Patience is Indispensable

Patience is Indispensable

Man is overwhelmed by various responsibilities: an injunction to which he must be obedient, a restriction which he must avoid, fate which overtakes him by surprise, and bliss to whose Benefactor he must give thanks. As these states are constantly surrounding him, persevering with patience is of paramount importance.

Whatever man experiences in the life of this world comes under two categories. The first is in harmony with his desires and inclinations, while the second is not. Patience is required in both cases.

The first type is concerned with things like health, influence, property, as well as all kinds of permitted pleasures.
In this respect, man is constantly in need of patience in various ways:

First: Man should never rely on worldly comforts nor should they deceive him. Neither should they entice any noble heart to behave arrogantly.

Second: Man should never engage all his time and effort to achieve them, or even to enquire about them. Otherwise, the results will be at odds with his initial desire. Thus excessive eating, drinking and sex lead to utter deprivation.

Third: Man should be constant in rendering Allah’s due therein. He must not forfeit it; otherwise the comforts he seeks will be taken away from him.

Fourth: Only the truthful receives prosperity with patience, so let man be patient in disposing of them so as to keep away from what is forbidden. He should rather curb his soul from doing as he pleases, for it could draw him into the unlawful. Even the soul that is well-armored could be led to shameful behaviour.