A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.
Patience of choice and patience of necessity.
Patience of choice is that which is exercised despite the presence of many distractions from it.
Yet, a person chooses it and prioritizes it over its opposite.
This includes patience in performing acts of obedience and patience in refraining from sins.
An example of this in acts of obedience is:
Fasting.
Wherein a person restrains themselves from food and drink by their own choice.
In compliance with the religious obligation and in desire for its reward.
This is why the month of Ramadan is called the month of patience.
An example of this regarding sins is:
The patience of Yusuf, peace be upon him, in refraining from committing indecency with the wife of al-'Aziz.
Despite the many urges toward it.
As for the patience of necessity:
It is the patience regarding the decrees that befall a person without their choosing.
One has no recourse but to be patient with them.
An example of this is:
The patience of Yusuf, peace be upon him, regarding his ordeal with the harm his brothers caused him.
And his time in prison.
Patience of choice is greater in reward than the patience of necessity.
Because it is patience exercised despite the presence of distractions from it.
Yet in both, there is goodness and a great reward.
A summary of the concepts held by the Ahl al-Sunnah.