Those who are patient in adversity and forgive wrongs are the doers of excellence.
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Those who are patient in adversity and possess the ability to forgive wrongs are truly the epitome of excellence. Patience in adversity demonstrates strength and resilience, allowing individuals to maintain composure and navigate challenges with a steady mindset.
Certainly. The saying of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ you referred to reflects a deeply rooted Islamic value derived from both the Qur’an and the Prophet’s teachings. It encapsulates two moral virtues: patience in adversity and forgiveness of wrongs, both of which are elevated to the status of ihsān (excellence).
Arabic & Source Reference
Though not always quoted in a single hadith, this concept is closely tied to the Qur’anic verse:
“وَلَمَن صَبَرَ وَغَفَرَ إِنَّ ذَٰلِكَ لَمِنْ عَزْمِ الْأُمُورِ”
“And whoever is patient and forgives—indeed, that is of the matters requiring strong resolve.”
(Surah Ash-Shura 42:43)
It is also strongly reflected in the Sunnah (the lived example) of the Prophet ﷺ.
Breakdown of the Saying
1. “Those who are patient in adversity…”
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Patience (ṣabr) in Islam is not passive suffering, but active endurance with faith.
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In adversity, patience means:
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Not complaining about fate.
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Resisting the urge to respond with anger or vengeance.
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Holding firm to moral conduct even when wronged.
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2. “…and forgive wrongs…”
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Forgiveness (‘afw) is more than just not retaliating; it’s letting go of bitterness and resentment.
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It is especially virtuous when one has the power to punish but chooses to forgive instead.
3. “…are the doers of excellence.”
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This is the quality of ihsān (احسان)—a state beyond basic goodness.
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Ihsān means:
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Doing what is beautiful in the eyes of God.
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Acting with grace, even when it’s not required or expected.
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Embodying divine qualities like mercy, patience, and forgiveness.
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Prophetic Example ﷺ
The people of Ta’if:
When the Prophet ﷺ was pelted with stones and rejected, the Angel Jibril offered to crush them between mountains. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“No, I hope that from their descendants will come a people who worship Allah alone.”
(Reported in Sahih al-Bukhari)
That’s not just patience or forgiveness—that is moral excellence.
▪️ The conquest of Makkah:
When the Prophet ﷺ had power over those who once persecuted him, he forgave them saying:
“اذهبوا فأنتم الطلقاء”
“Go, for you are free.”
🔹 Practical Implications Today
Scenario | Action Inspired by Hadith |
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Betrayal by a friend | Remain calm, don’t seek revenge; forgive when ready |
Injustice at work | Stay dignified, explore justice through the right channels, not rage |
Family conflict | Choose healing over punishment |
Loss or illness | Bear hardship with faith, knowing it’s a test and an elevation |
In Summary
To be patient in adversity and to forgive when wronged is not weakness—it is a mark of strength and spiritual elevation.
Those who embody these traits are not merely good—they rise to the level of muhsinīn (those who do beautiful deeds for Allah’s sake).
They reflect Allah’s names: As-Sabūr (The Patient) and Al-Ghafūr (The Forgiving).
Moreover, forgiveness is a remarkable virtue that reflects maturity and compassion. It requires letting go of anger, resentment, and the desire for revenge. By forgiving, individuals liberate themselves from the burden of negativity, promoting healing and fostering positive relationships.
The combination of patience and forgiveness showcases an elevated level of character. It reflects an understanding that life is filled with ups and downs and that harbouring grudges or dwelling on past wrongs only hinders personal growth and well-being.
Those who possess the capacity for patience and forgiveness inspire others through their actions. They create harmonious environments, promote reconciliation, and cultivate a sense of peace within themselves and those around them. They embody the essence of excellence by embodying virtues that uplift humanity and contribute to a more compassionate and empathetic world.