Spirit of Islam October 2017

34 Spirit of Islam Issue 58 October 2017 THE IMPORTANCE OF PATIENCE IN ISLAM Highest Virtue P ATIENCE or Sabr is a central Islamic value and teaching. It is repeatedly stressed in the Quran. There are other words with a similar meaning in the Quran—for instance, eraaz , which means avoidance of conflict. These two words, sabr and eraaz , appear in the Quran more than 100 times. This indicates the great importance that the Quran gives to patience and avoidance. There are two aspects of sabr (patience) and eraaz (avoidance). One is related to this worldly life—that is, the pre-death period of our life. The second is related to the world Hereafter, that is, the post-death period of our life. Our worldly life is beset with challenges. The reason being the world we are living in presently is a world where everyone is free. This freedom creates competition and challenges which in turn creates problems constantly. We very well know that we cannot abolish the freedom given to man by God Himself. So, no human being has the power to abolish that situation which leads to competition and challenges. Hence, we are compelled to live in a situation of problems. Given this scenario what do we need to face the challenges successfully? The solution lies in adopting the concept and teaching of sabr . It tells us that we simply have to learn the art of problem management, rather than seeking to eliminate problems, which in any case is impossible. Problems arise because of the differences in nature amongst people. Sabr is only another name for the management of these differences. Sabr is thus the basic condition for success in this world. The Prophet of Islam said: “God’s help is for those who keep patience.” (Musnad Ahmed) Sabr is not a passive attitude. It is not cowardice. The Quran says: “Have patience, then, as had the steadfast Messengers before you.” (46: 35) . Keep patience, just like the prophets. Patience is a culture of prophets; a method of prophets; a way of prophets. It is a very lofty quality. It is Patience is a culture of prophets; a method of prophets; a way of prophets. It is a very lofty quality. It is a culture of a man of mission. All the prophets adopted the culture of patience and avoidance of confrontation.