What good does patience bring?

Patience is not tackled by psychology as a characteristic, but is looked at as an issue of decision making – whether one is hasty or not. The conclusion being that if human beings look at short term and long term benefits, they will be hasty and choose the short term. As mentioned in the Qur’an:

“Man was created in haste.”[1]

It is a part of the nature of the human being to be hasty, but we are still encouraged to be patient. Great stress is laid on patience and some modern research suggests that the CS&V (Character, Strength & Virtue) Program must include patience as one of the key character strengths. Of course, the Qur’an stresses that patience is critical because our lives are filled with tests. Life doesn’t move along a smooth pattern, as there are ups and downs and that is the nature of life.

So what gets you through the ups and downs? The Qur’an says:

“And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.”[2]

Also, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “No one has been given a blessing better and greater than patience.”[3]

So, patience is the key!

References:

[1] Surah Al-Mu’minoon, 23:37

[2] Surah Al- Baqarah, 2:155

[3] Bukhari: Chapter on Zakaat: 1469, Muslim, 1053