

According to a Hadith, patience is required on five occasions: 

•    A respected person who is humiliated: 

•    An honest person who is accused of something unfairly;  

•    One who invites to justice but is ignored; 

•    An innocent person who is hurt; 

•    The one who seeks justice is opposed [8]. 

If one faces these troubles with serenity instead of showing a sudden naïve reaction, and if he\she be patient and trust the divine support, sooner or later he/she will find justice.

References:

1. patience in islam
2. Al-Raghib al-Isfahani, "Al-Mufradat fi Gharib al-Quran", p. 474.
3. M. M. Naraqi, "Jami' al-Sa'adat", vol. 3, p. 280.
4.  M. Davoudi, “Islamic Ethics (Principles and Definitions)”, p. 92.
5.  M. Al-Karajaki, “Madan al-Jawahir”, p. 40.
6.  Shaykh al-Kulayni, "al-Kafi", vol. 2, p. 91.
7.  Shaykh Sadooq, “Illal al-Sharaie: Reasons for Islamic Practices”, vol. 2, p. 498.
8.  “Misbah al-Sharia”, p. 154.

    
 

Does the Quran have any direct verses about books? Can the Quran guide us on what kinds of books to read? How can a book that was revealed about 1400 years ago tell us about which book genres are useful and which are not? 
In this text, we will study the status of reading books in the Quran and in Islamic teachings.
The first thing about books is the fact that the Quran, the miracle of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) is a book. Therefore, there is no doubt that there are no problems with reading books in Islam. But, the question that if there is any limitations in reading different types of books is considerable. 

Pointing out about books in the Quran

The word book has been used a lot in the Quran and has been used for three different meanings. Yet, all of them are used for a thing that records concepts and meanings and transfers them to the audience. In all different meanings of the book, it has been mentioned as a medium. The three different types of books mentioned in the Quran are as follows: 

1-    The books that contain religious rules and laws. [1]
2-    The books that record the deeds and actions of people. [2]
3-    The book in which all the events and details of this universe have been written and is kept by Allah. [3]

Writing books

Writing books is also an important point in the eyes of the Quran, as books are crucial means of conveying messages and transferring history to the next generations. They are also great means of spreading knowledge, wisdom, science, etc. the status of books and writing are so high in the eyes of Allah (SWT) that there is a chapter in the Quran called “Pen” (Qalam) in which Allah (SWT) swears by pens and what is written by it. [4] 
However, it is also very important that the written content should be useful, based on truth, and produced for the growth and improvement of human beings: 
“So woe to them who write the Book with their hands and then say, ‘This is from Allah,’ that they may sell it for a paltry gain. So woe to them for what their hands have written, and woe to them for what they earn!” (2: 79)

This can be a very important lesson and point to all of those who use their writing talent and produce written material for their audience. The above verse shows how enormous the effect of written products are on the readers.  

What does the Quran say about reading books?

Reading is also a very important point that is mentioned in the Quran. The most unique verse of the Quran that shows the importance of reading is, according to some Islamic scholars, the first verse of the Quran that was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP): 
“Read in the Name of your Lord who created; Created man from a clinging mass. Read, and your Lord is the most generous, who taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know.” (96: 1-5)

The above few verses show how learning knowledge and wisdom is connected to writing and reading. It is by writing that human beings transfer their thoughts and learnings to others, and it is by reading those writings that people learn from others. It is by reading that people think, contemplate, and come up with new ideas which lead to more learning, wisdom, discovery and inventions. Therefore, Allah compares those who seek knowledge and those who do not and asks us: 
“… Say, ‘Are those who know equal to those who do not know?’ Only those who possess intellect take admonition.” (39:9) 

Which books to read?

Despite the importance of gaining knowledge through reading in Islam [i], still we might ask if all the books available in the market are useful, worth reading and lawful (Halal) to read in Islam. 

The point is that the Quran does not mention all different book genres and does not discuss each genre in detail. But, it provides specific frameworks that work as a type of criterion. Knowing the criterion helps us to distinguish which books are useful for us and which ones can harm our soul and spirituality. 
For example, the Quran is not against stories or novels since the Quran itself is full of amazing stories, some of which are examples or stories [5]. Allah (SWT) claims that He is the best storyteller when He says: 

“We will recount to you the best of narratives in what We have revealed to you of this Quran, and indeed prior to it you were among those who are unaware [of it].” (12: 3)

Reading such books will result in many positive effects on our mind and soul. As Imam Ali (AS) says, “The greatest peace is obtained by reading books”[6]. Also, at the times of difficulties and hardships, sometimes one finds no remedy other than taking refuge in books, perhaps to find a way out; As Imam Sadiq (AS) puts, “There will be chaotic days when people would not find peace unless within their books” [7]. 

However, this does not mean that reading all types of storybooks, novels or myths are useful. Allah mentions in the Quran that real believers are those who “avoid vain talk” (23: 3). Therefore, books in which we can find parts that would waste our time or those that contain stories, chapters, or lines that may harm human soul and spirituality are not recommended to read. Apart from the books that may harm our soul, reading and learning can be considered as a sign of a Muslim. 

Notes:
[i] “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon Muslims.” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) [8]. 

References: 

1. The Quran (38:29)
2. The Quran (45:29)
3.  The Quran (10:61)
4. The Quran (68:1)
5. The Quran (39:27)
6. Ghurar al-Hikam wa Durar al-Kalim, Hadith no.8126.
7.  Muhammad ibn Ya'qub al-Kulayni, al-Kafi, vol.1, p.52.
8.  ibid, p.83.