Political Patience and Its Functions in Islamic Ethical Governance

The main objective of this research is to examine and analyze the role and functions
of political patience as a fundamental moral virtue within the framework of ethical governance from an Islamic perspective. Political patience, based on principles of moderation and wisdom, serves as a key indicator in the exercise of power and political interactions, clearly emphasizing the necessity of maintaining broad-mindedness, tolerance, endurance of opposing views and positions, self-restraint, and avoidance of rancor. This moral virtue ensures that in political action, the freedom, presence, and role of others are recognized, and political interactions are shaped within the context of ethics, justice, and prudence, ultimately leading to the strengthening of ideal governance and social cohesion. The main question of this research is the examination of the functions of political patience in ethical governance from an Islamic perspective. The question is how political patience, with its inherent characteristics such as broad-mindedness, tolerance of opposition, and self-restraint, can play a foundational and central role in ethical governance within an Islamic system. Additionally, what broad impacts will it have on improving the quality of power relations and interactions between the government, civil institutions, and citizens? Furthermore, this research seeks to provide practical solutions and effective mechanisms for institutionalizing this moral virtue within the pillars of governance and governance processes, so that constructive political dialogue, tolerance of differences, and the management of social conflicts can be more effectively improved, contributing to sustainable political progress. The research method is descriptive-analytical, utilizing Islamic sources, jurisprudential and political texts, with an ijtihad-based approach to carefully examine key concepts such as patience, moderation, wisdom, and tolerance. This method enables an in-depth and comparative analysis of these concepts with the realities
of governance in the Islamic system. The data has been extracted in a descriptive and analytical manner from religious texts and analyzed based on both rational and textual approaches. The result is that political patience, as a moral virtue, lays the groundwork
for strengthening rationality and wisdom at the societal level, enabling individuals and institutions to rise above transient emotions and immediate emotional reactions. This ability leads relationships among citizens with diverse views and orientations toward empathy, logical discussions, and calming interactions, creating a space for greater understanding and more active participation. Furthermore, political patience enhances the standing of the political system in the eyes of the public and strengthens its legitimacy, as the acceptance and respect for diverse viewpoints increases public trust and social cohesion. Additionally, this virtue plays a crucial role in preventing violent, extremist behaviors and emotional reactions, thus preventing social rifts and tensions. Together, these functions make political patience one of the essential pillars for achieving ethical governance and sustainable political development. The final conclusion is that political patience, as a moral virtue, is a fundamental and foundational pillar of ethical governance in the Islamic system, and it is essential that this virtue be institutionalized systematically, structurally, and sustainably within the various branches of government. The formulation of a political patience charter is a key requirement for achieving this goal. This charter would outline binding principles for the tolerant behavior of government institutions, establish transparent and organized processes for political dialogue and negotiation in both normal and crisis situations, set regulatory rules for the patient conduct of political parties, media, and elites, and provide effective enforcement mechanisms to combat extremist, radical, and political violence. Additionally, it would create mechanisms for public oversight to monitor the commitment of governing institutions to this virtue. Such a charter could serve as a suitable foundation for fostering a culture of desirable governance, deepening political rationality, and strengthening an environment of scientific and critical dialogue. It would also regulate the relationships between the government, citizens, and civil institutions in a lawful, logical, and compassionate manner, promoting public trust and widespread participation in political and social processes. Ultimately, the institutionalization of political patience would guide the political system toward dynamism, sustainable progress, and social cohesion. Thus, political patience would not only act as a deterrent against rebellion, violence, and the intolerance of politicians and the powerful, but also serve as a vital foundation for achieving justice, positive interaction, and social empathy in the Islamic community, playing a crucial role in solidifying the foundations of ethical governance and creating a society characterized by welfare, peace, and political stability.