Say: “My servants who believe, fear your Lord. Those who do good works in this life shall receive a good reward. God’s earth is vast. Those that endure with fortitude shall be requited without measure” (39:10).
It may seem extraordinary that God should give an unlimited reward for any action. But it is only one action—that is, patience, that is so singled out.
The root of sabr (that is, patience) means “to refrain from privation”. There are two kinds of actions: in one, certain limits are observed; in the other, no such restraint is shown. For instance, if someone is good to you, he receives good treatment from you in return. People of quite ordinary character behave in this way without feeling it necessary to exercise any patience or forbearance. Even the adherents of a religion which does not demand any personal sacrifice are unconscious of the need to practice restraint.
However, one inclined to embark on the second kind of action is required to adhere strictly to religious guidelines which enjoin restraint, and he must do so whether the circumstances be favourable or unfavourable to him. This is the path of patience.
That is, even when someone is unkind to you, you are good to him. Even if he adopts a provocative stance, you remain moderate in your behaviour. Even if observance of the truth will be detrimental to your interests, you continue to adhere to the path of truth and justice. Even if the adoption of an unprincipled stand appears advantageous, you continue to be a man of principle. It is the practitioners of that aspect of religion which demands patience who will be “requited without measure”.