A Shortcut on Man’s Path to Success
It helps us become steadfast and come out successfully from hardships and difficulties.
There are numerous moral qualities recommended in religious teachings but what makes some of them more distinguished than others is their outcomes and effects.
Patience is one of the highest moral qualities whose positive effects in one’s personal and social life are known to all.
The Holy Quran also emphasizes the significance of patience and fortitude: “(The Angels tell them) Peace be to you, for that you were patient. Best is the Ultimate Abode.” (Verse 24 of Surah Ar-Ra’ad)
Obviously, those who do good and lived a virtuous life go to paradise but according to this verse, the position of patience is such that upon entering paradise, those who had been patient in this world are greeted and congratulated by the angels.
The Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (AS), says patience in relation to other moral qualities is like the head in relation to the rest of the body.
Whether he likes it or not, man is exposed to various difficulties and hardships as soon as he enters this world.
Should one give up in the face of problems and adversities? That would not help at all but would add to the problems. The only way to surmount problems and confront difficulties is remaining patient. Patience is the path to success. Imam Ali (AS) says one who is patient will not miss victory even if it may take time to come.
Patience is of different kinds:
1- Patience in obedience to God: Sometimes it would be difficult to fulfil the responsibilities and obligations that God has commanded. Patience in obedience to God means remaining patient in the face of difficulties on this path, for example in fasting, Jihad, paying Khums, etc.
2- Patience in avoiding sin: This refers to steadfastness in refusing to fall into the trap of sins and it is the highest type of patience.
According to senior cleric Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi, most people will not rebel (against God) in times of poverty and difficulties but when God gives them wealth and health, it would become difficult for them to stay away from sin. Avoiding sins under such conditions is also called patience in having blessings.
3- Patience in times of calamities and tragedies. This type of patience refers to gracefully enduring financial losses or loss of loved ones.
If we carefully study these three types of patience, we will realize that their outcome is success in life. If one remains patient in fulfilling his obligations as ordered by God, he would grow in spirituality day after day and it will also affect his worldly life. If one is patient in avoiding sins, he will not fall behind on the path of salvation and Satan cannot preoccupy his min with trivial issues. And if one remains patient in the face of calamities and tragedies, he will grow mentally and personally.
