Patience - An Indispensable Virtue
An Indispensable Virtue
Over the past several decades both philosophers and theologians have participated in a revival of interest in what is generally called "virtue ethics" - an ethics that focuses not so much upon what we ought to do, but more upon character, upon the sort of persons we ought to be, writes Sadullah Khan
Virtue Ethics
Virtue ethics has been at the core of Islamic teachings from the outset. Besides informing us that every action has an ethical value, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also said: "Surely in the virtue of good character lies the completion of faith of the Believer." Sincerity, honesty, gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, patience?¢‚Ǩ¬¶ are certainly among the most essential components of virtue ethics.
Dimensions of Sabr
In the Qur'an and in the statements and example of the Prophets (peace be upon all of them) sabr denotes patient perseverance, strength of will, constancy, enduring trials and tribulations, forbearance, preparedness to sacrifice, being steadfast amid hostilities, determination in the face of opposition and courage in the face of oppression.
Patience implies the self-possession of one's own spirit under suffering, provocation, and strenuous challenges. The ability to exercise patience refines character and results in better than anything impatience could offer. Allah says that whosoever exercises patience and forgiveness is engaging in the highest of commandments (Qur'an 42:23).
Loss of Patience
Among the major concerns of contemporary ethicists has been "the loss of patience" in our time. The well-known humorous prayer "O Lord! Grant me patience ... but please hurry", is the antithesis of the request in the prayer. Why is it that what was once an important virtue has dropped from sight, seen either as an anachronism, as outdated or as primarily a notion devised by oppressors to contain the restlessness and discontent of the oppressed?
In an instantaneous world; a world of microwave dinners, instant coffee, live global television and worldwide Internet; we have become accustomed to immediacy and quick results. We have come to regard waiting as accidental in life rather than occupying a place at the core and center of human life. In the world of "want", the operative word becomes "now" and we, unwisely, do not believe that there should really be any waiting at all. St. Augustine rightly said, "Patience is the companion of wisdom."
Patience is integral to Faith
Patience is an obligatory virtue and is intimately tied to the practice of our faith. Allah commands: "O you who believe! Be patient, mutually manifest patience and strengthen yourselves by your mutual bond" (Qur'an 3:200). The Prophet is reported to have said that patience is half of faith.
Our existence is not simply our own, because our very lives are greatly shaped by the words and deeds of others; and as social beings so much of our actions are responsive. Patience is thus absolutely essential. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) advised that a believer who interacts with people and patiently endures the trials and tribulations of social life is better than one who abstains from social life in which he does not have to exercise such patience.
Be shaakir and saabir
As one journeys through life we find ourselves in basically one of two situations; moments of ease for which we ought to be shaakir (thankful), and moments of trials and tribulations through which we ought to patiently persevere (saabir). Prophet Muhammad [pbuh] said: "How wonderful is the case of a Believer; If something good happens, he expresses gratitude; that is good for him. If adversity befalls him, he is patient and that too is good for him." We have to integrate the virtue of patience into our daily lives. It is unfortunate that for many of us patience is often a quality more admired than desired. The philosopher, Jean Jacques Rousseau, reminded us that though patience may seem bitter, it's fruits are sweet. Allah promises glad tidings to those who patiently persevere, while Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) elaborated on that glad tiding by saying patience is the key to Paradise.
Keys to Patience
We need to understand and acknowledge the fact that life, wealth, health, youth, friends, dear ones are all temporary, that from Allah we come and unto Allah is our return, that living in this world is a short phase in our existence and there is an eternity that follows. Our status in the existence beyond this life depends, by the mercy of Allah, on the good we do in this life.
Patience and Action
Patience is not "mere resignation to fate", for that is debilitating and cowardly; but rather perseverance in pursuance of what is best and being able to bear the trials and tribulations in the process. The author, Hal Borland stated, "Knowing trees, I understand the meaning of patience. Knowing grass, I can appreciate persistence." The acorn takes centuries to grow into a full-length oak tree and grass is trampled upon yet continues to grow. Hopeful patience and active perseverance. It is in this vein that Moulana Jalaluddin Rumi said: " O Allah! Let us not be of those content to wait and see what will happen, but grant us the determination to make the right things happen."
