Patience forms part of faith (Iman). One of the indications of a Muslim belief in Allah SWT is how they can maintain their patience in the light of crisis or difficulties. One can only show patience in relation with his sincerity and closeness to Allah.
In the Qur’an, Allah says,”…those who are steadfast in seeking the face of their Lord… (Ar-Ra`d 13:22).
When faced with difficulties, we turn to Allah SWT without feeling of distress or uncertainty harbouring in our hearts.
The Prophet mentioned,” Wondrous are the believer’s affairs. For him there is good in all his affairs, and this is so only for the believer. When something pleasing happens to him, he is grateful, and that is good for him; and when something displeasing happens to him, he is patient, and that is good for him” (Muslim).
The capability of being patient does not only apply to during period of stress or difficulties, it even means during time of calm.
In relation to this, Allah SWT has said,” You who believe, be steadfast; be supreme in steadfastness… (Aal `Imran 3:200).
One should show patient and good manners enjoined by the religion steadily if one can take effort to uphold it. Only a believer can exhibit such character.
As the Prophet Muhammad says they know that patience is a gift for them from Allah that: “No-one can be given a better and more abundant gift than patience” (Bukhari and Muslim).
Patience seep into our entire lives and embedded itself in all of our acts and behaviours. We should exude humility and adopt patience when fighting for Allah’s cause.
The Qur’an further says: “A good action and a bad action are not the same. Requite the bad with something better and, if there is enmity between you and someone else, he will become like a bosom friend. None will attain this attribute save those who are truly steadfast. None will attain it save those who have great good fortune. (Fussilat 41:34-35).
In order to make a good living in this world, we work most of our lives to seek Allah’s blessings as well as thrive for a better livelihood. We deal with people on a daily basis regardless at home or at the office.
Sometimes we have conflict with our colleagues or in our work. It is important to adopt patience in such situations. Getting all riled up by showing anger and throwing tantrums can only make matters worse. There are times when we experience injustice that has been inflicted upon us, it is very important to maintain calm and try as best to solve the problems as peaceful as possible.
In response to situations that are against us, we should act in the best manner as possible. It is normal to be frustrated and angry when we feel situations are not steering our way but if we are steadfast in showing moral perfection to others, we will be surprised one day when things unexpectedly turn out to be normal without us having to show our negative emotions.
An individual can be very generous, self-sacrificing and very humble at certain times of his life. Or, he may remain strong in the face of hardships. However, if we fail to show these positive traits under adverse conditions, it may invalidate our preceding efforts in conducting ourselves.
Allah also says that being consistent in displaying good values that have become an integral part of one’s character are worthy in Allah’s sight:… But, in Allah’s sight, right actions which are lasting bring a better reward and are a better basis for hope of salvation.] (Al-Kahf 18:46)
