The Roles of the Prophet Mohammad, (PBUH), in the Sphere of Civilization (Part 12)
7. The Great Prophet, (PBUH), and the Strengthening of the Spirit of Patience and Tolerance
Another characteristic mentioned for the growth and prosperity of civilizations is the existence of tolerance. The concept of “patience” is notably emphasized in the Holy Quran, where the word and its derivatives appear more than 100 times. In many verses, the Prophet has been instructed to be patient and forbearing in various matters. For instance, the Holy Quran says:
«فَاصْبِرْ كَمَا صَبَرَ أُوْلُوا الْعَزْمِ مِنَ الرُّسُلِ وَلَا تَسْتَعْجِل لَّهُمْ» Translation: “Be patient as the first prophets were patient, and don’t be in a hurry for them.”
«وَلِرَبِّكَ فَاصْبِرْ» Translation: “Be patient for the sake of your Lord.”
«اصْبِرْ عَلَى مَا يَقُولُونَ» Translation: “Be patient with what the disbelievers say about you (meaning continue your path).”
«فَاصْبِرْ لِحُكْمِ رَبِّكَ وَلَا تَكُن كَصَاحِبِ الْحُوتِ» Translation: “So be patient and wait for the command of your Lord; don’t be in a hurry like the companion of the fish [Yunus, peace be upon him].”
«فَاصْبِرْ إِنَّ وَعْدَاللَّهِ حَقٌّ» Translation: “Be patient; Allah’s promise is true (that is, conquest and victory belong to Muslims)
here are innumerable Quranic verses and prophetic hadiths about this, but here we will only mention the actions of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and how he demonstrated patience in the face of various problems and insults from his enemies.
The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, exhibited exceptional tolerance and patience in managing affairs and guiding people, especially after the death of Abu Talib. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) traveled to different tribes to consolidate Sharia law and establish the Islamic system, most notably during his famous trip to Taif, which is remembered for the hardships he endured.
Undoubtedly, in a society where patience and tolerance are institutionalized, strife is one of the factors that keep society away from civilization; therefore, as patience expands, the society moves closer to civilization.
Examples of the Patience and Forbearance of the Prophet, May Allah Bless Him and Grant Him Peace
At the beginning of his reign in Madinah, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) respected the non-Muslim minorities living in that city, such as the Jews. In fact, he made a pact with them and treated them peacefully as long as they remained steadfast in their covenant.
After the Battle of Uhud, some of the companions of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, asked him to curse the Quraish and the polytheists. He said: “I am not sent to curse; rather, I have been sent to call to truth and mercy. O Allah! Guide my people, for they do not know.”
The Prophet’s patience and tolerance extended to the harassment from the Jews, as long as they did not conspire or take military action against the Muslims.
When the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, migrated to Madinah and settled there with his Muhajirin and Ansar companions, he did not harbor enmity toward the Jews, nor did he show them malice. Instead, he tolerated them greatly and wished for a relationship based on peaceful coexistence and mutual assistance in times of trouble.
The tolerance of the hypocrites, despite their efforts—especially that of their leader, Abdullah bin Ubay—continued throughout the Prophet’s life, even until the year of his death in the 9th Hijrah. It has even been reported that the Prophet prayed over their leader.
The freedom enjoyed by followers of different religions and sects in Madinah, along with their frequent visits to discuss and debate with the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), all demonstrate his remarkable patience.
