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The concept of patience in Islam

Published

5 months ago

June 13, 2025

The concept of patience in Islam

IN the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.

The Arabic word for patience is “Sabr,” which comes from a root word meaning to stop, detain or refrain. Having patience means having the ability to stop ourselves from despairing, to refrain from complaining and to control ourselves in times of sadness and worry. Moreover, patience enables man to resist temptations to commit sins and transgress the Laws of Allah SWT.

“O you who believe, be patient and call for patience, and bond together and revere Allah that you may succeed.” (Qur’an 3:200)

When a person understands that everything he has is from Allah SWT and belongs to Him and that Allah SWT has a plan for him, the best plan, this causes him to be patient.

The Qur’an teaches us that on the path to perfection, we need to seek help through patience: “O you who believe, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Qur’an 2:153)

Almighty Allah SWT tests people to ascertain who is truthful. Such is Allah’s prevailing tradition among His servants. The true believers put their trust in Allah SWT, seek help through patience, and succeed in the divine test. They are the righteous who shall attain salvation, and Allah will surely admit them to Paradise:

“Do people think that they will be left alone because they say, ‘We believe,’ and will not be tested? We indeed tested those who were before them. And Allah will certainly make (it) known (the truth of) those who are true, and will certainly make (it) known (the falsehood of) those who are liars (although Allah knows all that before putting them to test).” (Qur’an 29:2-3)

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“We will surely test you until We ascertain those of you who wage jihad (strive hard in Allah’s Way) and those who are steadfast, and We shall appraise your record.” (Qur’an 47:31)

On the other hand, Allah SWT speaks about the reward of the patient: “Indeed, the patient will be paid in full their reward without any reckoning.” (Qur’an 39:10)

“No one will be granted such goodness except those who exercise patience and self-restraint, none but persons of the greatest good fortune.” (Qur’an 41:35)

There is a beautiful story in the Qur’an about the patience of Prophet Yusuf (AS). His brothers betrayed him and threw him into a well, but he was patient, and Allah raised him out of that well. He ended up in the house of one of the most powerful people of Egypt, but then Allah tested him again. The wife of the finance minister tried to tempt him, but he was patient and did not pollute himself with evil and shameful deeds. Then Allah tested him again by having him imprisoned, but he endured for the sake of Allah. In the end, after these very hard tests, Almighty Allah raised him to a lofty station, and he became one of the most powerful people in Egypt. This is the reward of patience. He said to his brothers about the key to his success: “Verily, one who is pious and patient [should know] that Allah never deprives the reward of the righteous.” (Qur’an 12:90)

The Qur’an says that those who have faith are not just patient, but more than that—they enjoin others to patience: “Enjoin one another to patience, and enjoin one another to compassion. They are the People of the Right Hand. (They will be the inhabitants of Paradise and the record of their deeds is in their right hand).” (Qur’an 90:17-18)

“O you who believe, be patient and call for patience, and bond together and revere Allah that you may succeed.” (Qur’an 3:200)

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“Indeed man is in loss, except those who have faith and do righteous deeds, and enjoin one another to follow the truth, and enjoin one another to patience.” (Qur’an 103:2-3)

There are three kinds of patience:

Patience in afflictions, patience in obedience and patience to prevent committing sins.

Patience in afflictions

The life of this world was designed by the Creator of the universe as a prelude to a blissful life in the Hereafter. When we face trials, they help us grow and mature into human beings who are able to function effortlessly in this transient world. Almighty Allah says in the Qur’an:

“We will surely test you with a measure of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth, lives, and fruits; and give good news to the patient; those who, when an affliction visits them, say, ‘Indeed we belong to Allah, and to Him do we indeed return.’” (Qur’an 2:155-156)

Whatever condition we find ourselves in, and no matter what we are forced to confront, it is imperative that we open our eyes to the fact that Allah, who is the Most Wise and the Most Just, knows what is good for us. Though we shy away from facing our fears and worries, it may be that we hate a thing that is good for us and desire something that can only lead to ruin and damnation. The Qur’an says: “…and it may be that you dislike a thing that is good for you and that you like a thing that is bad for you. Allah knows, but you do not know.” (Qur’an 2:216)

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We as human beings are fragile creatures. Our tears fall, our hearts break, and the pain is sometimes almost unbearable. Even the prophets, whose connection to Allah was unbreakable, felt their hearts constrict in fear or pain. They too turned their faces to Allah and begged for relief. However, their complaints were surrounded with pure patience and pure acceptance of whatever fate Allah had decreed.

