Patience: The indispensable virtue

By Mukhtar Oyetunji

If there was ever a poll for the most bandied advise, the expression;’ be patient’ or ‘have patience’ would be much high up the list. Indeed, it is most natural that one enjoins patience, forbearance and endurance especially for those going through trying times.

Allah(SWT) himself entreats that we enjoin patience as he commands in Surah Aal-e-Imran, Q3 Verse 200: O you who believe! be patient and excel in patience and remain steadfast, and be careful of (your duty to) Allah, that you may be successful.

The essence of patience as highlighted by the verse is to achieve or attain success and success and is generally known is relative.

It is therefore common knowledge that patience is a virtue needed to see through life and ultimately achieve success in any endeavour. However, there are some big questions begging for answers in line with the Virtue of Patience, some of these are; Do people have a thorough understanding of what patience is? Do people actually exhibit patience as it ought to exhibit? Is there a limit to patience? Is it a necessity in all circumstances and situations? These are just a little of the plethora of questions abound.

In true sense, the understanding of Patience varies from individuals because the diversity of thoughts, cultures, ideas and ideals make for different interpretations. Infact, it’s simply the reason why we are humans because we all cannot think and act the same way.

Humans have varying thresholds and tend to react in the most unpredictable of ways towards virtually every situation. It is this factor that Allah established in Surah Al-Baqara, Q2 Verse 45:

And seek assistance through patience and prayer, and most surely it is a hard thing except for the humble ones.

It is no gainsaying that patience is a very difficult virtue to maintain especially in the face of trials and tribulations. It is an action that is easier said than done especially when one is pushed to the limits.

There’s surely a reason why it is a precious gift of character given to and best displayed by the prophets. They, the Prophets were often tested to the limit beyond possible comprehension.

Or how do we explain the case of a Nuh (AS) who continued to call towards the part of righteousness for a whopping 950 years, yet having only a handful of people answering his call within such lengthy period of time? Not to mention the fact that his wife and child failed to believe in him despite his proven message.

Also, the case of Ayyuub(AS) who was afflicted which such a disease and pain that he was left to die having lost all of his properties, wealth and children.

Likewise, the case of Prophet Ibrahim(AS) who suffered huge trials with both his family of orientation and procreation.
In the same vein is Prophet Zakariyyah (AS) who attained extreme old age while being unable to give birth to a child until Allah gave him Yahya (AS).

Not least are the stories of Prophet Musa (AS), Isa )AS) down to our beloved Muhammad (SAW) who against all odds became the best example to follow in character and attitude.

Allah eulogises the virtue of Patience in the prophets in many verses of the Qur’an stating the need for us to emulate them.

Allah says in Suratul Ahqaf Q46 verse 35;
…and bear up patiently as with the apostles endowed with constancy bore up patiently.

Having known this then, it behoves on us as Muslims to display the Virtue of Patience in every aspect of our lives. We must know that Allah is ever with the patient servant and will never leave our supplications unanswered too.

A Muslim must always be optimistic and hopeful no matter how badly the odds are against one.

The feeling of hopelessness and loss is not one that we Muslims must allow into our thought process. The feeling of renewed hope and expectation of Allah’s mercy must take centre stage at all times.

Now, etiquettes of patience must be employed, some of which include ;
1. Being patient at the first time of affliction in accordance with the Hadith of the Prophet which says: ‘Indeed patience is at the first point of affliction’. This implies that one doesn’t grove or lament at the point of affliction, then claim to be patient much later just like a woman whom the Prophet(SAW) reprimanded for grieving heavily initially only to claim patience much later.

2. Knowing that good and bad come only from Allah and that only he has the power to do and undo. This must also go hand in hand with the knowledge that with hardship comes ease as Allah (SWT) informs in Quran 94 vs 5

3. Desistance from complaining to people about one’s travails and conditions. The example of Prophet Yaaqubc(AS) should be followed where having seemingly lost his most beloved son Yusuf and was on the verge of losing the other, said according to Surah Yusuf Q12 verse 86
…I only complain of my sorrow and sadness to Allah…

4. To remain steadfast and prayerful towards only Allah (SWT) knowing that only he can cause affliction and also take it away.

Allah says in Surah Az Zumar Q39 vs 38
…if Allah desires to afflict me with harm, can they be the remover of the harm, or if he desires to show me mercy, can they be the withholder of such mercy? Say Allah is sufficient for me, on his do the repaint rely on.
We must know in the end that Allah(SWT) surely loves the patient and promises great reward for those who are patient in the world and the Hereafter.