Why be patient?

In today's fast-changing world, a world full of rat races, a world full of pressures & datelines, "be patient" is the last advice that we youths would like to hear.

However, I believe that we have to start with being patient. Especially now.

In life, we have to perform our responsibilities and duties, be it religious commitments or worldly obligations. There are also unhealthy things & immoral activities that we have to abstain from.

In life, we may have to interact with people whose actions and attitude makes us uncomfortable. Or worse, they are bothering our lives and affecting us badly.

In life, we may make mistakes and be accountable for it. The mistake can be insignificant or it could be a serious one.

In life, we may have done things perfectly only to suddenly be afflicted with illnesses, diseases, disasters, accidents, or pandemic. I am sure most of us could relate to this as just a few months ago, a virus called Covid-19 took us all by surprise.

I believe that patience is the key to surviving all of the things mentioned.

Meaning of patience

Before going on why be patient, let us be clear on the meaning of patience.

When I say patience, it does not mean just resigning to our condition and do nothing about it.

To be patient with our responsibilities is to keep on striving to perform our obligations, no matter how hard it is.

To be patient with abstaining from our restrictions is to hold on to our principles despite how strong the temptation.

To be patient with people is to treat them kindly & gently, no matter who.

To be patient with our mistakes is to accept its consequences, learn from it, and try again and again.

To be patient with any setbacks in life is to move on and continue to achieve your goal or whatever that you have set out to do.

Patience here is to endure with grit, perseverance, and determination to move forward.

Now that we are clear on the meaning of patience, let me share with you my perspective on why we must be patient.

Why be patient

1) So you stay composed & don't make hasty decisions

In the face of great pressure & stress, patience is crucial to keep you going. It ensures that you did not stop totally. You may slow down or reorganize your thoughts but you will be able to stay composed and keep calm.

In the face of problems & complications, you may not be thinking right. This may lead you to make a decision you will regret. This wrong decision may potentially end your studies, career, relationships, or even your life. Once done, you will regret it. Forever.

You will stay composed & you will never be disgraced.

Sayyidina Uthman Bin Affan mentioned with regards to patience:

Under all circumstances, a person should be patient.

Otherwise, disgrace would be his fate.

2) So you get your immediate tasks done

Being impatient will not complete your tasks. Neither does giving up. Rushing things may even get you into a worse condition than before.

Hence, the only way to settle your things when things seem impossible or doomed is to be patient and keep on moving. Yes, your tasks may not be done perfectly but hey, at least it is done and you don't have to trouble others.

Whatever happens, be patient. At least you don't give up.

There is a Sudanese proverb which said:

Patience is the key which solves all problems.

3) So you achieve success in the long term

Allah mentioned in Surah Al-Mukminun verse 111:

Indeed, I have rewarded them this Day for their endurance/patience- that they are the ones who achieves success.

Patience is the key to success. Yes, it will be a long game. It was proven throughout history that those who are patient will be victorious.

Look at Prophet Yusuf peace be upon Him. From a child, he has been afflicted with trials after trials. He was abandoned by his brothers. He was betrayed by his master's wife. He was sentenced to jail. He was given a huge responsibility to make sure Egypt and its citizen can overcome the upcoming calamity.

Despite facing a lot of hardships, he did not falter and hold on to his principles. He even forgave his brothers who gave him a hard time and is the cause of separation between him and his father. Hence, at last, he became a respected governor of Egypt.

Allah said in Surah Ali-Imran verse 200:

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

4) So you still hold on to your faith and principles

As a Muslim, you have your religious obligations and responsibilities to perform. There are also things which we must abstain from.

Prophet Muhammad peace be upon Him commands you to be kind to all humans, regardless of their race or religion.

Look at the companions of the Prophet. Sayyidina Bilal, Sayyidatina Ummu Salamah. Sayyidina Salman Al-Faarisi, and also many others. They faced a lot of hardships & challenges. But they remained patient and hold on to their faith.

Patience is crucial in upholding your faith and principles. It is stated a lot of times in the Quran, Prophetic Hadith, and sayings of the companions.

Sayyidina Ali Bin Abi Talib said

Verily, patience is to faith as the head is to the body. If the head is cut, the body will perish.

No doubt, there is no faith for one without patience!

Rewards of being patient in Islam

Besides the four logical reasons why we should be patient at all times, Allah & Prophet Muhammad have promised an abundance of rewards for those who are patient.

Allah has mentioned patience and patient people in the Quran more than 70 times. There are even more in the hadith of Prophet Muhammad.

It is enough for me to share with you one verse on the rewards of those who are patient.

In surah Baqarah verse 157, Allah says

Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided.

How to be patient

Now that you already know WHY you must be patient. You must be wondering how to do it.

Only one piece of advice from me.

Practice. Practice. Practice.

If you fail, try again and again.

Also, know that Allah loves those who are patient.

Let me end this with a verse from the Quran in surah Al An'am verse 46

And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart;

and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.