All the teachings of the Quran can be concisely stated in two words: worship and patience. Worship is a comprehensive word. Everything that God has given as guidance to humans is part of worship. The Quran says: وَمَا خَلَقْتُ الْجِنَّ وَالْإِنْسَ إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُونِ (51.56) I created the jinn and mankind only so that they might worship Me. This is the purpose of life, and so all other teachings revolve around this purpose. Everything that the Quran contains should be read in the light of the basic commandment to worship God. The other aspect is patience. The importance of patience is that without this quality, a person cannot perform worship. He cannot fulfil the demands of worship.

Why? This world has been created as a testing ground. There are all kinds of elements here: there are innumerable factors all around to deviate a person from the straight path. There are always many options available. If there are not so many options, then how will a person be put to the test? Since the world is a testing ground, it is but natural that a person have several options before him. This is where patience is essential. On the one hand, a person's desires pull him and on the other hand, his principles influence him. Following your principles may seem to put you in loss, while fulfilling your desires seems profitable. It is patience that puts a stop to going after your desires. This is why, the Quran mentions patience again and again.