When Prophet Yaqub (AS) despaired of ever seeing his sons Yusuf or Baniyaamin, he turned to Allah and beseeched Him for relief. He said:

“I only complain of my grief and sorrow to Allah, and I know from Allah that which you know not.” (Qur’an 12:86)

Prophet Yaqub (AS) knew there was no point in raging against destiny; he knew that Allah loves and protects those who are patient.

As the Qur’an says, Prophet Ayub (AS) also turned to Allah, begging for His mercy. He was impoverished, stricken with disease, and had lost his family, friends, and livelihood, yet he bore all this with patience and forbearance:

“And (remember) Ayub, when he cried to his Lord, ‘Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy.’ So We answered his call, and We removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost), and the like thereof along with them, as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all who worship Us (Allah).” (Qur’an 21:83-84).

This kind of patience means accepting what is beyond our control. It means, in times of stress and anxiety, surrendering to the will of Allah, which causes a relief beyond measure. This does not mean that we sit back and let life pass by. No! It means that we strive to please Allah in all aspects of our life—in our work and play, in our family life, and in our personal endeavors. The Qur’an says: “…to be firm or patient in pain or suffering, and adversity, and throughout all periods of panic. Such are the people of truth, the God-fearing.” (Qur’an 2:177)

However, when things do not go the way we planned or wanted, even when it seems that fears and worries are pushing us under, we accept what Allah has decreed and continue to strive to please Him.

The concept of patience in Islam

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Atiku will never be Nigeria’s president — Oba of Lagos

Published

4 hours ago

November 9, 2025

Trends Admin

Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty Rilwan Akiolu I

Atiku will never be Nigeria’s president — Oba of Lagos

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has declared that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will never become Nigeria’s president, saying destiny has not aligned in his favour despite decades of political ambition.

Speaking with journalists at his Iga Iduganran Palace as part of activities marking his 22nd coronation anniversary, the monarch described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s rise to power as divinely ordained.

“The future belongs to God. But let me say it plainly: former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will never be President of Nigeria,” Akiolu said.

He insisted that Tinubu’s emergence was not a coincidence but an act of divine will.

“Tinubu’s victory was the will of God. I have known him for many years as a compassionate and visionary leader. After his victory, he showed humility and respect by presenting his certificate to me first,” the monarch noted.

Akiolu commended Tinubu’s leadership qualities and urged Nigerians to support his administration, stressing that unity and patience were essential for national progress.

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“Lagosians and Nigerians should rally behind him to fulfil God’s purpose for the country,” he added.

Atiku’s Long Road to Aso Rock

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has made several attempts to occupy Nigeria’s highest political office since the early 1990s.

1992: Sought the presidency under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) but lost to late M.K.O. Abiola.
2007: Contested on the Action Congress (AC) platform, coming third behind Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
2011: Lost the PDP presidential ticket to Goodluck Jonathan.
2015: Participated in the APC primaries, losing to Muhammadu Buhari.
2019: Became the PDP presidential candidate but lost to Buhari.
2023: Again ran on the PDP ticket, finishing third behind Bola Tinubu (APC) and Peter Obi (Labour Party).

Despite his consistency, Atiku’s dream of becoming Nigeria’s president remains elusive — a situation the Oba of Lagos attributed to divine destiny rather than political failure.

Atiku’s Camp Reacts

Reacting to the monarch’s remarks, Paul Ibe, spokesperson for the Atiku Media Office, dismissed Akiolu’s comment as “an expression of personal opinion with no bearing on Nigeria’s democratic process.”

He said the former Vice President remained committed to the country’s democratic future and would not be distracted by “palace politics or media statements.”

“Only God and the Nigerian people can decide who becomes president. Atiku Abubakar has always believed in democracy, the rule of law, and the will of the electorate — not pronouncements from individuals, however highly placed,” Ibe said.

He added that the PDP leader would continue to advocate for good governance and credible elections in Nigeria.

Atiku will never be Nigeria’s president — Oba of Lagos

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UK warns citizens against travel to Nigeria over rising insecurity

Published

4 hours ago

November 9, 2025

Trends Admin

UK warns citizens against travel to Nigeria over rising insecurity

The United Kingdom has issued a fresh travel advisory warning its citizens against visiting several parts of Nigeria over worsening insecurity, terrorism, and kidnapping threats across the country.

