Recently I was re-watching the movie “The Message” about Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The 13 years of persecution and hardship that the early Muslim converts had to endure before their emigration from Makkah to Madinah were harsh by any standard.
This was a time of great trial for the early Muslims, before they were rewarded with victory later, by God’s will.
This was a clear lesson in sabr (steadfast patience), and these were the first generation of Muslims, who were the best generation in piety and good character. They spent those years improving their character and purifying their hearts.
If it took them 13 years, how long will it take us, so far removed from that generation? Perhaps a lifetime.