And those who believe and do good works - them shall We surely house in lofty mansions of Paradise, beneath which rivers flow. They will abide therein. Excellent is the reward of those who work good. (29:59)

The Holy prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) raised a nation of believers who were advanced in faith. He was the last prophet and faith attained perfection through him. Allah's pleasure can be attained through acting on this faith. His companions advanced in faith and it became a source of peace and approval from the Almighty for them.

An action which is to attract the pleasure of the Almighty is a righteous action ('Aml Salih). The verse recited at the beginning mentions those who brought about a great revolution through the training and heavenly power of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). They attained such strength that they presented the greatest sacrifices for the sakes of righteous standing.

When they were asked to bear persecution, they complied and did not respond to harshness with harshness. When they were asked to leave their homes, they complied and migrated. When they were allowed to defend themselves, they took up arms and punished the enemy.

In this verse, Allah the Almighty says that when a believer's actions become subordinate to the will of the Almighty, and he considers his life as a trust from Him, Allah will admit such people into Paradise due the sacrifices they present with steadfastness.

The strength of the faith of the companions and the strength to steadfastly carry out righteous actions were created through the spiritual power of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah on him).

I relate from Ahadith some examples of the sublime examples of the steadfastness and persistence shown by the companions in their daily lives and in the thick of the battle with the enemy. These examples illustrate how to act in different circumstances.

Ahadith indicate how a person should be steadfast in their family life. I have received reports and letters that some ladies are teased by their in-laws that they bore daughters only. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that if a person is tried through having daughters only, his daughters will be a barrier between him and the fire in the next world.

Some people are easily excitable and do not socialize. The Holy prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that a person who socializes and bears inconveniences and hurtful behavior patiently is better than a person who does not socialize and does not show patience and steadfastness in the face of hurtful treatment.

A person should undertake the reformation and the betterment of the society. Patience enhances forbearance leading to opportunities for further righteous acts. Members should cultivate patience and avoid frictions emanating from impatience.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that a strongman is not the one who wrestles the other down but the one who controls his anger.

Hadrat A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) related that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) never hit anyone with his own hand except for in a battle and never retaliated except to hold the honor of God high.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) said that patience in the face of a hurt increases one's honor.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) marveled at the fate of a Muslim that he is rewarded when he is steadfast in difficulty. He shows gratefulness in good circumstances leading to blessings and shows patience in difficulty leading to blessings. Any trouble a Muslim endures, Allah makes it a source of atonement for his lapses. Allah likes a person who is patient in face of the trouble caused to him by his neighbor.

Hadrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said that patience in faith is as a head on a body.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) taught us that when a believer is afflicted by a misfortune, he says, "Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return" (2:157)

And that, Allah, bless me with a better alternate.

Allah, the Almighty, declares the same in the Holy Qur’an, "Who, when a misfortune overtakes them, say, 'Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.' (2:157)

It is these on whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy, and it is these who are rightly guided. (2:158)

Now I relate some instances of the steadfastness of the companions who benefited from the training of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and showed excellent example of patience and steadfastness.

Hadrat A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) relates that the early Muslims were put in the trial of persecution. Her father, Hadrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) decided to migrate to Habshah. A friend of his told him that neither a good person like him should migrate nor should be forced to migrate, and provided him his protection on the condition that he would pray inside his house. Hadrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be please with him) established a mosque in the yard of his house to pray and recited the Qur'an loudly. The neighbors would see him over the wall of his home. The non-believers complained. His friend asked him to desist or revoke his protection. Hadrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) revoked his protection. Then he was tormented, beaten, and his hair on his beard and head were pulled.

The Ahmadis in Pakistan are stopped from offering their Prayers. Maulawis reported to police this week that the Ahmadis should be stopped from offering sacrifices of animals. Police summoned the Ahmadis and warned them that they should sacrifice animals within the walls of their homes and that they do not have the right to hurt the feelings of other Muslims. Ahmadis told the police that they already confine their activities to the walls of their homes and do not conduct them outside their homes but yet the Maulawis are bent on mischief.

It is related that a lady preached Islam secretly. The non-believers tied her to a camel and traveled for three days. They did not give her anything to eat or drink. They secured the camel in sun and went in shade. She saw water and reached it and drank it and sprayed some on her body to alleviate the effects of intense heat. When the non-believers returned, they saw her in better condition and noticed the signs of water splashes. They thought that she had freed herself and had drank from their water. She denied their allegations and told her story. They checked their water and found that it was the same amount as before. They said that such a faith is true and accepted Islam.

Hadrat Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) was laid with naked back on hot surface and weight was put on him to hold him down while he continued saying, the One, the One. Hadrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) secured his freedom in exchange for another slave.

During the time of the Khilafat of Hadrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), Hadrat Khabbab (may Allah be pleased with him) told him that there were people to save Bilal but there was no one to save him from the torments of the non-believers. Once he was thrown in burning fire and was pushed down onto it. He showed Hadrat Umar the marks resulting from the torture. His owner used to put burning iron rod over his head. She was afflicted with some disease and was advised to have her head touched with burning iron rod. She had to ask Hadrat Khabbab to carry out this treatment. This way Hadrat Khabbab saw the reward of his patience himself.

The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) has so said: Our Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) never raised sword himself. He bore torment with perseverance, and so did his companions. The companions were trampled under feet. Their children were cut into pieces. They were tortured. Despite their bravery, their strength and their power, they did not rise against attacks and were patient for thirteen years. Their patient was not due to helplessness but rather they had laid down their arms in compliance with heavenly instructions. We do not find such morals in any other nations. This example is without parallel. They did not undertake defense until they were directed after their migration to Mecca.

May Allah allow us to continue to show patience and steadfastness, and may He create circumstances for the seizure of the enemy, and may we continue to inherit the blessings of Allah. Amin.