THE IMPORTANCE
OF PATIENCE

The Quran describes patience (sabr) as an exceptionally great virtue. It is mentioned as the way of the resolute Prophets (46:35). The highest forms of success are promised to those who observe patience (7:137). Patience is a stepping stone to global leadership (32:24). It is a guaranteed means of protection (12:90). And it is even the quality that makes one deserving of reward without measure (39:10).

According to a hadith, the Prophet of Islam said: “No one has been granted a gift better or more comprehensive than patience.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Hadith No. 1644)

Umar ibn al-Khattab, the Second Caliph of Islam, said: “We found the best part of our lives through patience.” (Al-Zuhd wa al-Raqa’iq by Ibn al-Mubarak, No. 997) While explaining the hadith on patience, Ibn Hajar al-‘Asqalani wrote: “Patience is the comprehensive quality that includes all good character traits.” (Fath al-Bari, Vol. 11, pp. 309-311)

Patience is neither cowardice nor inaction. It is a positive value. Patience is the highest form of mental discipline. It is one of the greatest actions a person can perform. It represents the completion of one’s humanity.

Imagine standing by the roadside, and a group of people pass by shouting provocative slogans against you. You now have two ways to respond. One is to flare up and get into a confrontation—this is the path of impatience. The other is to hear their words but remain calm and composed. You hold your emotions in check and think rationally about what should be done in such a situation. This is the path of patience.

Both impatience and patience are forms of action—neither is inaction. The difference is that an impatient person acts on immediate emotion, regardless of the outcome. In contrast, a patient person reflects, consults, and then decides on a thoughtful course of action.

The way of impatience leads to destruction, while the way of patience leads to success.