Who are praised as 'people of patience' in the Quran?

In the rich and profound teachings of the Holy Quran, the attribute of 'sabr' (patience, perseverance, steadfastness) is considered one of the most fundamental and valuable ethical and spiritual virtues. The Quran repeatedly praises patient servants in various ways and promises immense rewards for them. However, the Quran does not use the term 'Ahl al-Sabr' (people of patience) to refer to a specific, named group; rather, 'Ahl al-Sabr' is a description of believers who demonstrate this lofty quality in various aspects of their lives and prove it through their actions. These are individuals who show steadfastness and resilience in the face of adversities, difficulties, satanic temptations, and on the path of servitude and obedience to God. In essence, any believer who attains a degree of true patience qualifies for the Quranic praises of the patient and can be considered among the 'Ahl al-Sabr'. The Holy Quran presents various types of patience, each serving as a test for human faith, and those who pass these tests successfully are the true 'Ahl al-Sabr'. The first and perhaps most significant type of patience is 'patience in the face of affliction and calamity.' Worldly life is a field of examination and trial, and God tests human beings with hardships, illnesses, loss of loved ones, poverty, fear, and scarcity, as stated in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 155: '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 the patient.' The people of patience in these trials are those who not only avoid impatience and disbelief but also, with submission and contentment with divine decree, remember that 'Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return.' This type of patience is a sign of deep reliance and faith in the Lord, knowing that all matters are in His hands and that every occurrence holds wisdom. This profound understanding allows them to embrace difficulties not as arbitrary misfortunes but as opportunities for spiritual growth and drawing closer to the Divine. They recognize that their transient existence is part of a larger divine plan, fostering a sense of inner peace even amidst chaos. The second type of patience is 'patience in obedience and servitude to God.' Performing divine obligations, such as the five daily prayers, fasting, Hajj, and Zakat, as well as abstaining from prohibitions and sins, requires patience and inner struggle. The human self constantly inclines towards comfort and fleeting worldly pleasures, and performing acts of worship can be accompanied by difficulties. The people of patience are those who show perseverance on this path, and despite fatigue, temptation, or hardship, they remain committed to their covenant with God. The Quran states in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 45: 'And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].' This verse indicates that perseverance in prayer and other acts of worship is itself a great form of patience that only truly humble servants are capable of. These are the individuals who steadfastly adhere to the path of servitude in the face of internal and external pressures, demonstrating unwavering dedication to their faith. The third type of patience is 'patience in refraining from disobedience.' The human soul constantly tends towards sin and transgression, and satanic temptations and worldly attractions pull individuals towards wrongdoing. The people of patience are those who, despite these inclinations and temptations, strengthen their will and refrain from committing sins. This type of patience signifies self-restraint and piety, where an individual, with strong resolve, controls their ego and avoids what God has forbidden. This type of patience is an internal struggle, the reward of which is the preservation of spiritual purity and closeness to God. It reflects a profound understanding of divine boundaries and a commitment to upholding moral and ethical standards, even when faced with powerful desires or external pressures. Furthermore, in the Holy Quran, the people of patience are pioneers in the battlefield of jihad and defending the truth. In Surah Al-Anfal, verse 46, we read: 'And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute, lest you lose courage and your strength depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.' This verse shows that patience in battle and in the face of the enemy is a vital factor for victory. Prophets of God are also among the most prominent examples of the people of patience in the Quran. Prophets like Job (Ayub) in the face of illness and loss of wealth and children, Jacob (Yaqub) in the separation from Joseph (Yusuf), Joseph (Yusuf) in prison and separation from family, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the face of persecution by idolaters and years of effort to guide people, are clear examples of patience in all its dimensions. The Quran praises these resolute prophets for their patience and steadfastness and presents them as role models for all humanity. The characteristics of the people of patience in the Quran go beyond merely enduring difficulties. They do not become anxious during hardships, nor do they harbor ill thoughts about God, nor do they lose hope. Rather, with tranquility and reliance on God, they remember Him and seek His help through prayer and supplication. They are content with divine decree and submit to God's ordinances. A prominent sign of the patient is that they are also grateful during ease and blessings, and they use God's blessings in the right way, for they know that gratitude is also a type of patience in properly utilizing blessings. This holistic approach to patience implies a constant state of mindfulness and appreciation, recognizing that all conditions, whether easy or difficult, originate from God and serve a divine purpose. Moreover, the Quran promises great rewards for the people of patience: including God's companionship: 'Indeed, Allah is with the patient,' divine forgiveness and mercy, immense and immeasurable reward: 'Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account' (Surah Az-Zumar 10), guidance and good tidings: 'Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided' (Surah Al-Baqarah 157), and ultimately, eternal Paradise. These rewards signify the exalted status of patience in the sight of God and the importance of this attribute on the path of spiritual development and attaining eternal bliss. Therefore, any believer who cultivates these characteristics and demonstrates steadfastness and resilience throughout their life in the face of various trials, in performing acts of worship, and in abstaining from sins, is counted among the 'Ahl al-Sabr' and will be included in God's promises. This praise belongs not to a specific group but to every believing individual who, through patience and perseverance, draws closer to divine light and remains steadfast on the path of truth. The people of patience are those who, in every circumstance, maintain their connection with the Creator of existence and, in the twists and turns of life, never despair of His mercy and help. Instead, by relying on the eternal power of God, they view every problem as an opportunity for growth and greater proximity to God.