THE IMPORTANCE OF PATIENCE IN ISLAM

When one discovers Truth, one becomes cautious and avoids all distractions. One is able to save oneself from all negative thoughts thereby becoming a positive person. into Paradise who are purified souls. And who are purified souls? Those who are able to convert negativity into positivity. In this world, we experience many negative situations. Every now and then we face provocations. How can one live amidst these negative experiences with positive thinking? How is it possible? There is a verse in the Quran which says that those who believe “forgive when they are angry.” (42: 37). This positive response of forgiveness in the face of provocation is a main source of cultivating a positive personality. Once, a man came to the Prophet and asked him for a master-advice by which he could manage all the affairs of his life. The Prophet replied: “Don’t be angry.” (Sahih al-Bukhari). What does this mean? It means that when one is provoked, one should be able to keep control over anger. If you become angry and react it will become a distraction for you. Patience and avoidance save you from this distraction. Another verse in the Quran says: “Truly, those who persevere patiently will be requited without measure.” (39: 10). People of patience will be awarded unlimited reward. According to the Quran, only sabr has this special quality. It is very important to know that one cannot find entry into Paradise simply by reciting some words like the Islamic creed declaring belief in God and the prophethood of Muhammad or by performing some rituals. All these things are not enough for entry into Paradise. In addition, one has to be a totally positive personality. However, we must know that it requires a continuous process to build a positive personality. It begins from the discovery of Truth. Discovery means awakening. The discovery of Truth creates a storm in the soul. It gives one the art of positive thinking and the art of positively managing challenges. Without this discovery, there is no revolution in the personality. This discovery makes one a truly living person; a positive person. Faith can become stagnant, hence, discovery is important for faith to be a living faith. When one discovers Truth, one becomes cautious and avoids all distractions. One is able to save oneself from all negative thoughts thereby becoming a positive person. The Quran uses the word purified to describe positivity and says that it is the purified soul which will be successful in the Hereafter. In other words it is the purified soul which is deserving of Paradise, a place of unlimited reward. o