The Importance of Patience and Tolerance in Everyday Life

The Importance of Patience and Tolerance in Everyday Life 

Quran Says=Divine Command: 

1. By Al-'Asr (the time). 
2. Verily, man is in a loss, 
3. Except those who believe (in Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds, and recommend one another to the truth [i.e. order one another to perform all kinds of good deeds (Al-Ma'ruf) which Allah has ordained, and abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds (Al-Munkar)which Allah has forbidden], and recommend one another to patience (for the sufferings, harms, and injuries which one may encounter in Allah's Cause during preaching His religion Islamic Monotheism r Jihad)". 

[Quran Chapter 103: 1-3, (The Time) Surah Al-Asr]. 

Upon reflecting on these verses, it becomes clear that faith naturally leads to righteous actions. The result of righteous actions is that they immediately extend beyond individual life into collective society—this is known as the exhortation to truth. The immediate consequence of this exhortation is that one must endure hardships and trials in opposition to falsehood. If patience is lost during this struggle, all efforts go to waste. That is why the final condition for success is that believers encourage one another to practice patience, perseverance, and self-restraint. 

This principle is not only evident in the blessed life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) but also shines through the lives of all the prophets (peace be upon them). As soon as they invited people to the truth—calling them away from polytheism, oppression, selfishness, and hatred, and guiding them toward monotheism, justice, selflessness, and love—they were met with immense hardships. Their lives, particularly in the early years, were spent enduring trials with great patience and perseverance. The same was true for their companions, who, alongside their prophets, had to endure severe difficulties with unwavering patience and resilience. 

The thirteen years of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life in Makkah were a period of intense training in patience and endurance for his companions. They bore all kinds of persecution—verbal abuse, mockery, propaganda, physical attacks, social boycotts, and even threats to their lives—all out of love for Allah. 

History has always shown that when the thirteen-year training of patience and endurance is completed, then, without vast and apparent worldly means, the lands of Arabia and Persia are handed over to the oppressed and the downtrodden. Why would this not happen when Allah Himself has promised it in the Qur'an? 

Allah Almighty's command states: 

"O believers! Seek comfort in patience and prayer. Allah is truly with those who are patient.." (Al-Baqarah: 2:153). 

From this, we understand that Allah has promised His companionship to those who remain patient and steadfast. Now, if Allah is with someone, what other assistance do they need? What greater success could there be? 

Just consider: if an influential person from our neighborhood were to place their hand on our shoulder and say, 'Brother, I am with you, do not worry,' how would we feel? We would be overjoyed and start considering ourselves successful. Here, Allah Himself is making this promise—if you endure with patience and perseverance, then I am with you. 

An Important Hadith on Patience 

A significant incident is narrated in the Hadith: 

Once, in the presence of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), a man began speaking rudely to Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA). The first and second time, Abu Bakr (RA) remained silent, not responding to the man's insults. However, the third time, Abu Bakr (RA) decided to reply. Upon hearing Abu Bakr’s response, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) expressed displeasure.

First Caliph, Abu Bakr (RA) asked, "O Messenger of Allah, this man was speaking against me, and I remained silent, but you kept smiling. When I responded, you became displeased. Why?" 

The Prophet (PBUH) explained: 

"O Abu Bakr, when you remained silent in response to his insults, Allah’s angels were replying on your behalf, and you were under Allah’s special companionship. Seeing this, I was pleased. But the moment you decided to reply, you took the matter into your own hands instead of leaving it to Allah. As a result, the angels departed, and you lost Allah’s companionship. This is what I did not like." (Musnad Ahmad). 

The Prophet’s (PBUH) Supreme Example of Patience 

The life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) serves as the greatest beacon of patience and perseverance. He was the embodiment of endurance, tolerance, and forgiveness. When he was wounded in the Taif incident and the Battle of Uhud, he prayed for his persecutors with immense love, saying: 

"O Allah, grant them guidance, for they do not know me." 

This unwavering patience and compassion set the ultimate standard for how believers should face hardships. 

