وَلِرَبِّكَ فَٱصْبِرْ 7
Translations
But for your Lord be patient.
Transliteration
Wa li-rabbika fa-sbir
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to be patient for the sake of Allah, his Lord. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari emphasize that this patience is not merely passive endurance, but active perseverance in conveying the message of Islam despite the mockery, rejection, and persecution faced from the Quraysh. The phrase 'for your Lord' highlights that all efforts and patience should be directed solely toward pleasing Allah, making patience a fundamental pillar of faith and da'wah (Islamic invitation).
Revelation Context
Surah Al-Muddaththir was revealed early in Mecca during a period of intense opposition to the Prophet's mission. This ayah appears in the context of reassuring the Prophet to persist in his message despite fierce resistance from the polytheists of Mecca, emphasizing that his patience should be rooted in his relationship with Allah alone.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet said, 'The greatest thing is the fear of Allah, and the greatest blessing is patience' (Tirmidhi). Additionally, 'No one is given a better and greater gift than patience' (Sahih Bukhari 5059), highlighting the virtue emphasized in this ayah.
Themes
Key Lesson
For modern believers, this ayah teaches that true patience is not resignation but deliberate perseverance in doing what is right for Allah's sake, regardless of external circumstances or opposition. It reminds us that when our intentions are purely for Allah's pleasure, we gain the spiritual strength to endure difficulties and remain steadfast in our faith and values.