The Virtue of Patience
Virtue means behaviour or attitude that shows high moral standards. Whereas, in the Islamic concept of morality, the deeds which are appreciated by Allah and His Rasool (PBUH)are called virtues. Justice, Honesty, Kindness, Forgiveness, Charity, Truthfulness, Modesty, Humility, and Patience are a few of the virtues which are appreciated in Islam. The virtue of patience is among those that are relatively more valued and rewarded by Allah Almighty. The Holy Quran is the ultimate guide for Muslims to know the likes, dislikes, preferences, and constraints of the Lord. The importance of the virtue of patience can be gauged by the fact that Allah mentions its attributes approximately 90 times in the Holy Quran.
Patience, according to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, means:
“The ability to stay calm and accept the delay, or something annoying, without complaining”
It means to tolerate unfavourable circumstances or behaviours without complaining. It is the name of perseverance and endurance in difficult situations. Allah has guided His creation to remain patient during difficult times and to ask for His help. He says in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.”
Indeed, Allah shows His support and companionship for those who remain steadfast and patient during their times of suffering and trials.
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Types of Patience
Patience (Sabr), in Islam, does not only mean to bear something that is annoying to you. Its meaning is much broader in its true sense. Patience can be classified into three types. First, patience is the endurance that is required to fulfill the commands of Allah.
1. To Fulfill the Commands of Allah:
Praying His worship (like obligatory prayer daily, fasts in the month of Ramadan, Zakat, etc.) requires a lot of self-discipline and patience from the Muslims. For example, the Muslims have to endure cold water to perform Salah in the winter. They show great patience and self-control they especially during the summer Ramadan.
2. To Abstain from Sin:
The second type of patience is to control your evil desires and abstain from sin. A person displays patience when he does not gaze at the opposite sex or when he performs his tough duty honestly, in the absence of his superiors. Abstaining from gambling, alcoholism, theft, and back-biting are some of the examples of this type of patience.
3. During Calamities and Loss:
The third kind of patience is to control yourself at times of calamity or big losses. The problems can be in the form of some physical illness, a worldwide pandemic, business, or social losses. The calamity can be in the form of the death of your dear ones. It can be the disloyalty of your beloved
A Lesson by the Beloved Prophet (PBUH)
This virtue is important to be embraced because our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has taught us the lesson of patience and tolerance throughout his whole life. He (PBUH) displayed forbearanc
“Whoever remains patient, Allah will make him patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari – Book 24 Hadith 548)
On many occasions, He (PBUH) has encouraged his companions to be patient. For example: Samurah ibn Jundub narrates: The Prophet (peace be upon him) named our cavalry “the Cavalry of Allah,” when we were struck with panic, and when panic overtook us, the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) commanded us to be united, to have patience and perseverance; and to be so when we fought.
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Importance of Patience
Life is not a bed of roses. You are bound to face losses, hardships, or calamities in your life. But the question is, how to cope with these bad times? There are only two possible reactions. One way is to get panicked and complain about God (or the other people) for what has happened to you. The other way is to seek the Lord’s help by being patient. Meanwhile, strive hard to get out of the situation. Patience is always the call of wisdom. It helps you to find a better solution. Furthermore, it will lead you closer to your Lord. Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Baqarah:
“And seek assistance through patience and prayer…” [Al-Baqarah 2:45].
Allah Almighty also announces his help and companionship for those who remain steadfast and show patience at the times of trials. He says:
“Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” [Al-Baqarah 2:153]
What is the need of worry when the Creator and the Supreme is with you? Yes, you need no more worries. It may take a big heart sometimes. But a better understanding of the Holy Quran and Seerah (life study of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH) will give you the required strength and courage.
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The Reward of Patience
It saves you from more disasters. It helps you to get out of stress and anxiety. If you do not get its reward in this world, you are sure to get it in the world hereafter. Another reward that you get by showing patience is the “love of the Creator”. Allah Almighty says in Surah Al-Imraan:
“And Allaah loves As-Saabiroon (the patient).” (3:146)
The blessing of Allah’s love can lead you to the success of both worlds. Rewards and trials go side by side. Patience is the best approach at times of trial. On another occasion, Allah promises:
“Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning.” (39:10)
Your virtue of patience in this mortal world can earn you eternal peace and success. Instead of being disappointed and complaining to Allah, remember the Quranic verse:
“Indeed, with hardship [will be] ease.” (94: 6)
Pass the times of hardship with patience and hope for the good times. This one virtue can be enough to get Allah to your side. He is always with you.
“So be patient with good patience.” (Surat Al-Ma`ārij (70:5)]
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of patience in Islam?
Islam defines patience (Sabr) as persevering through adversity, restraint in one’s desires, and unwavering obedience to Allah. It entails enduring in worship, abstaining from sin, and maintaining composure in the face of difficulty. One important Islamic virtue that is commended in the Quran and Hadith is patience.
2. How many times is patience mentioned in the Quran?
The Holy Quran emphasises the value of patience in a Muslim’s life by mentioning it about 90 times. It is a highly prized Islamic virtue since it is associated with Allah’s assistance, reward, and mercy.
3. What are the types of patience in Islam?
Islam divides patience into three categories:
- Patience in following Allah’s commands (such as fasting and prayer)
- Patience in avoiding sins (avoidance of temptations)
- Patience in the face of adversity (disease, death, or trials)
These kinds of support a believer in maintaining their moral integrity and spiritual strength.
4. How did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) show patience?
In the face of persecution, personal loss (such as the passing of his sons), and conflict, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a model of patience. He was a model of Sabr (Islamic patience) because he never grumbled during his hardships and counselled his friends to remain unified, patient, and persistent.
5. What does the Quran say about patience?
Believers are frequently urged by the Quran to seek assistance by exercising “patience and prayer” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:45). It guarantees that the patient will receive an unquantifiable reward (39:10) and that “Allah is with the patient” (2:153). Allah’s love and prosperity are closely related to patience.
6. Why is patience important in a Muslim’s life?
Muslims who possess patience are better able to avoid immoral behaviour, deal with life’s obstacles with grace, deepen their faith, and become closer to Allah. Additionally, it offers resilience in times of disaster, personal serenity, and spiritual reward.
7. What is the reward of patience in Islam?
The Quran affirms that Allah loves those who are patient (3:146) and promises the patient an endless reward (39:10). Patience pays off in this life as well as the next, even if one does not see results right away.
8. How can Muslims develop patience in daily life?
Through maintaining a regular worship schedule, abstaining from immoral behaviour, managing one’s temper, and considering the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Patience is developed via regular prayer, reciting the Quran, and putting one’s faith in Allah in trying times.
9. What is the impact of patience on mental health in Islam?
Patience builds mental toughness, inner peace, and a reduction in stress and anxiety. It is crucial for Muslims’ emotional and spiritual well-being because it teaches them to have faith in Allah’s plan in trying times.
10. Which Islamic verse gives hope to the patient?
“Yes, there will be ease along with hardship.” — Surah Ash-Sharh (94:6)
This verse reinforces the virtue of patience by assuring believers that hardships are transitory and that relief comes after trials.