The Prophet’s (PBUH) Exemplary Forgiveness and Patience 

When the murderer of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) own daughter stood before him, humiliated and defeated, he was forgiven. Hind bint Utba, the woman responsible for the assassination of Excellency Hamza (RA), appeared on the occasion of the conquest of Makkah—defeated, under custody, yet still defiant. Despite her past actions, she too was pardoned. 

When Ikrimah, the son of Abu Jahl, a living symbol of his father’s legacy, came forward after being defeated, the Prophet (PBUH) welcomed him so warmly that his shawl slipped from his shoulders as he embraced him. Khalid bin Walid, responsible for the deaths of seventy Companions at the Battle of Uhud, came to accept Islam, and not only was he forgiven, but he was also honored with the title "The Sword of Allah". 

On another occasion, a man tried to assassinate the Prophet (PBUH) while he was sleeping, drawing his sword to strike. However, when he encountered the Prophet’s (PBUH) powerful presence, he trembled, and the sword fell from his hands. Now, with the sword in his possession, the Prophet (PBUH) had full control over the situation. He could have executed the man, yet, demonstrating extraordinary patience and forgiveness, he spared his life. 

The Last Prophet (PBUH) stated: 

The strength of a person is not determined by physical strength, but rather by their ability to control themselves in moments of anger. 

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "The strong man is not the one who wrestles, but the strong man is, in fact, the one who controls himself in a fit of rage". (Al-Bukhari and Muslim). 

Explanation: 

This saying of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ teaches us that real strength is not about being physically strong but about staying in control when we feel angry. It is easy to get mad and react badly, but true courage is staying calm in tough situations. When we manage our emotions, we can make better choices and be more successful in life. This hadith also reminds us to think before we act because our actions can affect others in many ways. We should try to control ourselves so that we stay strong even when facing problems or hardships.

The Example of Imam Hussain (RA) 

When a servant accidentally spilled boiling water on Imam Hussain (RA) while preparing his bath, Imam Hussain (RA) looked at him in anger. The servant, knowing the righteousness of his master, immediately recited the Quranic verse:

(Translation: "The righteous are those who suppress their anger, forgive others, and Allah loves those who do good. Quran Chapter-(3:134)") 

Upon hearing this, Imam Hussain (RA) responded step by step to the verse:

• "I have suppressed my anger."
• "I have forgiven you."
• "And as an act of kindness, I set you free." 

The Story of Habil (Abel) and Qabil (Cain): 

The sons of Prophet Adam (AS), Habil (Abel), and Qabil (Cain), (In Islam, Habil (Abel) and Qabil (Cain) were the first two sons of Adam and Eve. The story of Habil and Qabil is about the first sacrifice and the first murder on Earth. ) also serve as an example of patience and restraint. Out of jealousy, Qabil intended to kill Habil. However, instead of retaliating, Habil chose to endure his fate peacefully, refusing to raise his hand against his own brother, embodying supreme patience and faith. 

The Power of Patience and Tolerance: Practical Examples! 

The Forgiveness of Umar bin Khattab (RA) 

Second Caliph Umar bin Khattab (RA), the great leader of the Islamic empire, was once threatened by a man named Abu Lulu. Some people advised Umar (RA) to take preventive action against him. However, Umar (RA), known for his justice and patience, did not act impulsively, demonstrating yet again the noble Islamic principle of forbearance in the face of provocation. 

These historical examples highlight the essence of Islamic teachings—true strength lies in patience, self-restraint, and forgiveness, rather than in vengeance or aggression. People advised taking disciplinary action. 

Second Caliph Umar (RA) chose to be martyred but did not take any action for his personal safety. Third Caliph Uthman Ghani (RA) remained under siege and blockade for nearly forty days. As part of a well-planned conspiracy, he accepted martyrdom, yet he neither raised his hand against anyone nor allowed others—including the Islamic army and even his personal guards—to fight in his defense. 

This was also the practice of other revered and great Imams (The Leading Person). Regarding them, the Quran states: 

[Translation: 'who avoid major sins and shameful deeds, and forgive when angered;' (Quran Chapter (The Consultation) Ash-Shu'ra-42:37)]. 

Source: Dr, Ghulam Murtaza Malik Lectures: Book!