Forbearance and Patience Most Loved

The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said to al-Ashaj bin Abd Qays (radi Allahu anhu): “You have two qualities that Allah and His Messenger love.” Al-Ashaj (radi Allahu anhu) became overjoyed and said: “What are the two qualities, O Messenger of Allah?” The Prophet (sal Allahu alaihi wa sallam) said: “Forbearance and patience.” [Ahmad]

Before you rush to settle scores with people remind yourself of this hadith.

One of the most striking examples of forbearance and patience is that of the Prophet Yaqub (alaihis salam). Consider how he dealt with his sons knowing they had been involved in foul play with his beloved Yusuf (alaihis salam), their step brother. His love of his son Yusuf (alaihis salam) was such that he did not even like him to go out to play with his step brothers. Yet how many decades did he forbear while his heart bled and his eyes became blind with silent weeping.

Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) tells us the stories of prophets in the Quran so we may model our behaviour on their exalted characters.