In short...

In short, the verses indicate that the great trial is near at hand - it mentions martyrdom in the way of Allah, and praises it laudably, saying that it is not a death, it is life - and what a life indeed! Accordingly death in the way of Allah is a distinction which is desirable - not a thing to dislike or fear. The verses encourage the believers to fight for Islam. They are told that there is coming to them a trial, a hardship.

Only if they bear it patiently, they shall reach the high ranks of spiri­tual perfection, receiving the blessings and mercy of Allah, and being guided aright by Divine Guidance. Also, it tells them how they may get help in bearing those burdens - they should seek assistance through patience and prayer. Patience will protect them from fear and anguish, and will save their plans from dis­ruption.

As for prayer, it will turn their attention to their Lord, and will help them in putting all their affairs in the hands of the Almighty Allah, because all power belongs to Him. Commentary Qur’an: O you who believe! seek assistance through patience and prayer; surely Allah is with the patient ones: We have ex­plained briefly about patience and prayer, under the verse: And seek assistance through patience and prayer; and most surely it is a hard thing except for the humble ones (2:45) .

Patience is one of the most important characteristics, which the Qur'an praises very highly. It repeatedly tells the believers to be patient - there are about seventy verses on this theme. It praises it in such laud-able ways as: ...

and bear patiently that which befalls you; surely it is of the acts which require determination (31:17); And none are made to receive it but those who are patient, and none are made to receive it but those who have a mighty good fortune (41: 35) ; only the patient will be paid back their reward in full without measure (39:10). Likewise, prayer is one of the greatest acts of worship and devotion which the Qur'an always exhorts the believers to do.

It has been praised in these words: surely prayer keeps (one) away from indecency and evil (29:45) . Wherever Allah exhorts the people to some good deeds, prayer is always placed at the head of the list. Then Allah praises patience that Allah is with those who have got this virtue: In this respect this verse differs from the verse 2:45 which had focused attention on prayer; and most surely it is a hard thing except for the humble ones.