The Prophetic Method

THE PROPHETIC METHOD loses heart but pursues his goal with unflagging resolution. Courageous people are also called sabar, for they do not bend to pressure; they stand firm and uncompromising, no matter how adverse the circumstances may be. Patience is the loftiest virtue that one who has adopted Islam as a cause can have. When Islam has become a vital part of our life, it imbues us with an undying spirit which enables us “never to lose heart on account of what befalls (us) in the path of God”—never to weaken or cringe abjectly.81 To believe in God is to trust in Him absolutely, and one who trusts in God is the possessor of great strength: nothing can weaken their resolve. Without patience, preachers of God’s word cannot continue their work for long. When they embark on their mission, they find they are alone in the company of strangers. They are restricted by God’s commandments, while others are free to do as they like. Everything they do is geared towards success and salvation in the next world, while all the avenues towards worldly success are open before their adversaries. All their efforts are concentrated on spiritual ends, while the political and economic expertise of others makes them strong in the eyes of men. They maintain strict ethical standards, while others’ actions are free of all restrictions. The preachers of God’s word can easily be affected by such matters. They may even be tempted to follow the madding crowd and give up their task. It may occur to them that if their actions are so ineffectual, they may as well spare themselves the trouble. This is where sabr