When the existing system of a society or state collapses, naturally, chaos and anarchy emerge. Regardless of how we judge the old system—good or bad—people become accustomed to it.
Once it collapses, repairing it or creating a new one takes time. This does not happen overnight. In such circumstances, people must not lose hope. Patience and tolerance are essential.
During this period, various individuals will offer opinions and advice, and that is reality. However, under no circumstances should anyone lose patience.
It is not uncommon for instability to arise in a country’s social and state system following a mass uprising or significant political change.
Leaving aside counter-revolutions, instability can arise from various reasons and lead to anarchic conditions. Long-standing oppression, suffering, deprivation, and inequality may result in unrestrained demands and scattered reactions, disrupting city life.
The daily suffering and inconvenience may cause anxiety among people of different professions and classes. Even those who supported the mass uprising may experience disunity, misunderstandings, or conflicts, which others may exploit.
Such situations are unfortunate because they can disrupt the normal activities and daily lives of ordinary people. It may also negatively affect business and trade.
In fact, the chaos that follows a mass uprising is often described as a “textbook case” in political history. After the collapse of an unjust social and administrative system, oppressed people find various occasions to protest and make demands.
Some opportunists become desperate to take advantage of the situation, while others may engage in subversive activities. That is why some describe anarchy as the “stepbrother” of revolution.
There is no alternative but to face such situations with a cool head.
If a mass uprising is a result of an unplanned, spontaneous struggle, it is natural that patching up or rebuilding the system will take considerable time.
Even when mass killings are predicted before certain changes occur, it is possible to overcome these disasters if ordinary people show patience, tolerance, and wisdom.
In developed countries, even a few minutes of power outage can lead to looting and other immoral activities. In some developing countries, however, exceptions are observed.
The credit for this goes to ordinary people, as most in developing countries are peace-loving despite their vulnerabilities and hardships.
Still, it is crucial for society, the state, and leadership to ensure that no additional challenges arise. Public administration must be strengthened and stabilized first and foremost.
Most importantly, all citizens must remain patient. After all, patience ultimately bears sweet fruit. Challenges, crises, and obstacles will always exist in the world.
By relying on their patience and tolerance, people can overcome them. That is why patience is regarded as the key to success. It is also a noble quality in human life. Hazrat Ali (RA) said, "Even if it takes a long time, those who remain patient will never be deprived of victory."
