Passive patience means enduring difficulties without effective action, while active patience involves effort and resilience against challenges.
Patience, as described in the Quran, is an admirable quality that can be subdivided into two types: active and passive patience. Passive patience is essentially the act of waiting and enduring pain and difficulties without any effective action. In this state, an individual may succumb to challenges and merely wait for changes to occur without playing an active role in effecting those changes. This form of patience can lead to despair and fatigue. On the other hand, active patience encompasses both action and perseverance when faced with challenges. In this context, the individual not only confronts difficulties but also makes defined efforts to progress toward their goals, while leveraging prayer and reliance on God. The Holy Quran emphasizes this concept in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 153, stating: 'O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.' Thus, active patience denotes the endeavor to achieve goals while maintaining faith in God. This form of patience not only aids an individual in remaining steadfast against adversities but also provides motivation to move toward their aspirations. Therefore, active patience can guide one toward success and tranquility in life, as they approach a better future with hope and trust in Allah.
O you who have believed, seek help through patience and prayer. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.
O my son, establish prayer and enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and be patient over what befalls you. Indeed, that is of the matter's [final] resolutions.
So be patient with gracious patience.
Once upon a time, a man named Hossein faced many difficulties. Initially, he felt despair and thought of escaping his pain. However, one day, while talking with his friends about the Quran, he revisited its verses. Realizing the essence of active patience, he discovered he could overcome his challenges through prayer and effort. Hossein decided to trust in God and strive every day to improve his life. Soon he noticed that his life was changing for the better with hope and effort.