Call to mind the Prophetic examples
Prophets are models of excellence chosen by Allah to guide humanity, yet all endured tremendous trials and tribulations and they were most patient and persevering (Qur'an 14:12). Reflect on the lives of these Prophets ...
- Prophet Ibrahim/Abraham was thrown into the fire, was tested with the sacrifice of his son, had to deal with hostility in his household
- Prophet Ya'qub/Jacob suffered separation from ProphetYusuf /Joseph
- Prophet Ayyub/Job suffered severe illness
- Prophet Musa/Moses had to deal with the oppressive authority of the Pharoah/Fir'aun and had to contend with the Pharoah's army
- Prophet 'Isa/Jesus had to confront his people who forgot the spirit of the Law; they challenged his mission, rejected him and wanted to have him crucified. Even then he prayed: "O Allah! Forgive my people, for they know not what they do"
- Prophet Muhammad lost his father before birth, was orphaned at age six; was rejected by his people when he conveyed the message, despite them knowing him as as-Saadiq (the truthful) and al-Ameen (the trustworthy). His followers were persecuted and some found refuge in Africa, he had to migrate from Makkah to Madinah, suffered assassination attempts on his life, his followers were killed and his uncle's body was mutilated, he went days without eating, and all his children (except Fatimah) died in his lifetime. He often repeated the same prayer of Nabi 'Isa/Jesus in times of tribulation. Once while being insulted by someone in public he was emotionally overcome yet was overheard saying: "May Allah have mercy on my brother Prophet Moses, he suffered more than this and yet he was patient."
[May Allah's peace and blessings be upon each and every one of the Prophets.]
Patience, Time and Timing
In chapter 103 of the Qur'an, titled Wal 'Asr (Time), a direct connection is made between 'asr (time)
and sabr (patience). In fact, the chapter begins with 'asr and ends with sabr. Writer Stacey
Charter reminds us: "Life is all about timing ... the unreachable becomes reachable, the unavailable becomes
available. Have patience, wait it out. It's all about timing." An ancient Arab poem reads ...
Patience is the key to all hopes and aspirations and through patience all goodness becomes possible;
So remain patient even if the dark hours are long, sometimes even the unusual becomes possible.
Jean De La Bruyere said: "there is no road too long for the person who advances deliberately and without undue
haste; there are no honors too distant for the person who prepares for them with patience."
A traditional African saying advises, a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Be patient, do not get discouraged; it is often the last key that opens the lock. This is well exemplified in the attitude of inventor Thomas Edison. It took him two thousand attempts before he succeeded in inventing the light bulb. When a reporter who asked him how it felt to fail 1999 times before successfully inventing the light bulb, Edison replied, "I never failed once. This invention just happened to be a 2000-step process."
Much can indeed be achieved by patience, just as much can be lost by impatience. We would do well to heed the advice in this ancient Chinese proverb, "if you are patient in one moment of anger, you will avoid a hundred days of sorrow; for one moment of patience may ward off great disaster, while one moment of impatience may ruin a whole life."
Patience and the Self
Saint Francis De Sales preached: "Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself. Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them and every day, begin the task anew." We need to apply discipline to our thoughts when we become anxious over the outcome of a goal. Impatience breeds anxiety, fear, discouragement and failure. Patience creates confidence, decisiveness and a rational outlook, which eventually leads to success.
Patience as a mark of good character
"Patience is the greatest of all virtues", said Cicero, the ancient Roman orator. Patience is indeed
a trademark of good people and part of true Muslim character. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)} said, "Whosoever is patient,
Allah will enhance such patience; and no one is granted a gift greater and more comprehensive than patience."