Patience and forbearance

A person once swore at Imam Zain Al-Abideen (R.A) and made slanderous remarks to him. In response, Imam Zain al-Abideen (R.A) said to him: 'If the attributes (you accuse me of) are found in me, then I repent to Allah (S.W.T) and ask for forgiveness. If the attributes are not found in me, then on your behalf, I ask Allah (S.W.T) for forgiveness and repentance.' The person saw his patience and was overwhelmed by it. He stood up, kissed Imam Zain Al-Abideen (R.A) on the forehead and said:

'May my soul be sacrificed for you! Whatever I accused you of was wrong. I seek forgiveness from you and I request you to pray to Allah (S.W.T) for the acceptance of my repentance.' Imam Zain Al-Abideen (R.A) agreed to pray to Allah (S.W.T) on his behalf.

Moral:

These days patience and tolerance is a rare commodity. If someone merely mentions a single word against us, we begin to argue. From matters of trivial
importance, disputes of grand proportions emerge, which then take on the form of hatred and deep animosity. If instead, we adopt the role model of Imam Zain
Al-Abideen (R.A), then the matter does not develop any further; the person
speaking against us will automatically feel ashamed. Subsequently, Allah (S.W.T)
will reward us immensely and our dignity will develop.

The state of those who do not perform Prayer

On the Night of Ascension, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) was shown a group of people who were being severely punished. They were being struck on the head with stones. When their heads became broken to pieces, then it would be returned to its original form and the punishment would be repeated.

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) asked Hazrat Jibrael (A.S) why they were being punished in such a manner. Hazrat Jibrael (A.S) replied that in the previous life, these people never performed Prayer, and at the prescribed time of Prayer, their heads would feel heavy and burdened.

Moral:

This report is a clear indication of the severe torment reserved for those who are neglectful in their Prayers. A small object being struck on the head causes
severe pain, so a large stone being struck continuously will naturally cause immense pain and anguish. No one will be able to tolerate such punishment.

Therefore, we should take measures now to prevent such a horrendous punishment; we should take great care in our Prayers, perform them punctually and correctly.