By Haroon Balogun

ONE of the virtues which  Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) harped on and indeed shoed exemplary leadership is Patience and Perseverance.  Unfortunately this is found missing in the lives of many Muslims.  Even our leaders who are supposed to show this character are found deficient in patience. That account for some of the ills we have in Islam especially in this part of the world. Allah mentioned the word Sabr – patience in 90 places in different chapters of the Qur’an.  He equates patience with success and at another point with faith. He places huge reward for those who are patient.

But how do we exercise patience and at what point and situation in our lives it becomes necessary?

First, there are three levels that we are required to show patience and perseverance. One,  in carrying out the ordinances of Allah; two, when trouble befalls us; and three, under a circumstance where a Muslim has to persevere to abstain from sins.

Carrying out the ordinances of Allah sometimes might be somewhat difficult, but as servants of Allah who are very submissive to His will, nothing should stand the way of doing what Allah commands us to do. It could be our daily salat, our fasting or other ibadah, no matter the circumstances, they must be carried out with equanimity and gratitude.

We also need to show a lot of patience when trouble befalls us.  Note that the submission to the will of Allah is not limited to a certain condition.  We can only subdue any challenge with prayers.  The Prophet had challenges, including other prophets of Allah. If they were tried and tested, we can also be tried, what is important is the ability to persevere and overcome these trials without loosing  relationship with Allah. Remember on an Eid day when Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) lost his son Qazeem, yet he went for the prayers. Should we also remind ourselves of innumerable circumstances of hunger and poverty he went through with his family; should we recount how he was hounded, persecuted for preaching monotheism?

In a city not far away from Makkah, known as Ta’if, the Prophet  went there to preach Islam to the locals. The Prophet  approached the leaders of Ta’if and called them towards Islam. Not only did the leaders reject the call to Islam but they humiliated him, ordered the youths to inflict severe injury upon him.  They stoned him and chased him out of Ta’if. The Holy Prophet  bled till his footwear was drenched in blood. At that point, Angel Gabriel (a.s) came to the Prophet  and said, “If you wish, then I will give the order for two angels to crush the residents of Ta’if between the two mountains in which it lies.” The Prophet  replied in the negative and said, “I am hopeful that their descendants will accept Islam.”

This was the patience of the Prophet, although he had the power to crush them, he did not, but he persevered.

The Qur’an says: “Be sure We shall test you with something of fear and hunger, some loss in goods, lives, and the fruits of your toil. But give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere. Those who say, when afflicted with calamity, ‘To Allah we belong, and to Him is our return.’ They are those on whom descend blessings from their Lord, and mercy. They are the ones who receive guidance.” (2:155-157)

Again, a lot of sabr is required when in a dilemma over terrible situation that could lead to sin.   For example, when a person is trapped in a situation of committing adultery to get freedom or remain incarcerated.  You remember the story of Yusuf, (Joseph).  As a young man, Yusuf was a well built handsome man, with a radiating look. The king’s wife and a mistress to Yusuf who must be obeyed threw herself at him.  Even under that circumstances, Yusuf, of course refused. He did not only walk away from sin, he ran from it. Allah stood by him, remove all his pains, gave him freedom and of course made him the King. Being patient is a great virtue and comes with a great reward.

“Seek Allah’s help with patient perseverance and prayer. It is indeed hard except for those who are humble.” (2:45)

“Oh you who believe! Seek help with patient perseverance and prayer, for God is with those who patiently persevere.” (2:153)

“Oh you who believe! Persevere in patience and constancy. Vie in such perseverance, strengthen each other, and be pious, that you may prosper.” (3:200)

“And be steadfast in patience, for verily Allah will not suffer the reward of the righteous to perish.” (11:115)

“Be patient, for your patience is with the help of Allah.” (16:127)

“Patiently, then, persevere – for the Promise of Allah is true, and ask forgiveness for your faults, and celebrate the praises of your Lord in the evening and in the morning.” (40:55)

“No one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune.” (41:35)

“Verily man is in loss, except such as have faith, and do righteous deeds, and join together in the mutual enjoining of truth, and of patience and constancy.” (103:2-3)

Patience is the way to find a good life, with all it teaches us. Patience is not the same as resignation or defeat… It is the ability to walk towards problems with courage and the will to solve them. Then you will soon discover that

“Allah is with those who have patience.” (Al-Baqarah 153)

Patience is a power for the Muslim as it increases the resistance towards the difficulties of life. It is a potent source of energy; it is the essential condition of victory and success; an armor that protects, in every way, the glory and honor of the one who possesses it.

Allah enjoins us to be patient because despite all the provocations and temptations,  it is a means of rejecting an invitation to sin. It is bringing wretched passions to decency, it is bravery in the face of hardship in war, and it is satisfaction without measure.

Patience is embracing moral virtues even when there is the possibility to do the opposite. It is to cease being merely human and to begin to use human initiative to go higher and above the ordinary.
“Call for help (from Allah) with patience and prayer” (Q2:153).