The Way and Direction of Help in the Quran
“Seek Help Through Patience and Prayer”: The Path and Direction of Help in the Quran
In the Quran, a person's asking for help from Allah is not merely an expression of need at a given moment; it is also defined as a state of consciousness, a moral stance, and an existential position. How and by what means help should be sought is particularly clarified by the following verse:
"And seek help through patience and prayer; and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]." (Bakara 2:45)
This verse links the Quran's understanding of help to two fundamental concepts: patience (sabır) and prayer (salat). When both concepts are understood beyond their ordinary meanings, it becomes clear that this verse offers not just consolation but a recipe for salvation.
1. SABR (صبر): Resilience, Continuity, and Conscious Waiting
1.1. What is Sabr?
The word "sabr," derived from the Arabic root ṣ-b-r (ص-ب-ر), means to hold fast, resist, restrain oneself, and persevere in a process. In the Quran, sabr is:
Not submission in a difficult situation, but insistence on truth.
Not passive waiting, but active resistance.
Not hiding from fear, but walking despite fear.
"O you who have believed, persevere patiently, compete in patience, and be stationed [at your posts], and fear Allah that you may succeed." (Al-i Imran 3:200)
1.2. Why is Sabr a Key to Help?
Sabr is a form of agreement with time. Those who can bear to wait for Allah's promise become recipients of that promise.
2. SALÂT (الصلاة): Support, Connection, and Orientation
2.1. What Does Salât Mean?
While "salât" is classically translated directly as "prayer" (namaz), its root context in the Quran is broader. Derived from the Arabic root ṣ-l-w (ص ل و), this word means:
To bend, turn towards, support.
It has layers of meaning such as supplication, support, attention, and orientation.
For example:
"Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings (salât) upon the Prophet..." (Ahzab 33:56)
Here, the word "salât" cannot mean ritual prayer. It means support, exaltation.
In the Quran, salât is a set of actions:
Content: Supplication, prayer, orientation, call for help.
Stance: Humility (tazarrū), reverence (khushūʿ), standing (qiyām).
Purpose: To connect with Allah, to seek support.
2.2. Why is Salât a Means of Help?
Because salât:
Connects the servant directly to Allah (Bakara 2:186).
First prepares the help spiritually.
Draws the servant to the center, guiding them in darkness.
3. Sabr + Salât = The Door to Help
"And seek help through patience and prayer; and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah]." (Bakara 2:45)
This verse defines seeking help in terms of its:
Method: Patience and salât.
Condition: Khushūʿ (deep humility of heart).
Reality: Deserving help through "internal preparation."
3.1. Help is Demanded Through Action
Help is sought not only with words but with attitude, action, and perseverance. Sabr ensures one stays on the path until help arrives. Salât illuminates this path.
3.2. Khushūʿ: The Dawn of Help in the Heart
The phrase in the verse, "wa innahā lakabīratun illā ‘ala’l-khāshi‘īn" (and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive), indicates that help is contingent upon a spiritual state. Help requires:
A spiritual preparation,
Deep reverence,
Sincere humility.
4. Sabr and Salât with Examples in the Quran
CONCLUSION: Sabr and Salât, the Spiritual Pair for Deserving Help
In the Quran, help:
Comes to those who look at the path, not at the sky.
Approaches not those who ask "When?", but those who say "I am here!"
One who seeks help through sabr and salât is a person who entrusts time to divine decree and fixes their direction towards Allah.
These two principles are not just a form of seeking help but a pedagogy of servitude. The Quran advises the one seeking help to first transform themselves, then to call for help.
And remember:
"If you support Allah, He will support you and make your feet firm." (Muhammad 47:7)
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