In the updated advisory published on GOV.UK and reviewed by Newstrends on Sunday, the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said insecurity was on the rise in all regions of Nigeria, urging British nationals to remain alert and update their safety plans.

“Insecurity is increasing across Nigeria. Kidnapping, violent crime and intercommunal violence occur throughout all regions,” the advisory read.

High-Risk States Listed

The FCDO advised against all travel to Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Katsina, and Zamfara States, citing a growing threat from Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
It also discouraged non-essential travel to Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, and Taraba States, as well as the outer suburbs of Abuja.

The UK government warned that “violent crime involving firearms has increased and spread from the outer suburbs to more central, wealthier areas” of Abuja, adding that British officials in Nigeria have been advised to restrict movement to within the city’s main metropolitan area.

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Protests and Regional Threats

The advisory cautioned that protests in Abuja could turn violent, urging travellers to monitor local media, avoid demonstrations, and follow instructions from security agencies.

It painted a bleak picture of the North-East, where military operations against insurgents are ongoing in Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe States. Travellers in Maiduguri were warned that if security deteriorates further, “it could be extremely difficult to leave the city.”

In the South-East and South-South, the FCDO advised against travel to “riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States,” citing militant activity, attacks on oil infrastructure, and a high risk of armed robbery and kidnapping.

The advisory also flagged violence involving secessionist groups in the South-East, warning that although foreign nationals are not usually targeted, they could be caught in crossfire during clashes.

Caution in Lagos and South-West

While large-scale terror attacks remain rare, the FCDO noted that violent crimes such as mugging, car-jacking and kidnapping are “common, particularly in larger cities including Lagos.”
It recalled that Islamic State West Africa claimed responsibility for two attacks in 2022 and advised travellers to avoid night movements, especially on the mainland.

The advisory concluded by urging British citizens in Nigeria to stay alert, follow local security guidance, and ensure contingency plans are in place.

“Take advice from your hotel, employer or hosts, and make sure your safety procedures are up to date,” it stated.

Nigeria continues to battle multiple security challenges, including terrorism in the North-East, banditry in the North-West, separatist violence in the South-East, and militancy in the Niger Delta.

UK warns citizens against travel to Nigeria over rising insecurity

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Outrage in Bayelsa as policeman assaults his three children over witchcraft claim

Published

8 hours ago

November 9, 2025

Trends Admin

Musa Mohammed, Bayelsa Police command Public Relations Officer

Outrage in Bayelsa as policeman assaults his three children over witchcraft claim

— Victims rescued by security patrol; rights groups, ministry demand justice

Yenagoa, Bayelsa State — Outrage has trailed a shocking incident in Yenagoa after a police inspector allegedly brutalised his three children, accusing them of being witches.

The officer, identified simply as Inspector John, attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Igbogene Division, reportedly launched the attack over the weekend, leaving his young children severely injured.

Neighbours, alarmed by the children’s screams, alerted operatives of the Doo Akpor Security Patrol Team, who stormed the residence, rescued the victims, and rushed them to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Medical officials confirmed that the children are in stable condition, though traumatised by the ordeal.

Human rights and advocacy groups have condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric and inhumane.” The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Bayelsa Chapter, led by Dr. Bomq Toney Miebai; the National Association of Women Against Gender-Based Violence, headed by Dr. Dise Ogbise Goddy-Harry; and the Do Foundation, chaired by Dianna Iluma, have all vowed to ensure the officer faces prosecution.

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According to the groups, a case of criminal assault and attempted murder has been filed against the inspector at the Akenfa Police Station.

The Ministry of Women Affairs and Gender Development has also stepped in, with its Permanent Secretary visiting both the police station and hospital to gather facts about the incident.

Speaking on the development, Dr. Goddy-Harry said:

“The Commissioner of Police has ordered the arrest of the officer and the transfer of the case to the state headquarters. He has assured us that the investigation will be thorough and justice will be served. These children must not be left to suffer in silence.”

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Muhammed, confirmed the arrest but noted that preliminary details were still being compiled.

Meanwhile, child rights activists have renewed calls for stricter penalties against individuals who brand minors as witches — a practice that has led to severe abuse and deaths in several parts of the country.

“This case highlights a recurring evil — the dangerous superstition of witchcraft accusations against children,” said a member of FIDA. “It’s time society and law enforcement agencies take a firm stand.”

The rescued children remain under medical observation while welfare agencies move to secure their protection.