The world is still unstable. Once again, global attention is on Pakistan, where a second round of peace talks has begun. What will be the outcome of these discussions between the United States and Iran? Will the deadlock be broken?
Will peace return to the Middle East? Due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, instability has emerged in global trade, and countries of the third world—including Bangladesh—are suffering the most.
These countries are now facing an energy crisis and economic turmoil. On one hand, the summer heatwave is increasing; on the other, power outages are also rising across villages and towns.
Politics is gradually heating up as well. In short, the situation is shaky everywhere. No one knows when this crisis will end. Meanwhile, oil prices have reached their highest level in several years.
This situation has increased fears of global inflation and economic recession. In fact, famine could even follow in the wake of recession. So at this time, do we have any option other than patience and learning to be satisfied with less?
Economists say that even developed countries are struggling to cope with the situation. Consumers and ordinary people are being squeezed like a sandwich. Many countries are in distress.
A deep analysis shows that after the Russia-Ukraine war, the pressure of a U.S.-Israel war against Iran has become unbearable for the world. Of course, compared to those countries that spend sleepless nights fearing missile attacks, we are in a better position. But there is no guarantee how long we will remain safe.
Therefore, if we can remain patient at this moment, we will undoubtedly be able to live a little better. This is not an unfamiliar story—once, a man who had lost one leg blamed the Creator for his suffering; but when he went outside and saw someone who had lost both legs, he consoled himself by saying that at least he was better off than that person.
We must now learn to be patient like that man.
The superpowers are playing games with the world every day. They have made the people of the world hostages. Until this hostage situation ends, it seems there is no alternative to patience.
Along with adopting austerity measures, we must find a sense of inner satisfaction even amid hardship, and remain content and grateful to the Creator. That is why the essence of Islam is: “Innal-laha ma‘as sabirin”—surely Allah is with those who are patient.
Patience has been mentioned in more than ninety places in the Holy Qur’an. Not only that, Allah says:
“O believers! Be patient, compete with one another in patience, strengthen one another through patience, and fear Allah so that you may succeed.” (Surah Al-Imran 200).
This means it is not enough to be patient alone; one must compete with others in practicing patience. Without patience, given the current global situation, there will be no way out except becoming depressed, restless, and mentally unstable.
It should also be noted that along with patience, we must follow discipline as well. The way hoarding is increasing around the fuel crisis and disorder is spreading at filling stations is not desirable for anyone.
No developed country has achieved its status without learning discipline. However, it is also true that all-out efforts must continue to reduce the daily suffering of people. In this regard, the role of public administration is most important. As the saying goes, “Patience bears sweet fruit.” Indeed, the outcome of patience ultimately turns out sweet.
In short, problems, crises, and obstacles will always exist in the world. Human beings can overcome them through discipline, patience, and tolerance.