Patience Through Suffering

Taheem Abdul-Haliim

Anyone socially conscious can see that society is going through some very trying times. Chaotic leadership, corruption, inflation, making it difficult for people to survive, and the mass shootings that consistently take place all too often. Even acts of nature leave devastating results at any given time. So many life-changing events take place daily that they alter people's lives forever. These events make it easier to appreciate the small things in life more, and they help keep things in proper perspective. 

While incarcerated, we all have the desire to be free in society, and some may even be willing to endure hardships rather than be in prison simply because they may feel more mentally equipped to handle them while free.

Has anyone seriously considered that enduring the hardship of prison can teach us the greatest virtue? The virtue of patience. This does not mean that one should get comfortable with the harsh conditions of prison or lose hope and remain subjected to the inhumane treatment by those responsible for overseeing us. However, our demeanor and decorum in trying times should exemplify patience.

There is a price to pay, and we must bear the consequences of our actions. The hardships we experience in prison are just part of the process, and we must embrace them. I relate to the frustration we all experience while serving time, but shouldn’t time serve us and not the other way around? For example, I’m serving a life sentence, and each day is a challenge in itself, a difficulty that I must make a reality, and over time, developing patience and contentment gets me through each day. The proper perspective should be this: we have our health, a bed to sleep in, clothes, and food to nourish us, even though it isn’t up to proper standards. Think about the families in Gaza or anywhere else around the world where such a basic necessity of life is scarce. We have water to drink and to keep our bodies clean, and a roof over our heads. Contentment should be the mindset we aim to develop. Again, this does not mean that you should enjoy prison rather than accept those circumstances, but let them serve the purpose they should: to foster a deeper appreciation for life. 

You should not let yourself become mentally and emotionally distraught when things don’t go your way or when you can’t have things you want when you want them. This behavior is only a reflection of a lack of emotional intelligence, and I’m sure most of us are incarcerated because of this. When you feel your temperature rising, check yourself. Redirect your energy so that you don’t end up acting belligerent just because something didn’t go your way or certain things aren’t met to your standards. This is counterproductive to change and growth. 

This period of suffering is only what we experience as a result of past choices. We are going to face challenges, disappointments, letdowns, and things are going to be tough, but remember this is just a process, so persevere. Keep in mind there are countless others in the world in far worse circumstances, so develop an appreciation for the small things in life, be thankful for what you have, and not discouraged by what you don’t. 

Patience is the key to refinement, so let your reactions during hardships be a reflection of the change you want to see and who you want to become. There are times when you may have to become a little elevated to get things done, but there is a time for everything, and even then, let your temperament be one of ease. 

The Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) says: “Wealth is not in an abundance of goods, but rather in contentment of the soul”. Hardships in prison are a part of the process, but progress is a process too.