19: Patience (Sabr) - An Indispensable Virtue (Part 1)
"Whosoever exercises patience and forgiveness is engaging in the highest of commandments"
(Quran 42:23)
Virtue Ethics
Over the past several decades both philosophers and theologians have participated in a revival of interest
in what is generally called "virtue ethics" - ethics that focuses not so much upon what we ought to do, but
upon character, upon the sort of persons we ought to be. Virtue ethics has been at the core of Islamic teachings
from the outset. Besides informing us that every action has an ethical value, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also said:
"Surely in the virtue of good character lies the completion of faith of the Believer"
Sincerity, honesty, gratitude, compassion, forgiveness, patience ... are certainly among the most essential components of virtue ethics.
Patience IS ...
- the capacity and willingness to endure hardship and difficulty with calmness and self-control
- the ability to tolerate inconvenience and delay with composure
- the power to endure wrong or provocation with dignity
- the forbearance to exercise restraint in retaliating, demanding what is due, or voicing disapproval
- the endurance to persevere through trials and tribulations
- the resignation to accept sufferings (such as loss or pain) out of powerlessness or necessity
Patience is NOT ...
- Not merely feeling / emotion - patience is not primarily a feeling of calm, but arises from the will, from self-control.
- Not instantaneous - "O Lord! Grant me patience ... but please hurry." Such a prayer is the antithesis of the request in the prayer. Although we very rightly see patience as one of the fruits of the spirit, we would be wrong to believe that the spirit usually bestows such patience instantaneously. Patience is a growing quality that develops with good character.
- Not just external behavior - Patience is an inner attitude, a commitment to a set of motives and beliefs; it is not just outward behavior but also inner discipline.
- Not passive and indifferent - Sometimes we mistakenly think that the patient person will show a passionless serenity, a bland indifference to the vicissitudes of life. Patience is not passive. Being patient does not imply simply accepting or inviting mistreatment. Patience means wisdom, strength, and the readiness to shoulder responsibilities.
Dimensions of Sabr
In the Qur'an and the statements and example of the Prophets (peace be upon all of them) Sabr denotes
patience, perseverance, strength of will, constancy despite surrounding changes, enduring trials and tribulations,
forbearance, preparedness to sacrifice, being steadfast amid hostilities, determination in the face of opposition and
courage in the face of oppression.
Patience implies the quietness or self-possession of one's own spirit under sufferings, provocations, and problems.
The ability to exercise patience refines character and results in better than anything impatience could offer.
Hadrat 'Umar said:
"An hour of patience contains all the goodness for a Believer."
Loss of Patience
Among the major concerns of contemporary ethicists has been "the loss of patience" in our time. Why is it that what was once an important virtue has dropped from sight, seen either as an anachronism, outdated or as primarily a notion devised by oppressors to contain the restlessness and discontent of the oppressed ?
In an instantaneous world, a world of microwave dinners, instant coffee live global television and worldwide Internet,
we have become accustomed to immediacy and quick results. We have come to regard waiting as accidental in life rather
than occupying a place at the core and center of human life. In the world of "want", the operative word becomes "now"
and we, unwisely, do not believe that there should really be any waiting at all.
St. Augustine rightly said, "Patience is the companion of wisdom."
Patience integral to Faith
Patience is an obligatory virtue and is intimately tied to the practice ofour faith . Allah commands: "O you who believe! Be patient, mutually manifest patience and strengthen yourselves by your mutual bond…" (Qur'an 3:200). The Prophet reportedly said: "Patience is half of Faith"
Our lives are not simply our own, because our very personality is greatly shaped by the words and deeds of others,
and as social beings so much of our actions are responsive. Patience is thus absolutely essential. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)
advised that a Believer who interacts with people and patiently endures the trials and tribulations of social life is
better than one who abstains from social life in which he does not have to exercise such patience. We have to integrate
the virtue of patience into our daily lives. For many of us patience is often a quality more admired than desired.
The philosopher, Jean Jacques Rousseau, reminded us that though patience may seem bitter, it's fruits are sweet.
Allah promises in the Qur'an:
"Glad tidings to those who patiently persevere"
while Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) elaborated on that glad tiding by saying:
"Patience is the key to Paradise."