In the previous verse, the argument led to teachings of BOOK, and WISDOM, and sanctifying the souls; now it proceeds to perseverance and constancy, without which the said meanings and purposes cannot be manifested and reached: ``O, you who believe! Seek you help in patience and prayer. Surely Allah is with the patient.''

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(The ARABIC SABR that I have translated PATIENCE is a comprehensive word that implies many shades of meanings, such as, perseverance- constancy- stead fastness - firmness of purpose and etm. it slso implees, self - RSTRAINT such as restraining the self,'s fear, anger, passion and desirre. The high and valuable reward for SABR which is promised here in thes verse is that: God is with thr patient, and elsewhere in the holy Quran, we read that God loves the patient, and what a really nice reward!

TRANSLATOR'S NOTE

;With the help of these two powerful means, i.e. the PATIENCE and PRAYER, one may go bravely to challenge with difficulties and hardships of life, having the consolation of thinking that God is with the patient, and that God loves the patient, in other word, this means that, though patience is bitter it bears sweet fruit.

Contrary to what some may take it to mean; patience is not undergoing the oppressions, or accepting the reign of misfortune over our fate, or yielding to adversity, contempts and humility - No - never so! It rather is steadfastness in resistance, when bad happens.

Another shade of the argument which is signified by the verse, is another important support besides perseverance and patience; and that is relying on God through the PRAYER. So is that, we read in a tradition: ``When HAZRAT ALI (AS), encountered a difficulty; he first attended to prayer, and then bravely chased the difficulty, meanwhile rehearsing the verse: ``Seek you help through patience and prayer.''

Therefore the above verse enjoins two factors, which are: relying on God through prayer, and relying on yourself through constancy and perseverance.