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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Discourses On Patience Chapter 3: Patience in Islamic Codices Faith may be defined as something which consists of ethics, legal rights, and public instructions (learning). The same is the case for any other constructive social school or organisation. We may therefore classify faith into the following: (I) The basis for understanding of man and the world. This is known as world-view.

(II) On the basis of these principles, the overall direction for the movement and human action (ideology). (III) Within these boundaries, guidelines or regulations for relationship of man with Allah, with self, with fellow human beings, and with other creatures. (IV) A series of moral guidelines for maintaining the required necessary momentum or endeavour for achieving perfection or exaltedness, and accomplishing success in various fields of life.

Of course, this vast complex, includes personal matters related to the personal interests of individuals, as well as social matters pertaining to various large groups of humanity, and affairs concerning these groups and the Islamic community (Ummah). Let us see in the above complex of faith, what is the influence and roll played by patience. In other words, a person committed to religion will act as follows: (I) He must believe in religious principles. (II) He must obey the religious regulations.

(III) He must be familiar with the special clauses dealing with ethics. If one fulfils all the above three, in his conduct, one could rightly be called a true believer. We will now examine the role played by patience in the life of a believer in following religion in the true sense. In a geometrical figure which consists of lines and angles, each point, arc and semi-circle creates a special effect.

Let us see what influence and role is played by patience in the geometrical figure representing the faith of a true believer. Let us consider the example of an automobile which is supposed to move someone together with his household belongings to a certain location. After passing through various streets, this automobile finally reaches the desired final destination. What is responsible for moving this automobile? Is it the engine?

What thing is responsible for providing this strength or power to the engine? Of course, it is the petrol. Therefore in the life of a believer, patience may be compared to the engine or the petrol which gives life and strength to that engine.